Machine Operator Associate Jobs in Lodi, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Food Production Machine Operator – (Bakery Production)

Job Description

This role operates and monitors production and packaging equipment used to manufacture baked goods in a fast-paced food production facility. You will run assigned machines, follow detailed product specifications, and support overall line efficiency while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and cleanliness. Working closely with bakery associates and the operations team, you help ensure that products are produced accurately, consistently, and in full compliance with food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and adjust bakery production and packaging equipment to maintain consistent product flow and line efficiency.
• Set up machines according to product specifications, including weights, speeds, settings, labels, and packaging requirements.
• Ensure all product specifications are met by verifying weights, labeling accuracy, packaging integrity, and ingredient usage during production.
• Perform routine quality checks on in-process and finished products, documenting results as required in production logs and batch documentation.
• Follow all safety, GMP, food safety, and quality policies and procedures, including FIFO (First In, First Out) practices and sanitation standards.
• Conduct routine safety checks on equipment and work areas, promptly reporting and escalating any unsafe conditions or major equipment concerns.
• Troubleshoot minor machine issues, make basic adjustments, and support preventative maintenance procedures within defined guidelines.
• Assist with machine changeovers, basic calibration, and setup activities to support different products and production runs.
• Operate or assist with conveyor systems, mixers, fillers, packaging equipment, and related machinery as needed to support the production line.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area during and after production runs, adhering to all GMP and housekeeping standards.
• Support material handling activities, including staging ingredients, loading materials, and assisting with batching or filling processes.
• Accurately complete production logs, batch documentation, and other required records to support traceability and quality assurance.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, HR, and team members to address production challenges, clarify expectations, and share updates.
• Participate in cross-training to learn multiple machines and production processes, providing coverage and support across different lines and shifts.
• Promote a safe work environment by consistently using required PPE, following established procedures, and reinforcing safety practices with coworkers.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 1 year of production or manufacturing experience preferred, ideally in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience operating machinery in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot minor machine issues.
• Ability to read and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), production orders, and product specifications.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, or sanitation practices is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with a consistent focus on product quality and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team environment.
• Physical ability to stand for 8–12 hours per shift, lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds consistently, and perform repetitive movements such as bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Comfort working in varying temperature conditions, including hot and potentially cooler or refrigerated areas.
• Willingness to adhere strictly to PPE, safety, and compliance requirements at all times.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in food manufacturing, bakery, beverage production, or other food processing environments.
• Experience working in production settings involving chemicals, batching, or blending processes.
• Knowledge of food safety standards such as GMP, HACCP, and sanitation protocols.
• Experience with quality assurance practices, including production logs, batch documentation, and basic calibration checks.
• Hands-on experience operating or assisting with mixers, ovens, fillers, conveyor systems, packaging equipment, and other bakery production machinery.
• Exposure to high-volume, fast-paced production environments with strict quality and safety standards.
• Experience with material handling, batching, or ingredient preparation in a regulated environment.
• Basic understanding of preventative maintenance procedures, machine setup, and changeovers.
• Familiarity with FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices and operation of mixer machines and filling equipment.
• Comfort working in environments that require PPE such as hairnets, gloves, non-slip footwear, and hard hats, and strict adherence to compliance standards.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and reliability, with a willingness to support different shifts or lines as needed.
• Willingness to cross-train across multiple production processes and equipment to expand skills and support operational flexibility.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable, long-term opportunity with a company that prioritizes employee retention, growth, and development. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and consistent scheduling, with overtime opportunities available for those seeking additional hours. You benefit from a strong safety and quality culture, working in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are valued. The role provides hands-on manufacturing experience in a well-established food production setting, along with clear pathways to advance into higher-level operator roles through ongoing training and skill development.

Work Environment

This position is based in a fast-paced food manufacturing facility producing baked goods such as donuts, pastries, and muffins. The work environment centers around continuous production lines with ongoing machine operation, where you work closely with teammates to meet daily output and quality goals. The production floor can be hot and loud due to ovens and machinery, and you may encounter strong bakery-related odors throughout the shift. Some areas of the facility may be cooler or refrigerated, depending on the stage of the production process. Employees must consistently follow strict GMP and food safety standards, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hairnets, gloves, non-slip footwear, and a red hard hat. Cleanliness and sanitation are critical, and you are expected to maintain an organized, hygienic workspace at all times while adhering to all safety and compliance procedures.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.

About Aerotek

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.