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Machine Operator Jobs in Santa Barbara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator II

Carpinteria, CA ยท On-site

$18.50/hr

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines. The Machine Operator will also ...

Machine Operator II

Carpinteria, CA ยท On-site

$18.50/hr

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines. The Machine Operator will also ...

The Farming Equipment Operator will perform maintenance and operate all farm equipment to spray ... Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect equipment malfunctions, report equipment ...

CNC Operator and Precision Grind Technician We are urgently seeking skilled CNC Operators and ... Load and unload materials to and from CNC machines. * Monitor production quality and troubleshoot ...

Machinist 2 - CNC

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have strong experience operating manual and CNC machinery, performing machine set-ups, interpreting technical drawings, and maintaining tight machining tolerances in a ...

Machinist 2 - CNC

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have strong experience operating manual and CNC machinery, performing machine set-ups, interpreting technical drawings, and maintaining tight machining tolerances in a ...

Machinist 2 - CNC

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

S. Citizenship required Preferred Qualifications Experience with Fanuc or HAAS machine controllers 4+ years of CNC machining experience Experience operating 3-Axis CNC machines (4-Axis and 5-Axis a ...

Machinist 2 - CNC

Goleta, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $30.25/hr

S. Citizenship required Preferred Qualifications Experience with Fanuc or HAAS machine controllers 4+ years of CNC machining experience Experience operating 3-Axis CNC machines (4-Axis and 5-Axis a ...

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Machine Operator information

See Santa Barbara, CA salary details

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How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Santa Barbara, CA is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine operator?

Machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, monitor machine output, and perform routine inspections or minor repairs as needed. Machine operators often work with specialized equipment and are trained to follow safety protocols and quality standards. Their role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and meeting production targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or CNC machinery are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient machine operation and minimizing production downtime.

What do machine operators do?

Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

What are some common challenges faced by machine operators and how can they be addressed?

Machine operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues usually involves diligent machine maintenance, following safety protocols, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Many companies provide ongoing training to help operators stay up to date with new machinery and processes, fostering a supportive environment for troubleshooting and skill development.

What is the difference between Machine Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, production linesConstruction sites, mining, heavy machinery operation
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, assemblyConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating specific machinery like presses, lathes, or CNC machinesOperating heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or excavators

While both roles involve operating machinery, Machine Operators typically work with manufacturing equipment in factories, focusing on production machinery. Equipment Operators usually handle heavy construction or earth-moving equipment in outdoor environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the work settings and machinery types differ significantly.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator?

The average salary for a machine operator in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $25,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn over $60,000 annually. Many machine operators work full-time, often with shifts that include nights and weekends.

What is the work of a machine operator?

A machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial machinery to produce goods or components. They monitor equipment for proper functioning, follow safety protocols, and may perform quality checks during production. Proficiency with tools, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards are essential in this role.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Machine Operator jobs in Santa Barbara, CA?

For Machine Operator jobs in Santa Barbara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Operator jobs in Santa Barbara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Operator jobs in Santa Barbara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Barbara, CA are hiring for Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Santa Barbara, CA with the most Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Santa Barbara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,089 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Machine Operator II

Carpinteria, CA โ€ข On-site

Local Bounti
Food and Drink Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Hourly Pay: $18.50
Local Bounti is a leading controlled environment agriculture (CEA) company. Our mission is to bring our farm to your kitchen and deliver the freshest, locally-grown produce in the fewest food miles possible.
Our mission is rooted in sustainability and in turn human welfare. 
By growing local we help eliminate food waste and provide fresh, high-quality produce. Our sustainable greenhouse technology delivers ideal growing conditions for each of our crops, resulting in 90% less water consumption and 95% less land use than conventional agriculture, no need for herbicides or pesticides, and the lowest carbon footprint in the industry.
We are committed to the growth and cultivation of our employee’s well-being, so that our employees feel that they are in a career environment that enables them to thrive personally and professionally. We provide an educational and safe work environment and are dedicated to helping our employees grow within the company. We are proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to employees working over 30 hours a week.

  • Competitive Pay
  • Indoor Agriculture Environment
  • A culture focused on Work/Life Balance
  • Health, Dental, and Vision and very competitive contribution rates
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
  • Generous Vacation Time and 5 Sick days each year
  • 10 Company Paid Holidays
  • Immediate access to participate in the 401(k) plan with up to 5% company match
  • Basic and Voluntary Life / AD&D
  • Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness coverage
  • Voluntary STD/LTD
  • Aflac
  • Caregiver Support
  • Training and Development
  • Adoption Assistance Program
  • Commuter Benefits (includes part-time and seasonal staff)
  • MarketPlace Perks at Work
  • Free Employee Assistance Program services that focus on health physically, emotionally, socially, and financially.

Local Bounti employees are empowered, valued, and respected. They have a passion for their work and for Local Bounti’s success. This shared passion for achievement is the lifeblood of our company.

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to set up, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on assigned machines. The Machine Operator will also be responsible for inspecting parts to specifications and adjusting, or changes as necessary to maintain quality specification. To obtain this job title, a machine operator must be able to operate complete a training log associated with a particular zone.

Duties/Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The duties listed below are representative of the essential functions, qualifications, physical demands, and the work environment encountered in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to work and perform the essential functions in this work environment.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment.
  • Perform necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operation on multiple pieces of equipment.
  • Operate/monitor multiple pieces of equipment during operation to ensure quality production and minimal unplanned stops.
  • Communicate with team members and support teams to ensure continuous production of the product at high quality levels with minimal wasted time and materials.
  • Housekeeping and sanitation of area.
  • Ability to train others on operations and functions of the equipment
  • Collect and enter data
  • Pay is dependent on experience and skills.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Embrace and exhibit Local Bounti’s Core Values.
  • Embraces and supports the safety culture at the facility.
  • Basic knowledge of the English language, including being able to read, speak, and write to include understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Basic knowledge of arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Knowledge of safe equipment and machinery operations and procedures.
  • Basic knowledge of machines and tools, including their operation, uses, and maintenance.
  • Ability to adjust the controls of a machine or a process quickly and repeatedly to exact positions.
  • Ability to convey information effectively to others.
  • Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork
  • Training skills
  • Physical stamina and strength
  • Work independently
  • Ability to Multitask
  • Ability to work the 2nd shift.

Education and Experience:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • 6 months related experience or training.
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands:

(Physical demands are a general guide and specific positions will vary based on working conditions, locations and facility/department needs)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and is regularly exposed to vibration. The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and environments both hot and cold.

The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud.

  • The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example: two arms, two legs or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  • The ability to time movements in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object.
  • The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects.
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move 10 to 25 pounds and regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.