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Foundation Drill Rig Operator Jobs in California

Sesame

Hardware Test Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $260K/yr

You'll design and own an automated test rig, a rack of devices wired into our CI/CD pipeline that ... Comfort operating in an early-stage, prototype hardware environment with limited units and evolving ...

Nextpower

Assembler

Folsom, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

... and product operating requirements * Use grinding machines, drill press and power drill as ... Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy ...

Nextracker

Assembler

Folsom, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

... and product operating requirements * Use grinding machines, drill press and power drill as ... Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy ...

Chevron

2026-2027 Wells Engineer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

Drill Site Representatives for on-site drilling operations including exploratory wells and ... provides a solid foundation of knowledge and experience, that enables participants to quickly ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Chico, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

San Jose, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Pomona, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Stockton, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

U.S. Navy

ENGINEERING AIDE

Fresno, CA · On-site

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

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All JobsFoundation Drill Rig Operator JobsFoundation Drill Rig Operator Jobs in California

Foundation Drill Rig Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$50

How much do foundation drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundation drill rig operator in California is $27.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation drill rig operator?

Foundation Drill Rig Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy drilling equipment to create holes or shafts in the ground for building foundations, such as those used in bridges, skyscrapers, and other large structures. Their work involves reading blueprints, setting up and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring drill operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on construction sites. These operators play a crucial role in the early stages of construction projects, as the stability and safety of the entire structure often depend on the quality of the drilled foundations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundation drill rig operator?

To thrive as a Foundation Drill Rig Operator, you need hands-on experience with heavy equipment, knowledge of soil and drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drill rig controls, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or NCCCO are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help operators manage site challenges and communicate effectively with crew members. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations that are critical for successful foundation construction.

What are some common challenges faced by foundation drill rig operators on construction sites?

Foundation Drill Rig Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or uneven spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Adaptability is crucial, as unexpected obstacles like underground utilities or adverse weather can impact drilling progress. Operators regularly collaborate with site supervisors, engineers, and other trades to ensure that drilling meets project specifications and timelines while maintaining a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Foundation Drill Rig Operator vs Pile Driver?

AspectFoundation Drill Rig OperatorPile Driver
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, drilling locationsConstruction sites, pile driving areas
Job DutiesOperate drilling machinery for foundation installationDrive piles into the ground to support structures

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working on construction sites. The Foundation Drill Rig Operator specializes in operating drilling equipment for foundation work, while the Pile Driver focuses on driving piles into the ground. Although their tasks differ, they share similar skills and work environments, often overlapping in construction projects.

What are popular job titles related to Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California?

For Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings:

Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,158 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Durin Mining Technologies Corp.

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$125K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Job description

Durin was founded under the belief that raw materials should not be a constraint on civilization's progress. We are actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of becoming the foundation of the global supply chain.
WHO WE ARE
Durin builds and operates automated drill rigs to accelerate mineral discovery.
Our modern way of life, from smartphones to skyscrapers, starts as ore in the ground. But mines don't simply appear. In fact, the exploration process required to find valuable ore is incredibly long and expensive. This is done by drilling hundreds of surgical holes into the earth to recover cylindrical core samples.
Mining is a trillion-dollar industry, but the drills used to explore haven't changed in nearly 100 years. Mines are becoming harder to find, which is a danger to the future of civilization. Our mission is to change that. The first step is mass production of automated drilling rigs to find more mines, faster. That is just the beginning. Learn More
BUILDING THE RIG
As a Mechanical Engineer at Durin, you will design and build the world's most advanced drill rigs, redefining mineral exploration as we know it, and uncovering critical subsurface data in hours or days instead of weeks or months. You will have full hardware ownership, taking your projects from initial design requirements and concepts all the way through design, analysis, prototype, qualification, and integration.
Note: You don't need mining or drilling experience to excel in this role.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
    • Own the development of next-generation drilling rigs from structure and mechanism design to advanced manufacturing.
    • Develop design concepts from a clean sheet with a first principles, physics-based approach.
    • Perform simulations, stress analysis, hand calculations, and FEA to ensure the durability and performance of components in unbelievably harsh operational conditions.
    • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure hardware integrates with Durin's electrical, control, and software systems to support necessary mission objectives.
    • Be responsible for project delivery timeline from early design through production, rollout, and global operation.
    • Exemplify technical excellence and be accountable for your work.
    • Optimize mechanical systems for performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability.
    • Conduct field visits to understand operational challenges and implement improvements in real-world environments.
    • Source, retain, and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective.

WHO YOU ARE
    • Experience designing, analyzing, building, and testing high-performance mechanical systems, preferably heavy machinery and/or autonomous systems.
    • Proficiency in CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
    • Proficiency with FEA tools for stress analysis and simulation (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus).
    • Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, drive mechanisms, and structural design.
    • Analytical/scientific programming experience (i.e., Python, Matlab, Excel).
    • Knowledge of manufacturing processes, tolerances, and selecting materials for mechanical components.
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative environment to rapidly prototype and manufacture new products.
    • Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
    • Have a bias to action, take pride in your work, and care more about getting to the right solution than being right.

COMPENSATION
This role will pay $125,000 - $140,000, plus equity, so you have a real stake in Durin's success. Everyone is an owner, so as the company grows, your equity grows too.
Aside from base compensation, we invest heavily in our team. You'll have the freedom and resources to try new things and iterate quickly. We're a high-growth company without middle management, which means fast decision making and the ability for you to own major initiatives from day one.
We also offer 100% healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision), all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are paid for when you're at headquarters, and we can help you find housing nearby.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must be willing to work from our headquarters in El Segundo
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Apply