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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in California

Grader Machine Operator

Salida, CA ยท On-site

$28.95/hr

Previous experience in food manufacturing * At least 1 year machine operating experience WORK ... ENVIRONMENT This is a standard manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, hazardous ...

Mogul Machine Operator I

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$23.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Mogul Machine Operator I supports large-scale food manufacturing processes involving sophisticated systems and machinery. The Mogul Machine Operator I is an entry level role involved in at least ...

Food Machine Operator - 2nd Shift Lobos Staffing is hiring experienced Food Machine Operators for a ... This is a great opportunity for candidates with previous machine operating or manufacturing ...

New

Machine Operator

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Description: The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining production machinery to ensure efficient and safe manufacturing operations. This position requires ...

Machine Operator

Vernon, CA

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

... the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program, the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and the Good ... To perform this job successfully, the Machine Operator must be self-motivated, able to problem ...

Machine Operator l Schedule : Shift 1: Mon-Thurs, 4:30am-3pm Pay Range: $18-21/hour depending on ... Entry point into precision machining and manufacturing careers * Opportunities for advancement into ...

Shakeout Machine Operator I

Santa Cruz, CA ยท On-site

$21.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Shakeout Machine Operator I supports large-scale food manufacturing processes, specifically involving the preparation of product following production and before packaging. The Shakeout Machine ...

Manufacturing Operator II

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $26.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Tip: Incumbents who operate automatic or semi-automatic machines to perform assembly ... Individuals who are operating large-scale manufacturing machinery to assemble panels and arrays ...

Manufacturing Operator II

Fremont, CA

$25 - $26.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Tip: Incumbents who operate automatic or semi-automatic machines to perform assembly ... Individuals who are operating large-scale manufacturing machinery to assemble panels and arrays ...

Manufacturing Operator I

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Tip: Incumbents who operate automatic or semi-automatic machines to perform assembly ... Individuals who are operating large-scale manufacturing machinery to assemble panels and arrays ...

Manufacturing Operator I

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Tip: Incumbents who operate automatic or semi-automatic machines to perform assembly ... Individuals who are operating large-scale manufacturing machinery to assemble panels and arrays ...

Manufacturing Operator II

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $26.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Tip: Incumbents who operate automatic or semi-automatic machines to perform assembly ... Individuals who are operating large-scale manufacturing machinery to assemble panels and arrays ...

Manufacturing Operator I

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $24.50/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Survey Tip: Incumbents who operate automatic or semi-automatic machines to perform assembly ... Individuals who are operating large-scale manufacturing machinery to assemble panels and arrays ...

Machine Operator I - 2nd Shift

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who are we: Magnaflow is a leading manufacturer and supplier based in Oceanside, CA of premium ... A Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines ...

Machine Operator I - 2nd Shift

Oceanside, CA

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who are we: Magnaflow is a leading manufacturer and supplier based in Oceanside, CA of premium ... A Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines ...

Machine Operator I - 3rd Shift

Oceanside, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who are we: Magnaflow is a leading manufacturer and supplier based in Oceanside, CA of premium ... A Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines ...

Machine Operator

Livermore, CA

$19.25 - $22.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Machine Operator supports the manufacturing of products in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food and beverage operations, ensuring that all output consistently meets quality specifications ...

Showing results 41-60

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 16, 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.

Grader Machine Operator

Blue Diamond Growers

Salida, CA โ€ข On-site

$28.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Work Shift:

Grave

Pay Type:

Hourly

Hourly Rate (if applicable):

$28.95

Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable):

N/A

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Grader Machine Operator operates equipment such as size graders, cableveys, and a wide range of advanced electronic sorting machines in a fast-paced food manufacturing facility. Performs computerized transactions for product traceability and inventory management. Works to clean, size, and grade high quality raw almonds in the safest possible manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Safely and optimally run processing equipment according to established standards to meet production targets and quality requirements.
  • Conduct HACCP checks with a thorough understanding of food safety concepts.
  • Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), understand almond characteristics, and conduct quality checks to ensure the production of high-quality goods.
  • Actively communicate with fellow team members to solve problems and engage in continuous improvement.
  • Understand Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to make critical processing decisions to achieve company and department goals.
  • Complete floor and equipment cleaning, housekeeping, sanitation, and preventative maintenance tasks for sustained operations.
  • Efficiently navigate within computer software applications to perform unit/batch transactions, record data, and monitor key process and production flows.
  • Operate a forklift.

WHAT YOU NEED

*Minimum qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Work overtime; occasionally flex hours
  • Able to lift 50 pounds

*Preferred qualifications

  • Previous experience in food manufacturing
  • At least 1 year machine operating experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a standard manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, hazardous materials, and heavy machinery in varying work and weather conditions. You may be required to occasionally climb stairs and/or ladders.


WHY BLUE DIAMOND?

In addition to working at the world's largest, state-of-the-art almond manufacturer, we offer a safe and collaborative team environment, with numerous opportunities for free training and career advancement. Check out the BDG Benefits, Health & Wellness GuideHERE.

Grow your career. Partner with us. We Are the Almond People!

Ready to get started? Apply now!

Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.