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Food Packaging 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 ...

We Pack It All

2nd shift Packaging Machine Operator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Packaging Machine Operator Position Overview: The purpose of the position is to produce stick packs with customer supplied components to customer specifications and WePackItAll quality standards.

Jelly Belly

Packaging Machine Operator 2nd shift

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$32.41 - $33.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Packaging Operator, you play a critical role in delivering high-quality candy to our customers ... food safety standards. Your leadership on the line, attention to detail, and commitment to ...

Jelly Belly

Packaging Machine Operator 2nd shift

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$32.41 - $33.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Packaging Operator, you play a critical role in delivering high-quality candy to our customers ... food safety standards. Your leadership on the line, attention to detail, and commitment to ...

TriCom Quest

Be Seen First

Machine Operator at Yakult USA - 1st / 2nd / 3rd shift

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

For Bottling section, 1 year + of related machine operator experience such as Filling Machine / Packaging Machine in a food industry factory required. * Basic knowledge of food technology/science ...

Fresh Express

Machine Operator - Night Shift

Salinas, CA · On-site

$23.02/hr

The Machine Operator should be able to independently operate identified/assigned packaging machines ... Completes all required safety, Food safety, production, maintenance, etc. documentation as required.

Fresh Express

Machine Operator III - Night Shift

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

The Machine Operator should be able to independently operate identified/assigned packaging machines ... Completes all required safety, Food safety, production, maintenance, etc. documentation as required.

Premier Packaging

Machine Operator Assistant

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Premier Packaging is a fast-growing, forward-thinking provider for all packaging needs. From ... Machine Operator Assistant * Sunday-Thursday * 10 pm-6:30 am Expected Hours: Machine Operator ...

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All JobsFood Packaging Machine Operator JobsFood Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in California

Food Packaging Machine Operator information

What is a food packaging machine operator job description?

A food packaging machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining packaging equipment to ensure products are sealed and labeled correctly. They monitor machines for proper functioning, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot issues as needed, often working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Basic mechanical skills and attention to safety protocols are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by food packaging machine operators, and how can they be addressed?

Food Packaging Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining product quality standards, and meeting production deadlines. To address these, operators benefit from a strong understanding of machine troubleshooting and regular maintenance routines. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is essential for resolving issues quickly, and careful attention to detail helps ensure packaging meets safety and quality requirements. Continuous training and staying updated on new packaging technologies can also help operators manage these challenges more effectively.

What is the difference between Food Packaging Machine Operator vs Food Packaging Technician?

AspectFood Packaging Machine OperatorFood Packaging Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, production areas
Job FocusOperating and monitoring packaging machineryMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving packaging processes

The Food Packaging Machine Operator primarily focuses on operating packaging equipment on the production line, ensuring products are packaged efficiently. In contrast, the Food Packaging Technician handles maintenance, troubleshooting, and process improvements to optimize packaging operations. Both roles require knowledge of machinery and safety protocols, but technicians often have more technical training and responsibilities related to equipment upkeep.

What does a food packaging machine operator do?

A Food Packaging Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery that packages food products. Their duties include ensuring machines run efficiently, troubleshooting issues, monitoring product quality, and following safety and hygiene regulations. They may also be involved in cleaning equipment and keeping records of production data. This role is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of packaged food items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food packaging machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Packaging Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packaging equipment, quality control systems, and basic computer interfaces is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to follow safety protocols make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, ensuring operational efficiency, and upholding food safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs in California?

For Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs in California are:

Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Packaging Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Packaging Machine Operator- C Shift (10pm-6am)

Calbee America, Inc.

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$21.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The Packaging Machine Operator (PMO) is responsible for overseeing Packaging Room operations, ensuring production schedules are met while maintaining product quality and efficiency. This role involves operating, troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance on packaging machinery. The PMO also leads and supports food safety programs and collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Operations & Production Support
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on packaging machines, scales, tape machines, and date code machines.

  • Ensure the correct film is loaded for each product based on the production schedule.

  • Maintain machine settings and adjust as needed to ensure production efficiency and product quality.

  • Monitor and regulate all packaging-related materials, following FIFO procedures.

  • Identify and resolve issues that impact production flow, coordinating with cross-functional teams as needed.

  • Maintain accurate records of production and quality checks.

Quality & Food Safety
  • Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring to prevent allergen cross-contamination in the packaging area.

  • Conduct routine quality control (QC) checks (e.g., bag seal, weight, date code, and appearance).

  • Collaborate with Quality Control (QC), Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to address any issues affecting product integrity.

  • Follow all GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and SQF guidelines.

  • Ensure compliance with preventive control measures (PCPs) and critical control points (CCPs).

Leadership & Communication
  • Assist in training and mentoring new packers and operators, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards.

  • Communicate effectively with Shift Managers, Leads, Packers, Stackers, QC, Warehouse, and Maintenance to coordinate production needs.

  • Provide shift changeover updates, including production order status, overflow levels, and machine issues.

  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude while leading and supporting a team-oriented work environment.

Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

  • Wear all required PPE (personal protective equipment), including safety eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to sanitation and housekeeping standards.

  • Identify and report any safety concerns or hazards to management.

  • PMOs must be proficient in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the following packaging equipment:

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours a day).

  • Frequent bending, reaching, pulling, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.

  • Comfortable working in environments that may be hot, cold, dusty, or noisy.

  • Experience operating and troubleshooting high-speed packaging machinery.

  • Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook) are required.

  • Ability to train and lead a team effectively.

  • Forklift certification or ability to obtain one.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English (verbal and written).

  • Ability to document production data accurately and follow best practices in record-keeping.

  • Ability to relay important information at shift changeovers and collaborate with various teams.

  • Prior experience in food packaging or manufacturing preferred.

  • Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards preferred.

  • Experience with preventative maintenance or machine calibration preferred.

#LI-DNI
Calbee North America is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status or any other legally protected status.

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