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Production Associate Machine Operator Jobs in Modesto, CA

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

CNC Machine Operator 2

Escalon, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

The CNC Machine Operator is responsible for operating machinery and aiding in the machining of a ... Ability to follow production logs/digital logs * Possesses proficient understanding of measurements ...

Production Associate

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Production Operators are responsible for mixing raw materials to create finished products according to batch tickets. Production Operators operate within Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat or Rice. Key ...

Production Associate

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Production Operators are responsible for mixing raw materials to create finished products according to batch tickets. Production Operators operate within Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat or Rice. Key ...

Production Associate

Modesto, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Production Operators are responsible for mixing raw materials to create finished products according to batch tickets. Production Operators operate within Blends, Spray Dry, Super Coat or Rice. Key ...

Showing results 21-40

Production Associate Machine Operator information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do production associate machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate machine operator in Modesto, CA is $19.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production associate machine operator?

Production Associate Machine Operators are workers responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in manufacturing environments. Their main duties include setting up machines, monitoring production processes, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting equipment issues. They ensure that products are made efficiently and meet quality standards, often working as part of a team on a production line. Safety and attention to detail are important in this role, as is the ability to follow instructions and meet production goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production associate machine operator?

To thrive as a Production Associate Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating machinery, basic computer systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications such as OSHA training. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions precisely help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production, minimizing errors and maintaining workflow in a manufacturing environment.

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

Production Associate Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality while meeting production quotas, adapting to fast-paced environments, and troubleshooting mechanical issues on the fly. To address these, it’s important to develop strong attention to detail, communicate effectively with team members and supervisors, and proactively participate in equipment training sessions. Many employers also encourage operators to suggest process improvements, which can lead to increased efficiency and recognition within the team.

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Production Associate Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Production Associate Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Associate Machine Operator job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,402 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Stockton, CA • On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SUMMARY

Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup, operation, cleanup, and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work safely at all times, be aware of surroundings and understand and comply with Pratt Industries Safety rules, operating procedures, and help hold co-workers responsible for safety related items. Participate in Plant Safety Committee.
  • Follow at all times GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes)
  • Learn and comply with Pratt Industries quality procedures and policies. Stop bad quality from leaving the facility to the Customer. Catch it on the front end of manufacturing the product. Strong attention to detail for poor quality; prevent bad quality being sent to customer.
  • Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed. Improve set up times daily, improve downtime daily. Identify and address mechanical concerns and report to Production Supervisor or Production Manager or Plant Mechanical Tech/Specialist
  • Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas - keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee utilizes; break rooms, bathrooms, refrigerators etc.
  • Learn and understand capability and capacity of machine and drive efficiencies limiting waste and downtime. Do not sacrifice quality for machine speeds - must have both excellent quality and high efficiencies with minimal downtime.
  • Train and assist Assistant Machine Operators, Machine Helpers and Production Utility with job duties on the machine, downtime, setup times and quality.
  • Cross-train on other machines and learns other positions in the plant.
  • Complete necessary reports in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to: Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, Quality Data.
  • Turn in maintenance work order requests to supervision for needed repairs on the machine or machines. Be proactive in the maintenance and housekeeping of equipment.
  • Switch duties with co-workers as necessary. Learning environment to learn as many job duties to assist with plant growth and personal and professional growth opportunities.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and maintaining good housekeeping.
  • Adheres to production schedule. Makes recommendations for optimizing the schedule to meet cost, quality and service goals. Reports any unusual scheduling issues to Supervisor.
  • Must be able to work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice. We serve our customers 24x7 - 365 days a year and sometimes work on holidays not avoidable.
  • Additional duties may be assigned by management.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED.

Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

Prior work experience in the packaging industry; paper, plastics, converting

6 months' experience in some type of manufacturing operation.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Able to read and follow instructions; quality, safety, job packets

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate. Able to apply concepts of high school math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form. Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally be required to sit. The employee must 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 ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pratt Industries is America's 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 9,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.
Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.

What Pratt Industries employees say

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