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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in California

Grillos Midwest

1st Shift Machine Operator

Gardena, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Prior experience operating machinery in a manufacturing or food production environment required. * Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new systems and processes. * Ability to stand ...

Olli Salumeria

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Minimum of 2 years' experience in food manufacturing or similar environment, including experience operating machinery. * Experience in RTE meat or similar snacks or similar industry preferred. Pay ...

MagnaFlow

Machine Operator I

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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 ...

MagnaFlow

Machine Operator I

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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 ...

Olli Salumeria

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Minimum of 2 years' experience in food manufacturing or similar environment, including experience operating machinery. * Experience in RTE meat or similar snacks or similar industry preferred. Pay ...

Alcon3Pl

Food Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Hayward, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/wk

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 ...

Alcon3Pl

Food Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Hayward, CA · On-site

$25/hr

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 ...

ODI Manufacturing LLC

Machine Operator

Riverside, CA · 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 ...

J&J Snack Foods

Machine Operator

Vernon, CA · On-site

$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 ...

3ELV8 HR

Be Seen First

Warehouse Worker - 3rd shift

Montebello, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... food manufacturing companies ... If you have experience in warehouse, production, sanitation, manufacturing, machine operation ...

HORSPOOL & ROMINE MFG CO INC

MACHINE OPERATOR

Oakland, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Join HORSPOOL & ROMINE MFG CO INC as a Machine Operator in Oakland, CA, where you will play a crucial role in our manufacturing process. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with ...

MagnaFlow

Machine Operator I - 3rd Shift

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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 ...

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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

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$23

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

As of Sep 12, 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

1st Shift Machine Operator

Gardena, CA • On-site

Grillos Midwest
See more jobs at Grillos Midwestexternal

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Set up, calibrate, operate, and monitor production machinery to ensure efficient and consistent production runs.

  • Conduct in-process quality checks, troubleshoot operational issues, and make necessary machine adjustments.

  • Perform routine cleaning, basic preventive maintenance, and support safety and sanitation policies.

Job description

Description:

Machine Operator, Taylorsville IN
Department: Production FLSA Status: Hourly

Reports To: Production Supervisor
Updated: 10/6/2025

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the 1st Shift Machine Operator plays a vital role in producing, packaging, and preparing Grillo’s high-quality food products in a clean, temperature-controlled facility. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy hands-on, technical work and problem-solving in a fast-paced and stable manufacturing environment. As a Machine Operator, you’ll be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining specific production equipment—such as slicers, fillers, or labeling machines—to ensure efficient and consistent production runs that meet our high standards for quality and safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Set up and calibrate machines before each production run.
  • Operate and monitor assigned machinery to maintain consistent performance and output.
  • Conduct in-process quality checks and make machine adjustments as needed.
  • Troubleshoot jams, mechanical issues, or other operational interruptions.
  • Perform routine cleaning and basic preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
  • Maintain accurate production logs and communicate performance or maintenance issues to supervisors.
  • Follow all safety, food safety, and sanitation policies and procedures.
  • Support daily cleaning and housekeeping efforts, including equipment and floor sanitation.
  • Collaborate with and train team members to achieve production goals and maintain smooth operations.
  • Adhere to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and established safety standards.
  • Maintain an organized, efficient, and safe workspace.
  • Train new associates on all job responsibilities as needed.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall production success.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE)

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Prior experience operating machinery in a manufacturing or food production environment required.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new systems and processes.
  • Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs. frequently and occasionally up to 50 lbs. for extended periods.
  • Dependable and detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and commitment to teamwork.
  • Reliable attendance and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Use hands to handle, feel, reach, and operate equipment.
  • Bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl as necessary.
  • Lift and/or move 10–25 lbs. frequently, and occasionally up to 50 lbs. with assistance or mechanical support.
  • Maintain visual focus and clarity (close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception).

Work Environment

  • Work performed in a food manufacturing facility with exposure to moving machinery.
  • Frequent exposure to wet and refrigerated conditions.
  • Moderate noise levels are typical of a production setting.
  • Personal protective equipment (hairnets, gloves, etc.) is provided and required.
  • Extended periods of standing and repetitive movements may be necessary.

Grillo’s is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Requirements: