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Manufacturing Apprentice Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Technician

San Bruno, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

About the Role Chariot Defense is seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Technician to join our ... apprenticeship, AA degree, or Bachelor's degree. * Experience working directly with high-voltage ...

Manufacturing Technician

San Bruno, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

About Us Chariot Defense is a defense technology company that designs and manufactures a family of ... apprenticeship, AA degree, or Bachelor's degree. * Experience working directly with high-voltage ...

Manufacturing Technician

San Bruno, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

About Us Chariot Defense is a defense technology company that designs and manufactures a family of ... apprenticeship, AA degree, or Bachelor's degree. * Experience working directly with high-voltage ...

As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you'll work side-by-side with experienced meat cutters to learn the ... 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners ...

As a Meat Cutter Apprentice, you'll work side-by-side with experienced meat cutters to learn the ... 19 manufacturing plants across 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our well-known banners ...

Technician - Tier 3

Petaluma, CA ยท On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Year 4 or 5 based on the Manufactures requirements will be the transition year from apprentice / junior level to Journey status * Providing a minimum of 2 Factory certifications or as required by the ...

Technician - Tier 3

Petaluma, CA ยท On-site

$53K - $68K/yr

Year 4 or 5 based on the Manufactures requirements will be the transition year from apprentice / junior level to Journey status * Providing a minimum of 2 Factory certifications or as required by the ...

Technician Flat Rate - PI

San Rafael, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $150K/yr

Keeps abreast of manufacturer technical bulletins. * Supervises work of any apprentice technicians as assigned. * Reports machinery defects or malfunctions to supervisor. * Ensures that customers ...

Keeps abreast of manufacturer technical bulletins. * Supervises work of any apprentice technicians as assigned. * Reports machinery defects or malfunctions to supervisor. * Ensures that customers ...

Industrial Electrician

American Canyon, CA ยท On-site

$30.25 - $39/hr

Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and sanitation protocols. * Collaborate ... Completion of an approved electrical apprenticeship program or technical training. * State ...

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Manufacturing Apprentice information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$15

$22

$32

How much do manufacturing apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing apprentice in San Rafael, CA is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $24.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing apprentice?

A Manufacturing Apprentice is an individual who is learning the skills needed to work in manufacturing through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction. Apprenticeships typically involve working under the supervision of experienced professionals while also taking courses related to manufacturing processes, safety, and equipment operation. The goal is to prepare apprentices for a skilled role in the industry, such as machinist, assembler, or technician. Most programs last between one to four years, depending on the complexity of the trade. Upon completion, apprentices often receive certification and may be offered full-time employment.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing apprentices during their training period?

Manufacturing Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adjusting to fast-paced production environments, learning to operate complex machinery safely, and balancing on-the-job responsibilities with classroom-based training. Time management is crucial, as apprentices must effectively juggle hands-on work, technical learning, and sometimes shift changes. However, with support from experienced mentors and a collaborative team environment, many apprentices quickly build confidence and develop valuable problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand and power tools, and sometimes exposure to systems like CAD or CNC machinery is beneficial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help apprentices excel and adapt in dynamic production environments. These abilities ensure safe, efficient learning and contribute to quality workmanship and smooth operations on the manufacturing floor.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Apprentice vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectManufacturing ApprenticeManufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingTechnical diploma or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised manufacturing settingsMore independent, specialized manufacturing roles
Employer UsageTraining programs for entry-level workersSkilled workers maintaining and troubleshooting equipment
Search IntentLearning about entry-level manufacturing rolesFinding skilled manufacturing roles or career advancement

Manufacturing apprentices are typically entry-level workers undergoing training to learn manufacturing processes, while manufacturing technicians are more experienced, responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting equipment. Apprentices focus on gaining skills, whereas technicians apply those skills in a more independent role.

What does a manufacturing apprentice do?

A manufacturing apprentice assists in production processes by learning to operate machinery, follow safety protocols, and perform quality checks. They gain hands-on experience under supervision, often working with tools and equipment, while developing skills relevant to manufacturing roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in San Rafael, CA?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Manufacturing Apprentice jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Manufacturing Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Apprentice job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,763 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Apprentice Chocolate Maker

Dandelion Chocolate

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Location: 16th Street Factory
Job Title: Apprentice Chocolate Maker
Level: L2
Hours: Full-time, $26.25/hour
Department: Production Team
Report: Production Manager
Apprentice Chocolate Maker
About Us
Dandelion Chocolate is a bean-to-bar chocolate factory in San Francisco's Mission District. We make chocolate from only two ingredients, cocoa beans and cane sugar, and travel to origins as often as we can to build good, trusting relationships with the producers who grow and ferment the beans we buy. We're always on the search for good cocoa beans, and now we're looking for an Apprentice Chocolate Maker to help our production team scale up and craft our single origin chocolate.
About You
You should love chocolate as much as we do, but you don't have to know everything - we'll teach you everything we know. After adequate shadowing and hands-on training, you will join our production team in their daily routine - roasting, cracking, sorting and winnowing cocoa beans, then tempering and molding chocolate bars. This is a physical job, but it's a labor of love. This is an opportunity to be part of the team working at our large factory on 16th Street where we are scaling up our processes and production, while striving to make some of the world's best chocolate.
You must be comfortable working with machinery and willing to go with the flow as processes change and develop and to work independently as well as with our team of chocolate makers. We prefer that candidates have worked in the food and beverage/culinary or manufacturing industry, as it helps with the pace and demands of this position. This full-time role starts at $26.25/hour with an increase after training. We're looking for someone who is eager to learn about chocolate, has a positive outlook, and likes to get their hands dirty.
Responsibilities
  • Production: Learning and performing all steps of chocolate making: sorting cocoa beans, roasting, winnowing, starting batches, refining and conching, tempering, grinding, and foiling, wrapping and labeling bars. Contribute towards our daily goals of sorting 550 kg of cocoa beans, roasting 8-10 roasts a day, tempering 7000 bars, and making sure we hit our target of 13+ conches a week. You can walk through the factory with a Senior Chocolate maker and be able to describe our processes and procedures per station and talk about how chocolate is made.
  • R&D and Quality: Tasting and evaluating chocolate bars for flavor and quality. You can tell if the flavor or consistency of a batch is slightly off. You can blindly tell where at least 7 chocolate bars country of origins are. You actively participate in Continuing Chocolate Education classes and stay curious about learning more about chocolate.
  • Sanitation & Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining our production facility, including machines. You assist in projects such as the washing of bar molds, bins, sweeping the floor, and using the bucket washer. You know how to operate all of our chocolate machines safely, and are familiar with all of our machine SOPs and order of procedures.
  • Team: Work with the team to hit our daily production goals. You have a positive attitude even when things don't always go as planned and your team wants to work with you again and again.
  • Guest facing: While this role does not require leading tours, we frequently have tour groups coming through to visit the factory, crews filming, and many curious guests around the factory. Be a welcoming presence at the factory while being mindful of safety.
  • Other tasks as necessary. You stay curious and ask lots of questions, you are always willing to help and see projects through.

Requirements
  • Weekend availability: Available from 7:30am-4pm, with one weekend day (either Saturday or Sunday).
  • Positive outlook: Even among shifting priorities or broken machines, you are able to keep a healthy perspective and remain positive.
  • Kitchen know-how: Prior experience working in a commercial kitchen or production facility preferred, especially with a team. Comfortable with repetitive tasks.
  • Physical aptitude: This position requires that you be moving on your feet for most of the day and to occasionally lift objects up to 50-pounds. Must be able to stand, bend, squat, and use hands for tasks requiring both fine and gross motor skills.

Benefits
The benefits and perks continue beyond a robust chocolate education. Dandelion Chocolate constantly invests in our people and culture. All team members receive heavily subsidized medical, vision, and dental benefits as well as the option to enroll in our 401k program. All team members receive paid vacation time, holiday pay, and paid sick time. In addition, our team members enjoy commuter benefits, FSAs, chocolate tasting opportunities, and a range of opportunities to grow and develop within the company.
How to Apply
Dandelion is growing and we are invested in employees who take ownership over their role and are interested in contributing in a bigger way with us. If you are interested, we'd like to see your resume and a cover letter (optional) that includes a short description of your favorite food experience or influence. Keep in mind that we value passion, attitude, and hard work, so tell us what inspires you to want to join our production team.