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Traveling Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grinder Operator - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manufacturing Plant / Factory - hot metal and machine shop environment Overtime: Weekly OT required ... Basic math and measuring skills sufficient to read job travelers and verify part counts. Preferred ...

Grinder Operator - 1st Shift

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manufacturing Plant / Factory -- hot metal and machine shop environment Overtime: Weekly OT ... Basic math and measuring skills sufficient to read job travelers and verify part counts. Preferred ...

Machine Operator (Trim Press) - 2nd Shift

Santa Ana, CA

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Trim Press Operator performs machine set-up; operator inspects forged parts. Makes adjustments ... Assure quality and production requirements are met, as per the job-specific travelers.

Screening Operator (Day)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$41K - $43K/yr

The selected operator will cross train to prepare screens and stencils for Legend operation. Must ... Candidate will also operate the inkjet machine when required per the traveler. Salary Range(annual ...

Be Seen First

Technicians will be dedicated to one customer and will not be expected to travel as part of their job. Position Purpose: Provide hands-on technical support to our customer in order to fulfill their ...

New

ID Grinder Machinist

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and job travelers * Select appropriate ... Work collaboratively with engineering, quality, and production teams Machine Operators * Operate ...

Filler Operator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Fresno, CA Travel Requirements: None Work Environment Available: On-site Core Responsibilities ... Assists Maintenance Department personnel on the repair or set-up of machine to reduce downtime and ...

Showing results 41-60

Traveling Machine Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do traveling machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for traveling machine operator in California is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a traveling machine operator?

Traveling Machine Operators are skilled workers who operate and maintain machinery at various job sites, often traveling between different locations as required by their employer. Their main responsibilities include setting up, running, and troubleshooting industrial machines used in manufacturing, construction, or other specialized industries. These operators must be adaptable, able to work with different types of equipment, and willing to spend time away from home. Safety and attention to detail are crucial, as they often work in environments where precision and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a traveling machine operator?

To thrive as a Traveling Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, experience with industrial machinery, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring vocational training. Familiarity with equipment-specific controls, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or CDL for transportation are typical requirements. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working in diverse locations and teams. These abilities ensure safe, efficient machine operation and adaptability across various job sites, which are crucial for productivity and safety.

What challenges do traveling machine operators face at different job sites?

Traveling Machine Operators often encounter the challenge of adapting quickly to various job site conditions, equipment models, and safety protocols. Each location may have unique operational procedures or terrain, requiring operators to be flexible and proactive in learning new systems. Additionally, working with new teams frequently demands strong communication skills and the ability to integrate smoothly with diverse groups. Successfully handling these challenges not only ensures operational efficiency but also enhances professional reputation and future opportunities.

What is the difference between Traveling Machine Operator vs Mobile Equipment Operator?

AspectTraveling Machine OperatorMobile Equipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific licensesCommercial driver’s license (CDL), safety certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, remote locationsConstruction sites, warehouses, transportation hubs
Industry UsageHeavy machinery operation across various industriesOperating mobile equipment like forklifts, bulldozers

Traveling Machine Operators and Mobile Equipment Operators both require safety certifications and work in similar environments. However, Traveling Machine Operators often operate larger, specialized machinery across multiple sites, while Mobile Equipment Operators typically handle mobile equipment like forklifts within specific facilities. Both roles are essential in construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries.

How much do traveling machine operators make?

Traveling machine operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of machinery operated. They often work in construction, manufacturing, or transportation environments and may require specialized certifications or licenses.
Infographic showing various Traveling Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,331 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Machine Operator - Eclipse 2 (Swing Shift)

Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

Stockton, CA • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Simpson Strong-Tie rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.
Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.
Learn about our company culture directly from our team.
YOU
As a Machine Operator you are responsible for ensuring assigned machinery runs efficiently, works at capacity without issue, and is appropriately maintained to ensure quality products. You will be responsible for collaborating with material handlers and other operators to ensure all components are available to meet production goals and customer demands with a focus on quality and safety practices. This is a Swing shift position (3:30pm - 12:00am). You will receive a $1.50 shift differential for every hour worked.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (% of Time)
Set up, operate, and troubleshoot assigned machinery. performing minor repairs when required. (75%)
Perform quality inspections on machined products to ensure it is meeting quality standards and blueprints specifications using provided precision measuring tools. (10%)
Ensure accountability by keeping accurate production records, maintaining activity logs, perform job related data entry and labor scanning within SAP, Kronos, and other internal systems. (5%)
Driving a forklift/combi-lift to retrieve material and help keep production flow. (5%)
Performing housekeeping to maintain a clean work environment that meets 6S standards. (5%)
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
If you can do everything listed above, you've got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:
  • High school diploma or GED Preferred.
  • Simpson Strong-Tie Powered Industrial Truck (PIT)/ Combi-Lift Certification (will certify at hire).
  • Six months manufacturing related experience and/or training or an equivalent combination of education and training.
  • Manufacturing process knowledge: Demonstrates a basic knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacturing and distribution of goods.
  • Safety: Able to consistently prioritize safety by demonstrating a safe work practice by promoting a safe work environment.
  • Customer service skills: Applies customer service principles and processes on the job and with others.
  • Communication skills: Speaks in the most effective way to relay information. Listens and asks questions to ensure understanding.
  • Written comprehension: Able to read and understand prints, information and ideas presented in writing. Able to read production drawings and diagrams and interpret information from work orders applicable to the manufacturing of products.
  • Self-management skills: Uses time efficiently to complete tasks.
  • Ability to work independently: Follows both written and oral instructions, including safety guidelines, work instructions, and company policies.
  • Teamwork: Able to work with team sharing responsibilities to achieve production goals.
  • Equipment and tools: Able to operate a forklift. Able to read a tape measure to within 1/32".
  • Computer: Able to operate a computer, ERP systems and basic applications such as Word and Outlook.
  • Operation monitoring: Able to monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Quality control analysis: Conducts accurate inspections of product to evaluate quality.

TRAVEL REQUIRED
This position does not require travel.
WORK STATUS & LOCATION
This full-time, non-exempt, Union position is located in Stockton, CA.
RELOCATION
Relocation is not available for this position.
PAY
$19.50 / hour
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, see, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. This role operates large equipment while standing for approximately 8-12 hours, regularly twisting and bending in a repetitive motion. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and heavier weights with proper equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The job may risk exposure to heat and/or cold, loud noise levels, vibration, and moving mechanical parts.
REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE
We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.
  • Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue - directly or indirectly - and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
  • Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.

In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.
Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful drug screen and criminal background check, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
#NowHiring #GetHired #Hiring #HiringNow
Company: Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

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