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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Butcher

Los Altos, 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 ...

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 ...

Butcher

Sunnyvale, CA

$20 - $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 ...

Butcher

San Mateo, 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 ...

Showing results 21-30

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$14

$21

$27

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Santa Clara, CA is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.18 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 mechanical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with tools, safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in safety or equipment operation.

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 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 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 learning to operate manufacturing or industrial machinery under supervision. The role involves gaining skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and maintenance, often requiring on-the-job training and sometimes certifications. Trainees typically work in manufacturing environments and develop technical proficiency for full machine operator positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Santa Clara, CA? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,425 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

SkillBridge, Data Center Critical Facilities Engineer - Trainee

Equinix

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Equinix rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 251 rated facilities management


Job description

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet. 
 

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Are you a military service member within or nearing your 180-day window for separation from active duty?

Are you a military spouse fellow wanting to pursue a technology career?

If this is you, then Equinix has a unique opportunity to help kick-start the next chapter in your professional life.

We are accepting applications for our very own DoD SkillBridge Fellowship Program, supporting Data Center Operations and Critical Facilities. The training will be on the cutting edge of technology, in a digital infrastructure environment, supporting an initiative designed to connect our nation’s warfighters to the best employment opportunities available.

Do you have a background in Electronics, Electrician, or HVAC, and skilled Mechanical trades?

This could be your next career move!

In this DoD Skillbridge Program with Equinix, you will:

  • Learn how your military experience translates into a rewarding civilian career
  • Explore a career or industry you might want to pursue upon separation from active duty
  • Earning real-world industry qualifications and certifications
  • Build experience and competency in your trade/ profession with our team
  • Expand your professional network of contacts
  • Gain familiarity with corporate culture

Responsibilities

Has a substantial understanding of the job while working on assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving issues or making recommendations. Focuses on moderately difficult tasks, with substantial understanding of standard operating procedures. Supports the overall team.

Facility / Infrastructure Maintenance

  • Performs moderately difficult preventative and corrective maintenance checks on-site to facility components. You will perform site inspections and monitor the building and Data Center alarms
  • Performs moderately difficult repairs, maintenance, installations, and on-site inspections to facility systems. Supports energy efficiency measures
  • Monitors the Building Monitoring System (BMS) and resolves moderately difficult alarm issues that require judgement in resolving while following standard operating procedures
  • Operates and maintains plumbing, fire suppression, and safety systems
  • Operates critical infrastructures under the supervision of more senior technical staff
  • Normally receives little instruction on daily work and general instructions on newly introduced assignments

Customer Operations Technician

  • Queue Management & Reporting
  • Prioritize and manage service requests to meet deadlines
  • Maintain detailed records and audit reports
  • Installations
  • Rack and stack equipment in data centers
  • Perform fiber terminations using a fusion splicer
  • Set up telecom cabinets, fiber trays, and cage wiring. Troubleshoot fiber and copper circuits
  • Support standard cross-connect work orders
  • Other troubleshooting procedures

Site Administration & Incident Support

  • Performs moderately difficult site logs for permits, such as Maintenance Operation Protocol (MOPs) and scripts
  • Identifies Single Points of Failure (SPOFs) and makes recommendations
  • Responds to all moderately difficult on-site incidents, including failures, problems and delays
  • Uses substantial understanding in following operating procedures to support on-site administration

Work Orders & Additional Projects

  • Completes routine work requests and circuit installations
  • Troubleshoots and maintains office equipment (if necessary); supports auxiliary equipment and machines with problem-solving and repairs to avoid/minimize downtime
  • Makes minor changes to mechanical, electrical, and specialized systems, as directed
  • Carries out infrastructure projects

Collaboration

  • Collaborate with others to resolve moderately difficult facility incidents
  • Effectively collaborates within the department; may mentor team members on general maintenance activities
  • Provides stakeholders with inventory needs to maintain optimal stock levels of critical parts and equipment
  • May recommend infrastructure projects

Qualifications

  • Must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in DOD Instruction 1322.29 and NAVADMIN 222/15. Required
  • Technical associate's degree, military-technical school, or civilian technical trade school completion
  • Education level: Working on a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience w/1-4 years in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Comprehensive knowledge of critical infrastructure, i.e., UPS, generators, BMS, chillers, life safety systems
  • Coursework in HVAC design or heat transfer and thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of HVAC testing and balancing methodologies
  • Knowledge of IT hardware and other data center operations functions
  • Good time management habits, ability to multitask, and to sustain focus on long tasks.
  • Ability to communicate thoughts and technical ideas
  • Attitude of taking initiative, enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, teamwork, and creativity.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs
  • The ability to prioritize effectively, balance assigned work and exceptional organization skills required for our constantly evolving environments
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential for team-based work assignments
  • Presentation skills with colleagues and clients of all levels

*Skillbridge Internship positions are open to active duty and/or transitioning military members.  Compensation or pay for this role is made through the service member's current enlistment contract based on pay guidelines set by the Department of Defense (DoD)

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability.  If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. 

We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.

This posting is a new position within our organization.

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