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Spray Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Operator Trainee

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

This position supports machine operators with daily production tasks, machine preparation, material ... Silicone spray * Water-based flexographic ink * pH adjuster * Antifoam * Myer Ameri-clear ...

Spray Technician

Beale Air Force Base, CA

$17.25 - $22/hr

Spray Technician SCA Occup: 99410 Pest Controller (Spray Technician) Salary Grade: Federal Wage ... Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or ...

Spray Technician

Beale Air Force Base, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

Spray Technician SCA Occup: 99410 Pest Controller (Spray Technician) Salary Grade: Federal Wage ... Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or ...

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 ...

Conformal Coat Operator I

Brea, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

The Conformal Coat Operator I plays an important role in protecting and finishing printed circuit ... Operate manual spray, dip, and basic automated coating equipment under established procedures and ...

This position includes formulation of polymers and spray coating formulations, production of a medical device using microscope and operation of various equipment and machines. The Operator I ensures ...

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Spray Machine Operator information

What is a spray machine operator?

Spray Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machines that spray various materials—such as paint, coatings, pesticides, or chemicals—onto surfaces or products. They set up and maintain the equipment, monitor the spraying process, and ensure consistent and even application according to specifications. Their work is essential in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, where precise coating or treatment is required for quality and protection. Spray Machine Operators must also follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure proper handling of hazardous substances.

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

Spray Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent spray quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and working safely with potentially hazardous materials. To address these, operators should follow strict maintenance schedules, participate in regular equipment training, and adhere to safety protocols like using personal protective equipment. Staying organized and communicating proactively with team members also helps minimize downtime and ensures production targets are met efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Spray Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with spray equipment, calibration tools, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are vital soft skills to excel in this role. These abilities ensure accurate application, equipment maintenance, and a safe, efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Spray Machine Operator vs Paint Technician?

AspectSpray Machine OperatorPaint Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in equipment operationHigh school diploma; may have certifications in painting or coating techniques
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsAuto body shops, manufacturing, industrial facilities
Job FocusOperating spray equipment to apply coatings or paintsPreparing surfaces, applying paint, finishing work

The main difference is that Spray Machine Operators focus on operating spray equipment to apply coatings, while Paint Technicians handle surface preparation and detailed painting tasks. Both roles require knowledge of safety procedures and may share certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly.

What job categories do people searching Spray Machine Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Spray Machine Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Spray Machine Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Spray Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Spray Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Plasma Flame Spray Operator

Solar Turbines Incorporated

San Diego, CA • On-site

$21 - $34.73/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
About the Role:
Perform the complete process of plasma and/or flame metal spraying, preparation and finishing of metal surfaces for the purpose of sealing, smoothing, and structural repairing of Division and/or customer products.
What You Will Do:
  • Determine from operational instructions, material review dispositions, written or verbal instructions, blueprints and sketches, the area locations, and the procedures to be followed for building up, coating, sealing, smoothing, and repairing surfaces by application of plasma and/or flame metal spray.
  • Layout areas for metal spray application from dimensions obtained from operation or verbal instructions.
  • Clean, sand, grit blast, and hand or tool mask and perform other part surface preparations prior to metal spray application. Remove masking and clean parts prior to further manufacturing processing.
  • Apply plasma and/or flame metal to specified tolerances in all areas, including those difficult of access.
  • From operational instructions, use proper plasma powder or wire and make heat and gas pressure settings for spray, power feed, wire feed, and cooling operations. Recognize abnormalities in arc and/or spray pattern and take corrective action to adjust or clean spray equipment.
  • Set up and operate necessary equipment following established procedures, specifications, oral and/or written instructions.
  • May improvise holding and masking fixture to aid in the metal spraying process.
  • Perform other protective coating processing and/or rework to the same level of difficulty as described herein.
  • Maintain material records and order metal spray materials to maintain established inventory levels.
  • Set up and operate lathe and machine surfaces for metal spray application.
  • Tear down, clean, replace seals, and reassemble spray guns.
  • Instruct other Solar personnel in the plasma flame spray operation for application to nonproduction work.

What You Have:
  • 2+ yrs of demonstrated basic mechanical aptitude and skills
  • 2+ yrs of experience with hand tools / power tools / pneumatic tools
  • Be able to read and follow work directions from blueprints and schematics
  • 2+ yrs of experience using precision measuring tools
  • Experience in plasma flame spray application preferred

Summary Pay Range:
$21.00 - $34.73
Compensation and benefits may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market, location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience.
Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Sign-on Bonus

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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