Machine Operator Weekdays Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Operator
Job Description

The Machine Operator sets up, operates, and maintains production machinery in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. This role supports the manufacturing of products in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food and beverage operations, ensuring that all output meets strict quality specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. The Machine Operator follows detailed production documentation, maintains sanitary conditions, and contributes to continuous improvement of processes and product quality.

Responsibilities

• Set up, change over, operate, sanitize, and perform routine maintenance on production machinery such as tablet presses, encapsulators, mixers, coating pans, food processing lines, or similar equipment.
• Clean machines, related equipment, and work areas using water, solvents, and approved cleaning agents after each batch and at the end of each shift, ensuring all areas remain sanitary at all times.
• Report any sanitation issues to the supervisor and coordinate with Quality Control for post-cleaning verification, including activities such as swab testing, and complete all required cleaning logs.
• Review work orders, batch records, and Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs) to determine production specifications, processing steps, and equipment requirements.
• Measure, weigh, and mix raw materials or ingredients as needed, and load specified mixtures into machine hoppers or feed sections prior to operation.
• Adjust machine components to regulate speed, pressure, temperature, and material flow in order to meet defined product specifications.
• Select and verify tooling, dies, molds, or machine parts to match product sizes and formats specified in production documents.
• Perform test runs to confirm equipment is set up correctly and operating within specification before starting full production.
• Examine, measure, weigh, or test in-process samples throughout the production run to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Continuously observe machine operations to ensure quality, conformity, and consistency of the finished product.
• Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect finished product, verify and adjust weights or measurements to meet specifications, and remove and segregate any defective product.
• Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear jams, troubleshoot issues, and promptly report equipment malfunctions to a supervisor.
• Clean, lubricate, and perform minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment as needed to maintain optimal performance.
• Record and maintain accurate production data, including batch quantities, meter readings, weights, dimensions, yields, and reject counts.
• Transfer completed product from machines to drying, storage, or staging areas using handcarts, pallet jacks, or storage containers, ensuring all product is properly covered and labeled at all times.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of quality control procedures and operational processes and suggest improvements where applicable.
• Meet or exceed daily production goals and follow established guidelines for each product while maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with all GMP, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the manager or supervisor to support production and operational needs.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–2 years of machine operation experience in a GMP-regulated environment such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food and beverage, or a similar manufacturing setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP/cGMP) and quality control principles.
• Knowledge of production processes, batch documentation, and techniques for maximizing manufacturing efficiency.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, setup, repair, and maintenance.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor equipment issues.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, batch records, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical instructions.
• Ability to understand and follow all written and verbal safety requirements and procedures.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to make timely and sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.
• Physical ability to walk, kneel, squat, bend, stand, and climb stairs for extended periods.
• Physical ability to reach, twist, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly.
• Ability to grab, grasp, and use fingers and hands to push buttons, operate controls, and set up machinery.
• Ability to operate hand trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts if required.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification is preferred.
• Experience operating production line equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with packaging processes in a GMP setting.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Forklift certification is a plus.
• CNC, HAAS, or NIMS certifications are a plus.
• Demonstrated versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Demonstrated good judgment and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Why Work Here?

You join a production team that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement in a regulated manufacturing environment. You gain hands-on experience with modern production equipment and GMP processes while contributing to products that support consumer health and well-being. You work in a setting that encourages learning, cross-training, and skill development, providing opportunities to grow your technical capabilities and advance your career. You benefit from a culture that emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and mutual respect, where your ideas for improving processes and efficiency are welcomed and appreciated.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a manufacturing and warehouse environment where temperatures may range from cool to hot and noise levels can vary from moderate to high. You may be exposed to small particles, powders, odors, allergens, and cleaning agents as part of normal operations. You must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety gear, which may include gloves, face masks, hairnets, uniforms, safety glasses, and other protective equipment as required. The role involves frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting, and requires safe operation of material handling equipment such as hand trucks, pallet jacks, and potentially forklifts. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, organization, and adherence to GMP and safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Livermore, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/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 Livermore,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 2026.

About Aerotek

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 meets 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 solving for 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.

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.