Pharmaceutical Machine Operator Jobs in California

This role sets up, operates, and maintains production machinery in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. The Machine Operator supports the manufacturing of products in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or food and beverage operations, ensuring that all output consistently meets quality specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

• 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 swab testing, and complete all required cleaning logs.
• Review work orders, batch records, and Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs) to determine production specifications and processing information.
• 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 to meet product specifications.
• Select and verify tooling, dies, molds, or machine parts to match product sizes and formats specified on production documents.
• Perform test runs to confirm equipment is set up correctly before full production begins.
• Examine, measure, weigh, or test in-process samples to ensure conformance to specifications throughout the entire production run.
• Observe machine operations continuously to ensure the quality, conformity, and consistency of the finished product.
• Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect finished product, verify and adjust weight 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 malfunctions to a supervisor.
• Clean, lubricate, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment as needed to support smooth operation.
• 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 guidelines for each product while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with all GMP, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain accurate calculations of figures and amounts during production activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a manager or supervisor to support overall manufacturing operations.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 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.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language used in the workplace.
• Ability to walk, kneel, squat, bend, stand, and climb stairs for extended periods.
• Ability to reach, twist, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds safely.
• 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 when required.

• Associate degree or technical certification in a relevant field is preferred.
• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
• Forklift certification is a plus.
• CNC, HAAS, or NIMS certifications are a plus.

You will join a production environment that values safety, quality, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to build solid technical skills with modern manufacturing equipment. The culture emphasizes teamwork, clear procedures, and support from quality and operations teams, creating a setting where you can grow your expertise in GMP-regulated manufacturing and contribute directly to the reliability and consistency of products people use every day.

Work takes place in a manufacturing and warehouse environment where temperatures may vary from cool to hot and noise levels range from moderate to high. You may be exposed to small particles, powders, odors, allergens, and cleaning agents as part of normal operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safety gear, such as gloves, face masks, hairnets, uniforms, safety glasses, and other protective items, are required and provided in accordance with safety standards.

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Livermore,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.