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Food Packaging Machine Operator Jobs in California

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.

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We are hiring experienced Machine Operators for a full-time, temp-to-hire position with a fast-paced food production facility in Indio. Candidates must have hands-on experience operating production ...

New

Machine Operators

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$21 - $22.50/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Machine Operator

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/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 ...

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 ...

Machine Operator

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/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 ...

Machine Operator

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/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 ...

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

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ABCO Laboratories is a contract manufacture business that works with customers to make and develop a variety of industrial food seasonings. The bagging machine operator works to ensure bulk packaging ...

Be Seen First

ABCO Laboratories is a contract manufacture business that works with customers to make and develop a variety of industrial food seasonings. The bagging machine operator works to ensure bulk packaging ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Packaging Machine Operator information

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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Food Packaging Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Machine Operator III - Night Shift

Fresh Express

Salinas, CA • On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Fresh Express rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Machine Operator should be able to independently operate identified/assigned packaging machines installed at the site.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • Compliance to SOP's, GMPs, Housekeeping, Safety, and all other FE policies.
  • Must inspect settings for codes, dates, leaks, oxygen levels, and seals to ensure proper operation of the assigned equipment.
  • Completes all required safety, Food safety, production, maintenance, etc. documentation as required. These forms which include, but are not limited to packaging machine forms, quality forms, packaging downtime forms, forming tube inspection and Teflon tape related forms.
  • Be able to participate in process improvement projects or new product testing.
  • Report any equipment malfunction to the PMO, floor coordinator or supervisor immediately.
  • Report any unsafe condition immediately.
  • An Operator III is able to independently run, and support assigned designated packaging machines and support equipment.
  • Assists higher level Operators as needed.
  • Executes necessary changeovers in equipment, film, printers, and related ancillary processes while ensuring production expectations are met.
  • Assure that all date coding and bag labeling is correct i.e., packages, boxes, etc.
  • Plan ahead on supplies needed for upcoming products per schedule.
  • Keep work area and equipment clean and free of garbage/debris at all times.
  • Able to assist in different lines or baggers as needed.
  • Works as directed and as a team
  • Supports teammates
  • Contributes to goals
  • Ability to set up multiple machines for startup and during production
  • Must be able and willing to assist in all jobs on line to keep machines running at all times.
  • Works cooperatively with process owners to maintain quality standards
  • Assures quality products are being produced by meeting quality specifications for production on assigned line(s). Uses a variety of means for measurement such as equipment setting confirmation along with probes, tanks, and meters to monitor such things as bag atmospheres, leaker rates, weights, etc.
  • Makes machine adjustments as needed to achieve and maintain expected equipment performance.
  • Employees may be assigned to perform other tasks such as packing, palletizing, trimming, inserting master packs, housekeeping, rework, general labor activities, etc. on a temporary basis.
  • Responsible for actively supporting the other members of the employee's work team including assisting with cross-training, new-hire/buddy assignments, and process support during breaks, meal periods, and other staff coverage as needed.
  • Able to pass both written and hands-on LOTO (Lock-Out Tag-Out) training on a yearly basis and be able to successfully lock out machinery as needed.
  • Can advance to Machine operator II through training and education after 1 year.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

  • Must have basic mechanical troubleshooting skills and know basic math such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, simple formulas, and conversions.
  • Must take a written test to demonstrate proficiency.
  • Must have ability to accurately track downtime and performance indicators.
  • Must be able to successfully speak, read and write English at the level of work instructions, diagrams and related equipment documentation and support materials.
  • Must adhere to GMP's (Good Manufacturing Practices) and PPE's (Personal Protection Equipment).

Must be able to lift 75 pounds (dead lift) continual and box opening for 8 hours a day or more.

  • Must pass a math aptitude test and must pass the required strength physical examination.
  • Must have repetitive hand and eye movement skills.
  • Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift (8 hours or more), perform repetitive motions throughout the shift such as push/pull/lift, twist, stoop, and bend continuously through the shift
  • Be able to climb stairs or step up onto a platform several times throughout the shift.
  • Must be able to work in a noisy, wet, and cold environment of approximately 30-34 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Must be able to work 6 or more consecutive days including overtime, any shift, late nights, weekends, and holidays if necessary

Other Desired Qualifications/Skills:

  • Prior experience in a similar temperature/strenuous work environment preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish

Experience:

Must have previous experience operating related food processing equipment or equivalent.

Must pass the written exam before being assigned to Operator III.

Prior experience in a packing environment


Education/Training:

High School diploma/GED, some Technical School coursework, or Mechanical/Vocational Certification

Other Information:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.


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