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

alu

Blacksmith Apprentice - 1st Shift

Oxnard, CA

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Instruct Trainee to assure the production of quality parts * Check stock and die temperatures ... Instruct operator of the manipulator forklift. * Operate the billet saw to cut raw material as ...

Senior plc

In-Process Inspector Trainee

Valencia, CA

$18/hr

Senior plc is an international, market-leading, engineering solutions provider with 26 operating ... Ability to work in environments where exposure to noise, dust and moving machinery may occur.

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Machine Operator Trainee information

See Oxnard, CA salary details

$12

$19

$24

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Oxnard, CA is $19.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 a Machine Operator Trainee?

A Machine Operator Trainee is an entry-level worker who learns to operate, monitor, and maintain industrial machines in a manufacturing or production environment. Under supervision, trainees are taught how to safely use machinery, follow production processes, inspect products for quality, and troubleshoot minor issues. This position is designed to provide hands-on training and practical experience, preparing individuals for more advanced machine operator roles. It often involves learning about safety protocols, equipment controls, and process documentation.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A machine operator trainee typically does not earn $10,000 a month without experience or specialized skills. High-paying roles that can reach this level often require advanced technical skills, certifications, or experience in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship. Most entry-level machine operator positions pay significantly less, and reaching such income levels generally involves career advancement or additional qualifications.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Oxnard, CA? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Oxnard, CA are:
What cities near Oxnard, CA are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Oxnard, CA with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:
Machine Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Oxnard, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,058 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Blacksmith Apprentice - 1st Shift

alu

Oxnard, CA

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Job Summary: Blacksmith sets up and operates the various forging presses, working in constant communication with the Blacksmith Apprentice. See different levels below:

Apprentice

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Perform set-up including any adjustments to bolts, clamps, and burner assemblies as needed.
  • Load stock/parts into conveyor oven.
  • Instruct Trainee to assure the production of quality parts
  • Check stock and die temperatures before forging parts.
  • Position stock/part for spray-on lubrication process.
  • Position the piece into the forging die with use of tongs, hydraulic clamps, air-assisted hoist and/or overhead crane
  • Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific travelers.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

  • 1 -2 years of High School or equivalent.
  • 3+ month’s related manufacturing/production experience.
  • In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Basic English (reading, writing, verbal and comprehend)
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, and QC personnel
  • Basic Math and Measuring

Level 1

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Closed Die

  • Operate the forging press at console.
  • Lubricate die surfaces and stock/parts.
  • Instruct Trainee to assure the production of quality parts.
  • Maintain accurate part-counts of current production.
  • Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific travelers.

Hand Forge

  • Instruct loader on use of the tong manipulator
  • Operate manipulator forklift
  • Perform in-process inspection of product
  • Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per job-specific travelers

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and/or Experience

  • 1-2 years of High School or equivalent.
  • 3+ month’s related manufacturing/production experience.
  • Pass Written and Practical Test
  • In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Level 2

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must have ability to display skills of Level 1 plus:

Closed Die

  • Perform in-process inspection of product.
  • Run standard and complex closed die shapes (including wrap dies)

Hand Forge

  • Operate forging press for Hand Forge operations and stress relieve.
  • In-process Inspection of Hand Forgings
  • Instruct operator of the manipulator forklift.
  • Operate the billet saw to cut raw material as necessary.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

  • 1-2 years of High School or equivalent.
  • 3+ month’s related manufacturing/production experience.
  • Pass Written and Practical Test
  • In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Basic English (reading, writing, verbal and comprehend)
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, and QC personnel
  • Basic Math and Measuring

Level 3

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Must have ability to display talents of Level 1 & 2

Closed Die

  • Ability to train all levels
  • Ability to operate mechanical press
  • Skill to forge all closed die products

Hand Forge

  • Ability to train all levels
  • Skill to forge all hand forge products
  • Have an ability to operate billet saw

 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

  • 1-2 years of High School or equivalent.
  • In compliance with ITAR regulations, must be a US Citizen or US Person (U.S. Person = a natural person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

  • Basic English (reading, writing, verbal and comprehend)
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers, supervisor, and QC personnel
  • Basic Math and measuring
  • Ability to use and operate equipment and machinery.
  • Ability to follow specific instructions and directions
  • Able to work in a demanding fast paced environment.

Why work for APP?

  • On-the-job training and opportunities for advancement with a strong promote within program.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision – Generous company contribution, low cost to employee
  • Life insurance – 100% company paid - covers employee, spouse and dependent children
  • Generous Vacation Time
  • 9 Paid Holidays
  • Holiday Shut Down (Christmas thru New Year’s)
  • Sick Time
  • Annual Bonus (based on company meeting Key Results)
  • 401k (Company matches up to 4%)
  • ESOP Employee Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (100% Company Paid)
  • Tuition reimbursement

Compensation:

Apprentice: $20 - 22.00 per hour

Level 1: $22 - $24.50 per hour

Level 2: $24 - $27.50 per hour

Level 3: $27 - $32 per hour

This is the lowest to highest hourly rate we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

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