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Lead Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DCOR, LLC - BW.

Offshore Operator 3

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$64K - $78K/yr

Estimated annual pay based on an hourly schedule; $64K-$80,850K PURPOSE: Assist Lead Operators and Operator 2's to operate and maintain oil and gas production and processing equipment and facilities ...

Equiliem

Flatbed Die Cut Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

As-Needed Responsibilities: · Fill in as lead operator during vacations, training days, or absences. · Attend mandatory safety and compliance training sessions. · Assist with process improvements ...

Discovery Land Company

$28.85 - $36/hr

Homewood is seeking a Senior Lead Lift Operator to join the Lift & Gondola Operations Department. Job Summary: Senior Lead Lift Operatorsare responsible foroverseeing the day-to-day operation of Lift ...

Discovery Land Company

$28.85 - $36/hr

Homewood is seeking a Senior Lead Gondola Operator to join the Lift & Gondola Operations Department. Job Summary: TheSenior Lead Gondola Operatoris responsible foroverseeing the day-to-day operation ...

Avantor, Inc.

Sr. Operator

Carpinteria, CA · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

The Sr. Operator will work independently and in coordination with the Lead Operator of Manufacturing or the Supervisor. They are responsible for accurately and compliantly manufacturing various ...

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Lead Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in California is $24.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead operator?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead operator?

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

How does a lead operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Operator jobs in California?

For Lead Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Operator jobs in California are:

Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,379 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Lead Operator - Manufacturing

Indotronix International Corporation

Fremont, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and motivate a team of manufacturing operators to achieve daily production targets.

  • Oversee manufacturing and testing processes, ensuring accurate documentation and resolving nonconformance issues.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize work and overcome production barriers.

Job description

Lead Operator - Manufacturing (Contract)
Location: Fremont, CA | Niche Diagnostics Division
About the Role
Join a high-impact manufacturing team as a Lead Operator and help drive production excellence at our Fremont facility. As a hands-on leader, you'll coach and guide a diverse team, ensure compliance with cGMP standards, and play a vital part in building a culture where every operator thrives. This is a dynamic contract role for individuals ready to take ownership, support continuous improvement, and influence the future of diagnostics manufacturing.
Responsibilities
- Lead and motivate a team of manufacturing operators to achieve daily production targets.
- Facilitate daily meetings, track accountability, and communicate updates to supervisors and managers.
- Champion safety, quality, and compliance by consistently modeling best practices.
- Train, coach, and develop operators, providing feedback and supporting their growth.
- Oversee manufacturing and testing processes, ensuring accurate documentation and resolving nonconformance issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize work and overcome production barriers.
- Manage batch record reviews, execute MRP transactions, and maintain cGMP/Quality System documentation.
- Support inventory management and ensure materials are ready for production needs.
- Collect and analyze team and equipment performance data; suggest process improvements.
- Engage in 5S and continuous improvement initiatives across departments.
- Represent the department in meetings and report on key updates to leadership.
- Remain flexible to support overtime, swing shifts, and weekend production as required.
Required Skills and Experience
- 3-4 years' experience in manufacturing, with at least 1 year in a lead, trainer, or coaching role.
- Proven knowledge of cGMP, Quality System Regulations, and ISO standards.
- Hands-on experience with production equipment operation and troubleshooting.
- Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization.
- Meticulous attention to detail in batch records, SOPs, and inventory management.
- Proficiency with MRP systems, electronic documentation, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- High school diploma or equivalent (degree preferred).
- Capable of lifting up to 40 lbs; able to work in cold/freezer environments and around loud equipment.
- Comfortable wearing PPE and handling DEA-controlled substances (Schedules I-V).
Preferred Skills
- College degree in a relevant field.
- Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a regulated environment.
Benefits
- Opportunity to lead and inspire a high-performing team.
- Exposure to cutting-edge diagnostics manufacturing and technologies.
- Career growth through leadership development and cross-functional collaboration.
- Work in a supportive, safety-first environment with clear advancement pathways.
- Competitive hourly pay with overtime opportunities.
How to Apply
Ready to lead and make a difference in diagnostics manufacturing? Submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your leadership and manufacturing experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted promptly to discuss next steps.
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About Indotronix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

In 1986, Indotronix established itself in the staffing space. 22 years later, Avani entered the scene, offering consulting and technology development. Finally, in 2016, the two joined forces to begin delivering talent across all areas, from Staffing to Consulting to unique platform development.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

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