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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Fairfield, CA (NOW HIRING)

Performs the necessary operating, regulating and adjusting duties to maintain proper output of the ... Additional experience with machinery repair and control systems preferred. Salary Information

Butcher

Napa, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... machinery. Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential ...

Follow Standard Operating Procedures, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams, job plans and/or equipment ... Trainee: * High School Diploma or Equivalent plus 2 years of experience in maintenance ...

Butcher

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $31.50/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... machinery. Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential ...

Butcher - Full Time

Napa, CA

$19.50 - $30.20/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... machinery. Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential ...

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... machinery. Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential ...

Follow Standard Operating Procedures, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams, job plans and/or equipment ... Trainee: * High School Diploma or Equivalent plus 2 years of experience in maintenance ...

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Fairfield, CA salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Fairfield, CA is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

What is the difference between Machine Operator Trainee vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Fairfield, CA?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Fairfield, CA are:

What cities near Fairfield, CA are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Fairfield, CA with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Fairfield, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,496 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

PFF - Maintenance Trainee/Tech 1

Grifols

Clayton, CA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Grifols rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 277 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Summary:

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician is responsible for routine preventive maintenance and repair of positive displacement, lobe and centrifugal pumps. The routine preventive maintenance and repair of specialty valves, i.e  Tuchenhagen Mixproof  and Robolux Multiway Multiport Diaphragm Valves. Responsibilities also include troubleshooting and corrective maintenance of plant process equipment, based on assigned areas of responsibility.

Primary responsibilities for role:

  • Perform routine preventive maintenance on process equipment and support systems to ensure equipment reliability
  • Troubleshoot and perform corrective maintenance on process equipment and support systems
  • Use a Computerized Maintenance Management System to document activity
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams, job plans and/or equipment manuals to perform work
  • Adhere to cGMP, Safety, and Environmental procedures
  • Issue/complete job hazard analysis/safe work permits (hot work, excavating, confined space, hazardous atmosphere, etc.)
  • Responsible for maintaining training curriculum requirements
  • Complete required in-house Maintenance Qualifications
  • Assist with modification, installation and startup of new and existing equipment

Additional Responsibilities:

Trainee:

  • Develop knowledge and skills needed perform job tasks as required by the area of responsibility
  • Work with experienced technicians to gain experience necessary to work independently
  • Complete training and qualifications required for the position
  • Able to work as a part of a team
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in written and verbal form
  • Able to use personal computers and have experience with Window applications and Web based programs
  • Demonstrate strong mathematical skills with the ability to apply this knowledge to the various tasks assigned.

Requirements:

Trainee:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, plus 2 years' experience in maintenance, manufacturing, mechanical trades, or utility equipment operation.
  • A technical associate's degree in place of the experience referenced above

Additional Responsibilities:

Tech I:

  • Develop knowledge and skills needed perform job as required by the area of responsibility
  • Maintain site mechanical equipment to include but not limited to: pumps, rotating equipment, high purity piping, valves, WFI systems, filtration systems, chromatography columns, steam systems, heat exchangers and material handling.
  • Possess a basic understanding of the various types of valves, pumps, piping, & systems often associated with industrial applications.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in written and verbal form
  • Build positive working relationships with cross-functional teams across multiple business units
  • Use personal computers and have experience with Window applications and Web based programs
  • Read, interpret, and apply information from files, drawings, catalogs, reports, and manuals
  • Demonstrate strong mathematical skills with the ability to apply this knowledge to the various tasks assigned.
  • Understand current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements
  • Understand industrial plant safety and environment requirements

Requirements:

Tech 1:

  • Associates degree in the mechanical maintenance field plus 2 years relevant experience.
  • Directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience and/or competencies may be considered in place of the stated requirements.

Schedule:

12-hour rotating shift (days and nights)

Occupational Demands:

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment or warehouse with rotating shifts. Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.  Exposure to chemicals, electrical manufacturing equipment, hand tools and moving machinery.  Operates forklifts, tractors and power equipment. Exposure to high levels of noise and to dust/gas/fumes/steam.  Exposure to extreme cold below 32* and on occasion, exposure to extreme heat above 100*.  Exposure to vibration or oscillating movements of the extremities or the whole body.  Occasional entry into confined spaces, requiring kneeling, crawling, climbing and squatting.  Works at heights on scaffolding and/or on ladders.  Walks on uneven ground. Personal protective equipment required such as; protective eyewear, chemical suits, safety shoes and/or rubber footwear, gloves, hearing protection and a respirator. Heavy lifting and carrying of 45lbs. for up to 6-8 hours per day, with a maximum lift of 75lbs. Work is performed standing, walking, bending and twisting waist for 4-6 hours per day. Frequent foot movements. Occasionally reaches above and below shoulder height. Occasionally bends and twists neck.  Frequent hand movements with simple grasping of one hand with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.  Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects. Hearing acuity essential.  Color perception/discrimination, depth perception and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/30 and to 20/100 in the other eye. Able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken and written words and sentences.  Performs a wide range of complex tasks. Adheres to a work schedule to meet production standards.

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws.

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