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Wet End Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wet Lab Technician

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

With over 35 years of experience, Sierra provides a seamless, end-to-end PCB solution--from design ... Train operators and document in a timely manner. * Inform Managers and/or engineers of any ...

Conduct pre-start inspections, in-process checks, and end-of-shift reporting. * Perform product and ... Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, wet floors, varying temperatures, and ...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Lathrop, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Lathrop, CA

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Stockton, CA

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. * The employee is occasionally ...

Forklift Operator - 2nd Shift

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee ... The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally ...

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Wet End Operator information

What is a wet end operator?

A Wet End Operator is a worker in the paper manufacturing industry responsible for overseeing the initial stages of the papermaking process, known as the 'wet end.' This involves monitoring and controlling the flow of pulp and water, ensuring the correct mixture and consistency before the paper moves to the drying stage. Wet End Operators also maintain equipment, check for proper operation, and troubleshoot issues to ensure smooth production. Their role is crucial for producing high-quality paper products.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a wet end operator?

As a Wet End Operator, your daily tasks usually involve monitoring and controlling the initial stages of the paper production process, ensuring the consistency and quality of the pulp mixture. You will operate and adjust machinery, check gauges and sensors, and perform routine inspections to prevent equipment malfunctions. Collaboration with maintenance teams and other operators is common, especially when troubleshooting issues or making process improvements. Maintaining safety standards and accurate production records is also a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wet end operator?

To thrive as a Wet End Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, machinery operation, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and quality assurance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help operators respond to issues quickly and work well in team environments. These skills ensure efficient production, maintain product quality, and uphold workplace safety in manufacturing settings.

What is the difference between Wet End Operator vs Paper Machine Operator?

AspectWet End OperatorPaper Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentPaper mill wet end section, handling pulp and chemicalsEntire paper machine, including dry end
Industry UsageSpecific to wet end processes in paper manufacturingOversees entire paper production process

The Wet End Operator focuses on the initial stages of paper production, managing pulp, chemicals, and wet processes. In contrast, the Paper Machine Operator oversees the entire machine operation, including drying and finishing. Both roles require similar credentials and work in the same industry, but their responsibilities differ based on the production stage.

Infographic showing various Wet End Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

2nd shift Quality Control Machine Operator

Connect Staffing

Placentia, CA • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Connect Staffing is hiring a Quality Control Machine Operator for a vinyl graphic design and coating manufacturer in Placentia, CA. This is a temp-to-hire 2nd shift position paying $19.50/hr. In this role, you will set up and operate a coating machine - threading material, adjusting the coating head, pump, and filters, and identifying and correcting coating defects to maintain product quality. This position includes regular overtime and offers a consistent schedule with long-term placement potential.
Pay: $19.50/hr
Schedule: Monday-Friday 2:00 PM-10:30 PM; must be available weekends
Location: Placentia, CA
Job Type: Temp-to-Hire
Primary workplace language(s): English
Work Environment: Manufacturing Plant / Factory
Responsibilities
  • Align and load material rolls onto the unwind shaft and thread material through the coating machine according to SOP.
  • Make liner and vinyl splices, including operation and adjustment of the accumulator.
  • Clean, set up, and monitor wet-end equipment including the coating head, pump, and filters.
  • Read shop orders, material part numbers, and the weekly product schedule to set up pump, tote, hose, liner, and adhesive per work order requirements.
  • Unload finished rolls from the machine and move them to the appropriate staging area using a forklift or hoist.
  • Handle hazardous waste following established safety procedures and keep the work area clean and orderly.

Minimum Requirements
  • 1+ year of quality control and machine operating experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience operating coating, laminating, or converting machinery.
  • Familiarity with wet-end coating processes, adhesive application, or vinyl/liner material handling.
  • Experience operating a forklift or hoist in a production setting.
  • Background in defect identification and corrective action within a quality control function.
  • Experience handling hazardous materials or working under OSHA safety protocols.
  • Ability to read shop orders, work orders, and basic mathematics including fractions and decimals.
  • You may be a great fit if you've held any of these titles: Machine Operator, Coating Machine Operator, Quality Control Technician, Production Operator, Manufacturing Technician, Coating Technician, Process Operator, Assembly Line Operator, Material Handler, Production Worker.

Pre-Employment Requirements
  • Must communicate effectively in English.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Steel toe boots required (employee-provided).
  • Drug screen required.
  • Background check required.
  • E-Verify / work authorization required.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay.
  • Direct deposit / Paycard.
  • Health and dental benefits available.
  • Earn referral bonuses.
  • CalSavers retirement program available.

After you apply, please check your email for a short screening questionnaire from us. Candidates who complete it promptly will be reviewed faster.
See all our current openings at jobs.connectstaffing.com
#CONHP