1

Machine Maintenance Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$18.10 - $18.40/hr

Performs routine machine maintenance. * Ensure product specification, HACCP, label verification and other quality measures are in compliance. * Ensure any machine deficiencies, cases per hour, and ...

Machine Operator

Irvine, CA

$18.10 - $18.40/hr

Performs routine machine maintenance. * Ensure product specification, HACCP, label verification and other quality measures are in compliance. * Ensure any machine deficiencies, cases per hour, and ...

Machine Operator / Grinder

Montebello, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Position Overview The Machine Operator - Grinder is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining grinding machinery to produce high-quality parts according to specified measurements and ...

Machine Operator

Irvine, CA

$18.25 - $21.50/hr

Performs routine machine maintenance. * Ensure product specification, HACCP, label verification and other quality measures are in compliance. * Ensure any machine deficiencies, cases per hour, and ...

$24 - $28/hr

General Technician for Plasma Cobalt Machine VPE Thermal, a subsidiary of Vacuum Process ... In addition to commercial products, we maintain a strong culture of internal R&D with exciting ...

Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work * Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems * Inspect or test damaged ...

New

Manual Machine Operator

Montebello, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $30/hr

Perform routine machine maintenance and maintain a clean, organized work area. * Follow all company safety procedures and quality standards. Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent ...

Be Seen First

Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, blade inspections, and minor adjustments. * Complete production paperwork, inspection reports, and production logs accurately.

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Machine Maintenance information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$61

How much do machine maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine maintenance in California is $27.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Machine Maintenance?

Machine maintenance is an umbrella term that covers a diverse selection of subspecialties. Millwrights, for example, work primarily on the installation and assembly of industrial machinery. In any machinery mechanic career, you focus on repairs and maintenance. Other responsibilities may include diagnostics and adherence to both routine and long-term maintenance schedules. You typically specialize in a particular type of product, working under a title like medical equipment service rep or wind turbine technician. Your duties may center on operations or strictly repairs. A machine maintenance position requires high-intensity labor, so physical stamina is crucial.

What are machine maintenance technicians?

Machine maintenance technicians are skilled professionals responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining industrial machinery to ensure smooth operation and minimize downtime. Their duties include diagnosing mechanical issues, performing routine maintenance tasks, replacing parts, and keeping detailed service records. They work in various industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, and food processing, helping organizations keep their equipment running efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Machine Maintenance vs Equipment Technician?

AspectMachine MaintenanceEquipment Technician
CertificationsOften requires technical certifications or vocational trainingSimilar certifications, often with additional specialization
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsManufacturing facilities, industrial environments, repair shops
Job FocusMaintaining, repairing, and servicing machineryInstalling, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, production, and industrial sectorsUsed in manufacturing, industrial, and maintenance sectors

While both roles involve working with industrial equipment, Machine Maintenance primarily focuses on routine upkeep and repairs of machinery, whereas Equipment Technicians often handle installation, troubleshooting, and more complex repairs. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, and they are essential in manufacturing and industrial environments to ensure operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Maintenance Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Maintenance Technician, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance practices, typically supported by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), and diagnostic equipment is common in this role. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help technicians excel when responding to equipment issues and collaborating with teams. These skills ensure machinery runs efficiently, downtime is minimized, and safety standards are consistently met.

What are some common challenges faced in a Machine Maintenance role, and how can they be managed effectively?

One common challenge in Machine Maintenance is troubleshooting unexpected equipment breakdowns under time pressure, which can disrupt production schedules. Technicians often need to quickly diagnose the root cause of malfunctions and implement repairs efficiently to minimize downtime. Staying up to date with the latest maintenance technologies and maintaining thorough documentation can help manage these challenges. Effective communication with operators and other team members is also crucial for identifying recurring issues and planning preventative maintenance.
What are popular job titles related to Machine Maintenance jobs in California? For Machine Maintenance jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machine Maintenance jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Maintenance jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Machine Maintenance jobs? Cities in California with the most Machine Maintenance job openings:
Machine Maintenance Technician, Electrical (Falcon Recovery) - Level 4/5

Machine Maintenance Technician, Electrical (Falcon Recovery) - Level 4/5

SpaceX

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$51 - $61/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MACHINE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN, ELECTRICAL (FALCON RECOVERY) - LEVEL 4/5

The Machine Maintenance Technician will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and fixing critical marine equipment on a daily basis to enable west coast SpaceX launches. This role will require you to work directly with engineers and technicians who design and interact with this machinery both dockside and offshore in the Pacific Ocean.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintain and repair land and marine vessel generators
  • Provide maintenance on various equipment: generators, ATSs, pumps, motors, switchgears, and other industrial machinery
  • Troubleshoot, repair, adjust, inspect and overhaul mechanical systems like, pumps, chillers, gearboxes, etc. including control devices such as PLCs, HMIs down to the component level
  • Read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics and technical manuals
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • 5+ years of experience with repairing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic system OR a certificate from an accredited trade skills program

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 7+ years of experience with repairing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems in the field or marine environment
  • Extreme troubleshooting and problem-solving skill sets - can work independently to drive solutions
  • Understanding of generator sets (CAT, Mitsubishi, Cummings) and generator controllers (DeepSea, Woodward)
  • Understanding of diesel mechanics as well as of forms of internal combustion engines
  • Millwright skills and abilities and industrial multi-craft and mechanical trades
  • Possess skills and abilities to perform the requirements of an automotive, semiconductor, shipboard or airframe electrician's trade with little supervision or guidance
  • Can perform all duties required to layout, fabricate, and install electrical wiring, coaxial cable, waveguides or fiber optic cable onboard vessels, including troubleshoot/ testing fiber and copper cables and circuits
  • Ability to use all tools of their trade such as multi-meters, pin crimper's, soldering and expected to accomplish the more complex tasks associated with electrical installation of cable, military circular connectors, panel box and power terminations, etc.
  • Experience with hand/power tools, forklifts, and other heavy equipment
  • Ability to maintain a safe and clean working environment while adhering to company policies, quality policies and industry standards
  • Ability to write detailed repair reports (advanced MS Office skills)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work overtime and weekends as needed
  • Valid California state driver's license
  • Ability to stand up for up to 8 hours during the day
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. unassisted
  • Ability to work directly with the hardware on the vessels while being comfortable stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, climbing and standing (including on lifts and ladders)
  • Ability to pass Air Force background check for Vandenberg Space Force Base
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 4: $45.00 - $53.00
Level 5: $51.00 - $61.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom