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Process Operator Technician Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Process Engineer Technician, you will: * A process engineering technician works at ... Standard Operator Procedures (SOP), BOM, and CRD for the manufacturing line process/Train all ...

Process Technician / 2-year W2-only Contract / Swing or Night Shift / Onsite in Fremont, CA ... Privacy Policy One of the basic principles The Mice Groups follows in designing and operating this ...

Process Technician 3

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$38.35/hr

Job Title: Process Technician Location: Fremont, CA Employment Type: Contract Industry ... Monitor processes, audit operating conditions, and provide guidance to operators * Generate records ...

Experience operating pilot-scale high-pressure reactor systems * Hands-on experience with sanitary ... Familiarity with continuous process optimization and operations * Basic machine shop skills

Experience operating pilot-scale high-pressure reactor systems * Hands-on experience with sanitary ... Familiarity with continuous process optimization and operations * Basic machine shop skills

Prod Tech 2

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$21.65 - $27.05/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Prod Tech 2

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$21.65 - $27.05/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Prod Tech 2

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$21.65 - $27.05/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Prod Tech 2

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$21.65 - $27.05/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Prod Tech 2

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$21.65 - $27.05/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$33 - $45.70/hr

As a Process Technician, you'll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and ...

Process Technician IV

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$33 - $45.70/hr

As a Process Technician, you'll be responsible for preparing wafers for experimentation, operating reactors to perform thin film processes, and using scanning electron microscopes for analyses and ...

Prod Tech 3

San Jose, CA

$25.55 - $31.95/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Prod Tech 3

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$25.55 - $31.95/hr

... Operator to troubleshoot, they just need to follow Work Instructions) ensuring quality and ... process optimization efforts. * May assist in training junior production technicians on specific ...

Showing results 41-60

Process Operator Technician information

See California salary details

$13

$24

$35

How much do process operator technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator technician in California is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process operator technician?

Process Operator Technicians are skilled professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the equipment and systems used in manufacturing or processing plants. They ensure that operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely by following standard operating procedures, troubleshooting equipment issues, and making necessary adjustments. These technicians often work in industries such as oil and gas, chemical production, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, playing a critical role in maintaining product quality and plant safety.

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

To thrive as a Process Operator Technician, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, process control, and safety protocols, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant industry certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and industry-standard safety and quality systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes in manufacturing or chemical plants.

What are some common challenges faced by process operator technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Process Operator Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues, maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment, and managing shifts that may include nights or weekends. Staying proactive with regular equipment checks, participating in safety drills, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these challenges. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies or process changes also play a key role in overcoming day-to-day obstacles and ensuring smooth operation.

What is the difference between Process Operator Technician vs Process Operator?

AspectProcess Operator TechnicianProcess Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical or oil refineriesSimilar industrial settings, operating and monitoring equipment
Job FocusTechnical troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, process optimizationMonitoring processes, operating equipment, ensuring safety

The Process Operator Technician and Process Operator roles share similar environments and basic qualifications. However, Process Operator Technicians often have additional technical training and focus more on troubleshooting and maintenance, while Process Operators primarily monitor and operate equipment. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, with the technician position typically requiring more specialized skills.

What are popular job titles related to Process Operator Technician jobs in California?

For Process Operator Technician jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Process Operator Technician job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,647 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Semiconductor Process Technician

Blackwatch International

Mcclellan, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Blackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), a small business founded in 2010, is a small business dedicated to supporting Federal business and national security objectives. Based in McLean, VA, with offices in Sacramento, CA, Blackwatch invests in innovation and quality for our customers and staff, holding corporate-level ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 and CMMI Level 3 certifications. We are a leading provider of information technology (IT) infrastructure, cybersecurity, DevSecOps, data exploitation, and engineering services, specializing in large and complex projects. Blackwatch is dedicated to growth and offers a dynamic working environment with multiple opportunities for advancement. 

Position Title: Semiconductor Process Technician 

Position Location: Sacramento, California 

Position Type: Regular Full Time 

Years of experience: 0+ 

Security Clearance: Secret 

US Citizenship Required: Yes

Multiple positions available 

Summary/Objective  

Step into a career defining role as a Foundry Semiconductor Process Technician at Blackwatch, supporting the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) - the Department of War’s (DoW) primary semiconductor Foundry.  This role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience working alongside senior semiconductor equipment and process engineers developing and delivering leading-edge technical solutions through microelectronics research, design, prototypes, and product support.

As a Semiconductor Process Technician, you'll receive comprehensive training to develop the skills needed to support a variety of tasks, including maintaining legacy systems and cutting-edge semiconductor wafer manufacturing equipment critical to our mission. This position is ideal for recent graduates with mechanical and technical aptitude who are eager to launch their careers in a high-tech industry. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities 

  • Obtain tool qualification and operation certifications.
  • Perform operator preventive maintenance under the supervision of equipment/process engineers.
  • Perform wafer process setup and qualification activities.
  • Provide technical assistance for process development. 
  • Perform wafer retrievals and minor equipment recovery. 
  • Measure and inspect wafers utilizing metrology tools (i.e. precision microscope, profilometer, ellipsometer, particle measurement tools, etc.).
  • Operate and maintain chemical baths and wet processing equipment.
  • Perform processes safely utilizing established operating standards and hazardous material handling procedures.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned by manager or lead.

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Self-motivated and ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and and handle multiple tasks.
  • Basic mathematics, and chemistry knowledge.
  • Flexibly to work or train on new tasks in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work in a cleanroom environment wearing gloves and cleanroom suit.
  • Ability to lift 25lbs and may require standing/bending/stooping/crawling/climbing.
  • Basic computer skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.
  • Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Desired Qualifications (not required, but a huge plus): 

  • Associates degree or 2-year technical certificate, or higher, in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, electronics, or mechatronics (STEM).
  • Equivalent military training/experience or discipline in electronics, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, etc. 
  • Knowledge and/or understanding of semiconductor wafer manufacturing processes such as dry etch, wet etch, photolithography, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition, ion implantation, oxidation/diffusion, metal, and package assembly operations.