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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in California

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Machine Operator (Wire)

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$19.66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Connect Staffing is hiring a Machine Operator for a wire manufacturing facility in Fontana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $19.66/hr. In this role, you will set up and operate straight ...

Machine Operator (Wire)

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$19.66/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Connect Staffing is hiring a Machine Operator for a wire manufacturing facility in Fontana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $19.66/hr. In this role, you will set up and operate straight ...

Machine Operator

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.24 - $37/hr

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Machine Operator

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.24 - $37/hr

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Machine Operator

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.54 - $37/hr

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Machine Operator

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.24 - $37/hr

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Machine Operator

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.24 - $37/hr

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Machine Operator

Valencia, CA · On-site

$21.24 - $37/hr

Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is ...

Filler Machine Operator Location: Bakersfield, CA Employment Type: Full-Time, Temp-to-Hire Pay Rate ... Food manufacturing or bottling experience preferred. * Good communication skills and ability to ...

Machine Operator Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operator Assistant * Assist in the setup of corrugated manufacturing machines under the guidance of the machine operator. * Ensure that materials and tools required for machine setup are ...

Machine Operator Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operator Assistant * Assist in the setup of corrugated manufacturing machines under the guidance of the machine operator. * Ensure that materials and tools required for machine setup are ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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.

Is food manufacturing a good career?

Food manufacturing machine operators play a key role in producing food products, often working in manufacturing plants with shifts that may include nights and weekends. The job can offer stable employment, opportunities for skill development, and advancement into supervisory roles, but it also involves physical work and adherence to safety standards. Overall, it can be a reliable career for those interested in manufacturing and food production.

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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$21.24 - $37/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Triumph Group rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Responsibilities

This is a 2nd shift position

We are seeking dependable and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our 2nd shift production team.  In this role you will operate, monitor, and maintain manufacturing equipment used in the production of precision aerospace components while ensuring compliance with quality, safety and production standards. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Operator, load, set-up and monitor automated manufacturing equipment and CNC machines used to produce precision aerospace components
Perform machine setups, verify tooling, and ensure equipment is operating according to work instructions and production requirements. 
Conduct in-process and final quality inspections using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection tools to verify dimensional accuracy and tolerance compliance. 
Monitor machine performance throughout production runs, making routine adjustments to maintain quality, improve efficiency, and resolve minor process or equipment issues. 
Perform basic machine maintenance and preventative upkeep, reporting equipment concerns as needed. 
Accurately complete production and quality documentation.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall shop organization. 
Follow all company safety procedures, quality standards, and aerospace manufacturing requirements. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience                               
High school diploma or GED required.

Machine Operator 1
•    0-2 years of manufacturing, machine operations, or production experience preferred. 
•    Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn machine operation, quality standards, and aerospace manufacturing processes. 
•    Ability to read and follow work instructions and safely operator production equipment. 
Machine Operator 2
•    2-4 years of experience operating CNC machines, automated equipment, or similar manufacturing machinery. 
•    Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges. 
•    Ability to interpret blueprints, work instructions, and quality specifications. 
Machine Operator 3
•    4+ years of experience operating and setting up CNC or automated manufacturing equipment, preferably in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment. 
•    Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot machine and process issues, optimizing production efficiency, and maintain quality standards. 
•    Advanced proficiency with prevision measuring equipment and blueprint interpretation

Core Competencies:
Ability to read and follow work instructions, procedures, and technical documentation.
Basic math skills and ability to perform measurements and calculations. 
Experience using or willingness to learn prevision measuring instruments, including calipers, micrometers, and gauges. 
Problem solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve routine production issues. 
Dependability, accountability and teamwork skills.
Ability to adapt to changing production priority and work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 
Commitment to continuous improvement, workplace organization (6S) and maintaining clean work area. 

Hourly rate: $21.24 - $37.00 plus 2nd shift differential of $2.50


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