Food Production Machine Operator Jobs in California

Job Title: Food Production Machine Operator

Job Description

The Food Production Machine Operator plays a key role in the production and packaging of baked goods in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Working on 4x10's shift, this position operates and monitors bakery equipment, ensures all product specifications are met, and supports overall production line efficiency. The role requires strict adherence to safety, GMP, and quality standards while collaborating closely with bakery associates and supervisors to maintain smooth, reliable operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust bakery production and packaging equipment to meet daily output goals.
• Follow all safety, GMP, food safety, and quality policies and procedures at all times.
• Ensure product specifications are consistently met, including weights, labeling, packaging accuracy, speeds, and ingredients.
• Perform routine quality checks on finished products and document results in production logs and batch documentation as required.
• Troubleshoot minor machine issues, perform basic adjustments, and escalate major concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with machine setup, changeovers, calibration, and preventative maintenance procedures as directed.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work areas during and after production runs, following sanitation protocols.
• Support material handling activities, including moving ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods to and from the production line.
• Assist with filling, batching, and blending processes as needed to support continuous production.
• Work effectively on conveyor systems and packaging equipment to ensure smooth product flow and minimize downtime.
• Read and follow SOPs, production orders, and specifications to ensure accurate and efficient operation.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and team members to resolve production challenges and coordinate line support.
• Participate in cross-training to learn multiple machines and production processes and provide flexible support across the bakery.
• Perform routine safety checks on equipment and work areas, proactively promoting a safe work environment.
• Adhere to FIFO practices and proper handling of ingredients and materials to maintain product quality and traceability.
• Contribute to a team-oriented environment by demonstrating reliability, strong work ethic, and collaboration.
• Participate in the interview and onboarding process, including facility walkthroughs, to understand production expectations and environment.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 1 year of production or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience operating machinery in a production environment, ideally within food or beverage manufacturing.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot minor machine issues and perform simple adjustments.
• Ability to read and follow SOPs, production orders, and product specifications accurately.
• Familiarity with GMP, food safety, HACCP, sanitation practices, and quality assurance principles preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with a consistent focus on product quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team-based environment.
• Physical ability to stand for 8–12 hours per shift and to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds consistently.
• Comfort performing repetitive movements such as bending, stooping, and reaching in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to work in varying temperature conditions, including hot, loud, and cooler environments.
• Willingness to adhere strictly to PPE requirements and regulated work practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in food manufacturing, bakery, or beverage production environments.
• Experience in production settings involving chemicals, batching, or blending processes.
• Hands-on experience with mixers, ovens, fillers, conveyor systems, and packaging equipment.
• Understanding of food safety standards such as GMP and HACCP, as well as sanitation protocols.
• Experience with production logs, batch documentation, and maintaining accurate records.
• Basic understanding of preventative maintenance procedures, machine setup, calibration, and changeovers.
• Exposure to high-volume, fast-paced production environments with strict quality standards.
• Experience with material handling, batching, and ingredient preparation in a regulated environment.
• Ability to work in environments requiring PPE and strict compliance with safety and food safety regulations.
• Strong teamwork, communication skills, and reliability in a production setting.
• Willingness to cross-train and learn multiple production processes and equipment.
• Comfort working around strong bakery odors and continuous machine operation.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a competitive benefits package and a stable, long-term opportunity with a strong focus on retention and growth. The organization offers clear pathways to advance into higher-level operator roles through ongoing training and development. Team members enjoy consistent scheduling with available overtime, a team-oriented culture, and a strong emphasis on safety and quality. This role provides hands-on manufacturing experience in a well-established food production environment, supporting professional growth and long-term career development.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced food manufacturing facility producing baked goods such as donuts, pastries, and muffins. The environment features continuous production lines and machine operation, requiring close coordination with team members to meet daily output goals. The production floor can be hot and loud due to ovens and machinery, with strong bakery-related smells present throughout, and some areas may include cooler or refrigerated spaces depending on the process. Employees must follow strict GMP and food safety standards and wear appropriate PPE at all times, including hairnets, gloves, non-slip footwear, and a red hard hat. Cleanliness and sanitation are critical, and team members are expected to maintain an organized, hygienic workspace throughout each shift while working on 4x10s shift hours and performing physically demanding tasks such as standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.