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Technical Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Instead, you will operate as a technical operator inside the product organization , helping ideas move from concept to shipped product as quickly and smoothly as possible. You will work alongside ...

What You'll Do You'll lead a team of highly technical operators responsible for the systems, automation, and operational infrastructure that power Brex's Operations organization at scale. This role ...

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Technical Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do technical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical operator in California is $21.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Technical Operator vs Equipment Technician?

AspectTechnical OperatorEquipment Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma; technical certifications or associate degree in electronics or maintenance
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production lines, industrial facilitiesMaintenance workshops, industrial sites, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, energy, and processing industriesCommon in manufacturing, machinery maintenance, and industrial sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Technical Operator and an Equipment Technician lies in their focus. Technical Operators primarily monitor and control equipment during production, ensuring smooth operations. Equipment Technicians, on the other hand, focus on maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting machinery. Both roles require technical knowledge and certifications, but Equipment Technicians typically have more hands-on repair responsibilities. Employers in manufacturing and industrial sectors frequently compare these roles when hiring or defining job responsibilities.

What are the duties of a technical operator?

A technical operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining technical equipment and systems, such as manufacturing machinery, production lines, or IT infrastructure. They perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely, often using specialized tools and following safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Technical Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operations, troubleshooting, and safety protocols, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with industry-specific equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and manufacturing software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure smooth production processes, minimize downtime, and maintain safety and quality standards in technical environments.

What does a technical operator do?

A Technical Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining technical equipment, often in industries such as broadcasting, manufacturing, or IT. Their main duties include monitoring equipment performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring smooth operation of systems or machinery. Technical Operators may also perform routine maintenance, follow safety protocols, and coordinate with other team members to resolve technical problems efficiently. The specific responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and the type of equipment managed.

What is a technical operator?

A technical operator records geological data with a variety of devices, including electronic, sonic, and seismic machines. Typical job duties include studying reports, compiling information, operating equipment, and evaluating samples. This career requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a similar field. Additional qualifications include technical skills and familiarity with relevant computer technology. You can find a job as a technical operator in industries that deal with geological data.

What are some common challenges technical operators face when troubleshooting equipment during live operations?

Technical Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, tight deadlines, and the need to quickly adapt to evolving technical issues during live operations. These situations require strong problem-solving skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and effective communication with team members to minimize downtime. Collaborating closely with engineers, production staff, and other operators is crucial to ensure issues are resolved swiftly and operations remain seamless.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Technical Operator jobs in CA?

For Technical Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Technical Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,055 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Technical and Craft Labor - Technical Operator

Niktor

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Description: Name: Genevieve Sandoval
Phone: (615) 585-9668
Email: mrs.aero13@gmail.com
Job Id: 46664-1
Title: Technical Operator
Site (City): Carlsbad, CA
Pay Rate:$20/hr
Shift Details: 1st shift 5am-1:30pm
Location/Division Specific Information
US-Carlsbad, CA/Biosciences Division - BID Operations
How will you make an impact?
As a member of the Filling Manufacturing team, the Filling Technician will be an integral member of the team responsible to support the Filling/Packaging Department by Filling, capping, labeling, and assembling both sub-assemblies and finished good products for all Core Filling products.
What will you do?
As Manufacturing Technician I, this individual will assure that work is performed in accordance with production schedules, perform hands-on manufacturing tasks, work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and be well organized. Specific responsibilities include:
• Fill, cap, and label vials, bottles, and tubes working both individually or as part of a team in accordance with established standard operating procedures to ensure customers receive a product that meets or exceeds quality specifications.
• Follow technical documents which include standard operating procedures and manufacturing batch records.
• Accuracy is required in performing all functions of this position; errors in work could cause delays in production schedules
• Effectively communicate and interface with work groups to ensure the completion of daily production.
• Work in both standard and clean room environments while adhering to room specific PPE requirements.
• Safely operate both manual and automated filling equipment, as required.
• Escalate equipment issues to the maintenance team through verbal and written communication
• Maintain accurate inventory of products and inventory records using JD enterprise or other related Database Systems
• Interact daily with equivalent levels of personnel in the manufacturing area
• Satisfactorily complete Thermo Fisher Scientific training requirements on time and operate within all ISO standards pertaining to Carlsbad Manufacturing.
• The job encounters routine work situations of limited scope and complexity where ability to recognize deviation from accepted practice is required
• Maintain lab supply inventory and re-order as needed
How will you get here?
Education:
A High School diploma, Bachelor of Science degree in Biology; 0 - 3 years of experience in a related field, preferably manufacturing environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience. The Manufacturing Technician I ideally will have experience in a variety of areas to support the business objectives
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products with emphasis on Excel, Outlook and Word
• Strong laboratory mathematical skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Team player (demonstrated experience working in support of a successful project team)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Works well in a metrics-focused environment
• Well organized and detail oriented.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Highly motivated and dedicated
• Experience with Good Documentation Practices
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to perform the duties of this job by regularly being required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls;
• Performs work of a highly repetitive nature.
• May handle "packaged" hazardous materials.
• Must be flexible to work varying schedules, hours, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time depending on the nature of the work.
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision
• Ability to be frequently exposed to wet conditions and work in extreme cold.
• Ability to occasionally work near moving mechanical parts.
• Ability to work in a moderate noise level.
Non-Negotiable Hiring Criteria:
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
• Complying with all company safety regulations and procedures and report non-compliance.
Additional Sills: Skills:
Category
Name
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Importance
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