Weekday Extrusion Machine Operator Jobs in California

Job Title: Extrusion Machine Operator – Night Shift

Job Description

This role operates and monitors an extrusion machine in a fast-paced manufacturing environment on a 12-hour night shift schedule. You ensure safe machine startup, steady production, and proper shutdown while maintaining high quality standards and working closely with a team. The position requires flexibility to train on day shift initially and the ability to work a rotating schedule that includes weekends.

Responsibilities

• Operate an extrusion machine, including complete startup, steady-state operation, and proper shutdown according to established procedures.
• Monitor machine performance and production output, making adjustments as needed to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Follow all safety procedures at all times, treating safety as the top priority in every task.
• Work closely with team members to coordinate production activities and maintain smooth operations across the shift.
• Perform quality checks and verify that materials and finished products meet required specifications.
• Identify and verify raw materials prior to use to ensure correct inputs for each production run.
• Operate a 60-ton propane forklift to move raw materials and finished products safely within the facility (training and certification provided if needed).
• Document production information and quality results as required by plant procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area to support safety and efficiency.
• Use sound judgment and common sense when responding to machine issues, safety concerns, or process changes.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality to support consistent production coverage on the rotating schedule.
• Collaborate with supervisors and teammates to meet production targets and continuously improve processes.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating production or manufacturing machinery, preferably extrusion equipment.
• Ability to learn and operate an extrusion machine, including startup, operation, and shutdown procedures.
• Strong commitment to safety and the ability to follow detailed safety protocols.
• Ability to perform basic quality checks and follow product specification guidelines.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to identify and handle raw materials correctly in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to operate a 60-ton propane forklift (previous forklift experience preferred).
• Demonstrated use of common sense and sound judgment, especially related to safety and equipment operation.
• Manufacturing or production experience, strongly preferred.
• Consistent, reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts and remain focused and productive throughout the shift.
• Willingness to work a rotating schedule that includes nights and weekends.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience as an extrusion operator or machine operator in a manufacturing setting.
• Prior forklift operating experience in a warehouse or production environment.
• Familiarity with packaging processes and material handling in a production facility.
• Experience working 12-hour shifts or rotating schedules in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven record of strong attitude, teamwork, and dependable attendance.
• Openness to training and certification on forklifts and other production equipment.

Why Work Here?

You join a growing manufacturing operation that offers a predictable rotating schedule with a three-day weekend every other weekend, supporting work-life balance. The company provides clear opportunities for advancement, with regular pay increases based on performance and tenure and no fixed maximum pay rate. You benefit from a stable, team-focused environment where safety, development, and long-term growth are valued, and where employees can build a lasting career in production operations.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility operating extrusion equipment and related production machinery. The position follows a 12-hour night shift schedule from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., with initial training typically on day shift from 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You work a rotating pattern of 36 hours one week (Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday) and 48 hours the next week (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday), followed by the same two-week rotation, which provides a three-day weekend every other weekend. Each shift generally includes 10 hours of regular time and 2 hours of overtime. You operate a 60-ton propane forklift and work around extrusion machines, packaging equipment, and material handling systems in an industrial setting. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with an emphasis on safety, teamwork, and consistent attendance. Appropriate industrial work attire and personal protective equipment are required to perform the job safely.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Exeter, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $19.50/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Exeter,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 4, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.