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Straddle Carrier Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Straddle Carrier information

See California salary details

$13.2K

$52.1K

$115.5K

How much do straddle carrier jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for straddle carrier in California is $52,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,783.00 and $55,326.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a straddle carrier?

A Straddle Carrier job involves operating a specialized vehicle used in ports and container yards to lift, transport, and stack shipping containers. Operators maneuver the machine to move heavy loads efficiently while following safety regulations and operational procedures. This role requires attention to detail, spatial awareness, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Experience with heavy equipment and certifications may be required depending on the employer.

What are the typical work environments and daily responsibilities for a straddle carrier?

Straddle Carrier operators usually work in bustling port terminals, container yards, or large logistics centers where they are responsible for loading, transporting, and stacking shipping containers with precision. A typical day involves operating the straddle carrier vehicle, following safety protocols, coordinating via radio with team members, and performing routine checks on equipment. Operators often work in shifts, including evenings or weekends, to support around-the-clock port operations. The role requires constant attention to safety and communication, as coordination with crane operators, ground staff, and supervisors is key to a smooth workflow. If you enjoy active, team-oriented work in dynamic settings, this role can be both challenging and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the straddle carrier position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Straddle Carrier operator, you need strong spatial awareness, mechanical aptitude, and a valid heavy equipment operator's license or relevant certification. Familiarity with terminal operating systems (TOS), radio communication devices, and routine equipment maintenance procedures is beneficial. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are key soft skills for working safely and efficiently in busy port or logistics environments. These abilities are essential to ensure smooth cargo movement, maintain workplace safety, and meet operational deadlines.

How much do straddle carrier operators get paid?

Straddle carrier operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many positions require operating heavy machinery in port or warehouse environments and may include shift differentials or overtime pay.

What are the most commonly searched types of Straddle Carrier jobs in California?

The most popular types of Straddle Carrier jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Straddle Carrier jobs in California?

For Straddle Carrier jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Straddle Carrier jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Straddle Carrier jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Straddle Carrier jobs?

Cities in California with the most Straddle Carrier job openings:

Infographic showing various Straddle Carrier job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,070 per year, or $25 per hour.

Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist

Antora Energy

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

  Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Production Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist to join our manufacturing team, reporting to the Production Supervisor. This role supports day-to-day manufacturing operations with a focus on safe material handling, industrial lifting, rigging, equipment movement, and production support. The ideal candidate has experience operating industrial lifting and material-handling equipment in a manufacturing, construction, port, logistics, military, or heavy industrial environment. This may include cranes, hoists, forklifts, lift-assist devices, hydraulic straddle carriers, gantry cranes, and other equipment used to move machinery, oversized loads, and shipping containers. This individual should be safety-focused, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role requires strong communication skills, cross-functional collaboration, and demonstrated ability to train or mentor operators and technicians on safe equipment operation, load handling, rigging practices, and material movement procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to contribute to an exciting company with a Team and Mission first environment.

Roles & Responsibilities
  • Follow applicable safety procedures, codes, standards, and company guidelines.
  • Support daily manufacturing operations, including production builds, equipment movement, material handling, staging, inspection, testing, and documentation.
  • Use routine and non-standard work orders, written instructions, verbal instructions, specifications, diagrams, manuals, and other documentation.
  • Operate manufacturing tools and equipment to perform assembly operations.
  • Operate or support forklifts, pallet jacks, ergonomic lift-assist devices, hoists, cranes, rigging equipment, and other industrial material-handling equipment.
  • Perform rigging, signaling, load securement, and lift-support activities for machinery, oversized components, production materials, and shipping containers.
  • Plan, stage, and execute equipment moves by identifying lifting points, rigging methods, travel paths, hazards, and exclusion zones.
  • Inspect rigging, lifting accessories, equipment, and material-handling tools before use and escalate concerns immediately.
  • Train and mentor operators and technicians on safe equipment operation, load handling, rigging practices, material movement procedures, and job-site safety expectations.
  • Support loading, rigging, blocking, bracing, and securement of Antora modules and large equipment onto lowboy trailers for transport.
  • Identify and escalate non-conformances, quality issues, equipment concerns, transport securement concerns, or safety risks to the appropriate support team.
  • Participate in continuous improvement efforts to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
 Key Qualifications
  • Associate degree or equivalent work experience, including military experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, industrial production, construction, port, logistics, heavy equipment, or equivalent military environment.
  • Experience operating industrial lifting, material-handling, or heavy equipment in a production or field environment.
  • Experience with rigging, signaling, load securement, lift planning, and safe movement of machinery, oversized loads, or shipping containers.
  • Experience working around cranes, hoists, forklifts, pallet jacks, lift-assist devices, and other material-handling equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to train or mentor operators and technicians on safe equipment operation, rigging practices, load handling, and material movement procedures.
  • Ability to read and interpret specifications, diagrams, manuals, work instructions, lift plans, equipment documentation, and safety procedures.
  • Strong understanding of heavy equipment safety, lifting operations, exclusion zones, load paths, and job-site hazard controls.
  • Experience supporting transport preparation, including rigging, loading, blocking, bracing, and securing large equipment or oversized loads onto trailers.
  • Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs and work with heavy equipment, tools, supplies, and production materials.
  • Able to work around fixed equipment and machinery, including using lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
  • Must wear and work in required personal protective equipment.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Looking for First and Swing shift team members.
 Additional Qualifications Desired
  • Experience operating Combilift Hydraulic Straddle Carrier and Shuttlelift Gantry Crane handling loads ranging from 5 to 75 tons in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
  • Experience developing, supporting, or following lift plans, rigging plans, job hazard analyses, cargo securement plans, or equipment movement procedures.
  • Experience training or mentoring operators, technicians, or production personnel on safe equipment operation, rigging, signaling, load handling, transport securement, and lift planning.
  • Ability to utilize ladders or other high structures to work at heights of ten feet or higher.
  • Familiarity with cargo securement expectations for oversized loads, lowboy trailer transport, chains, binders, blocking, bracing, and working load limits.

Work Location:  Onsite - San Jose, CA

Salary Range:  $40/hr USD - $50/hr USD

Salary Basis:  Hourly

Please note that the salary range listed above reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay for this position. The actual salary offered will be within the posted range and determined based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experiences, credentials and expertise, as they pertain to the position's requirements.

In addition to a competitive base salary, Antora Energy's Total Rewards program includes equity compensation in the form of stock options, a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, and an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off.

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