ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in California

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

$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.

Thrive Foods

Operator - Production

Corona, CA · On-site

$25.75/hr

Operate, perform maintenance, and adjust automated and semi-automated food packaging equipment including: operating, cleaning, adjusting and maintaining processing/packaging machinery as needed to ...

OFI

Machine Operator (Graveyard)

Livingston, CA

$24.70/hr

Understand and follow all Food Safety & Sanitation rules * Packaging Machine Operators work with every product produced, which means you should consider the potential allergens we work with: Edible ...

Altium Packaging LLC

Machine Operator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Monitor supply levels of packaging materials and replenish as needed. * Pick up dropped bottles, place into bins and if needed into grinder. * Ensure correct labeling, bottle description and ...

Adecco

Machine Operators

Huntington Beach, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Temp-to-Hire Overview Adecco is currently assisting a local client recruiting for an Extrusion Packaging / Machine Operator . This position involves operating extrusion equipment, performing machine ...

Altium Packaging LLC

Machine Operator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Monitor supply levels of packaging materials and replenish as needed. * Pick up dropped bottles, place into bins and if needed into grinder. * Ensure correct labeling, bottle description and ...

Adecco

Machine Operators

Huntington Beach, CA

$21 - $23/hr

Temp-to-Hire Overview Adecco is currently assisting a local client recruiting for an Extrusion Packaging / Machine Operator . This position involves operating extrusion equipment, performing machine ...

Altium Packaging LLC

Machine Operator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Monitor supply levels of packaging materials and replenish as needed. * Pick up dropped bottles, place into bins and if needed into grinder. * Ensure correct labeling, bottle description and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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

Food Packaging Machine Operator information

What is a machine operator's job salary?

A food packaging machine operator typically earns an average hourly wage ranging from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and employer. Annual salaries generally range from $25,000 to $40,000, with opportunities for overtime and skill development in a manufacturing environment.

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.

How to become a packaging operator?

To become a food packaging machine operator, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with packaging machinery, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important. Some employers may prefer candidates with prior experience or certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

Is being a packaging operator hard?

Being a food packaging machine operator involves operating and maintaining packaging equipment, which requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and may involve repetitive tasks, but it generally does not require advanced technical skills or extensive training. Workers often need to follow specific procedures and may work in shifts, depending on the employer.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often found in specialized industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, or electronics manufacturing, where operators may require advanced technical skills and certifications. These roles typically offer higher wages due to the complexity of equipment and safety requirements, with some positions paying over $25 per hour or more depending on experience and location.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Elite Staffing

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$19/hr

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Machine Operator Thermoforming experience preferred!! The Machine Operator Associates main function is to efficiently operate thermoforming-fabricating machinery to form food packaging products within specifications. Responsibilities: Operate Thermoformer and packaging equipment at a rate that equals or exceeds quality and production standards Troubleshoot routine process problems, and assist with tooling and product changeovers Previous experience preferred Maintain adequate supplies for all line equipment to ensure continual operation Follow all Standard Operating Procedures, Safety Standards and Safe Work Practices Maintain work area in an organized, safe and clean manner Communicate all pertinent information at shift change Know locations of/operate emergency stop buttons and fire extinguishers in your area Fully train new Operator Associates to effective performance levels, using training checklists Provide relief to other members of team as necessary Able to perform Packaging Associates functions Complete required quality checks and production reports in an efficient and timely manner Other job duties as assigned by Team Leader/Supervisor Requirements (Qualifications) Grade 10 or equivalent education; up to and including 3 months of related training or experience Must be knowledgeable in operation of thermoforming equipment Thermoforming experience preferred Must have no step 2 disciplinary action within the last year Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Background/Drug Test/Everify 18.00- $19.00/hr DOE 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:30 AM Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 Please send resumes to cindym@elitestaffinginc.com and lbostic@elitelsi.com and AMARQUEZ@elitestaffinginc.com and JAlves@elitestaffinginc.com and kflores@elitestaffinginc.com All employees of Elite Staffing must be 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States. Elite Staffing, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Our policy of equal employment opportunity is to recruit, hire, train and promote persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, handicap or any other protected status. Our hiring process may include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in recruiting candidates. AI may be used to collect information and grade, rank, or score your answers.

All employment decisions are made by human reviewers. By submitting your application, you authorize Elite Staffing, Inc. to contact you using the contact information you have provided for employment-related activities via any method, including SMS, email, and phone calls, including through the use of automated technology, AI generative voice, and pre-recorded and/or artificial voice messages.

For accommodations or to opt out of AI-assisted communication, you may unsubscribe from any SMS message and/or inform the AI technology of your request to opt out of AI-assisted communications. All personal information provided will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy found on our website. All employees of Elite Staffing must be 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States.

Elite Staffing, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our policy of equal employment opportunity is to recruit, hire, train and promote persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, handicap or any other protected status.CB3

Apply