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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in California

Managed Staffing

Machine Operator

Lodi, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Contract Position Overview Seeking a Machine Operator (Rheon - Case Packer/Packaging Equipment) to support food manufacturing operations at the Lodi, CA facility. This role requires hands-on machine ...

TriCom Quest

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Food Production Machine Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20/hr

A growing food manufacturer seeks a Production Machine Operator. Related experience is desirable. This is a temp-hire position. * Location: Irvine, CA * Pay: $20.00 per hour, non-exempt * Work Hours:

Connect Staffing

Machine Operator (Wire)

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$20.66/hr

Connect Staffing is hiring a Machine Operator for a wire manufacturing facility in Fontana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $20.66/hr. In this role, you will set up and operate straight ...

Adecco

Machine Operator

Huntington Beach, CA

$20.25 - $23/hr

Machine Operator jobs require candidates to perform semiskilled work operating a variety of equipment and operations to include packaging of roll material from a winder within a manufacturing ...

Staffmark Group

Machine Operator

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Previous machine operator, manufacturing, production, warehouse, food processing, or pharmaceutical manufacturing experience preferred. * Experience working in an FDA-regulated, food manufacturing ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing Machine Operator JobsFood Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in California

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do food manufacturing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food manufacturing machine operator in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manufacturing machine operator do?

A manufacturing machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery used in food production to ensure efficient and safe operation. They perform routine inspections, make adjustments as needed, and follow safety protocols, often working with tools and quality control measures. This role requires attention to detail and adherence to industry standards to maintain product quality and safety.

What is a food machine operator?

A food machine operator is a worker responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used in food manufacturing processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently, follow safety protocols, and may need to monitor product quality and perform routine maintenance. This role often requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to food safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes HACCP certification is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help operators maintain quality and efficiently address issues. These skills ensure safe, consistent production and help meet strict food industry standards.

What does a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator do?

A Food Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for running and maintaining machinery that processes, packages, or prepares food products in a factory setting. Their tasks include setting up equipment, monitoring production lines, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting minor issues to ensure efficient operation. They must follow strict safety and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure product quality. Operators may also be involved in cleaning machinery and recording production data.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Manufacturing Machine Operators, and how can they be managed?

Food Manufacturing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of the machinery used. Regular training, proactive maintenance, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams help operators minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and following established protocols can also make it easier to handle high production demands and frequent changeovers.

What is the highest paying job in the food industry?

In the food industry, executive roles such as Food Production Managers or Plant Managers tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety regulations.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical manufacturing, where operators may earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements. Senior or lead machine operators with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher salaries, especially when operating complex or high-value equipment. Certifications in equipment safety or process control can further increase earning potential.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing Machine Operator vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Manufacturing Machine OperatorFood Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsProcessing facilities, quality control labs, production areas
Job FocusOperating and monitoring machinery to produce food productsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving processing equipment
Common UsageManufacturing food items like snacks, beverages, canned goodsEnsuring quality, safety, and efficiency in food processing

While both roles work in food production environments, Food Manufacturing Machine Operators primarily focus on operating machinery, whereas Food Processing Technicians handle equipment maintenance and quality control. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in California? For Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in California are:
Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs near you
Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Managed Staffing

Lodi, CA • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Machine Operator


Location: 1831 S Stockton St, Lodi, CA 95240
Pay Rate: $20.80/hour (W-2)
Shift: 1st Shift
Type: Contract

Position Overview

Seeking a Machine Operator (Rheon – Case Packer/Packaging Equipment) to support food manufacturing operations at the Lodi, CA facility. This role requires hands-on machine operation, packaging, and stacking of food products while following strict safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have prior food manufacturing or packaging machine operation experience, be comfortable working in physically demanding environments, and demonstrate strong reliability and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate Rheon v4 case packer, case erectors, case sealers, and related food industry machines.

  • Perform hand-packing and stacking of bagged products.

  • Verify product and packaging integrity; scale and top off bags as needed.

  • Requisition and stage required materials for production.

  • Maintain work area in compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and safety guidelines.

  • Adhere to LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) procedures and all client safety regulations.

  • Demonstrate reliability by consistently arriving on time and ready to work.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Requirements

  • Prior food manufacturing or packaging machine operator experience (preferred: Rheon machine or case packer).

  • LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) Certification required.

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs consistently.