Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California
Manufacturing Operator jobs in California are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in aerospace and defense manufacturing, food and beverage processing, semiconductor fabrication, and medical device production, with openings ranging from entry-level production associates through senior process operators. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Abbott Laboratories, and Intel maintain large California operations. The most sought-after specialties in the state are cleanroom operations, CNC machine operation, and pharmaceutical packaging. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Manufacturing Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 168+ Manufacturing Operator jobs
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed
- Cold Room/Freezers -22 degrees F/-6 degrees C
- Fluctuating Temps hot/cold
- Laboratory Setting
- Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery)
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
- Standing for full shift
- Warehouse
- Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
Compensation: $18.30 - $24.40
Shift: 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM, Monday Through Friday
- Must be flexible to support overtime, weekend and swing shifts hours (4 PM-4 AM) as production demand requires.
- May require training for 6 months that is conducted from 6:00 AM - 2:45 PM (Mon - Fri)
Location/Division Specific Information:
This position is based at the Fremont, CA site within the Niche Diagnostics Division (NDX).
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
How Will You Make an Impact?
The Operator II position will interact and work closely with peers, senior operators, production leads and managers within Manufacturing Services department to support production demand and ensure achievement of company goals following the 4i values.
A Day in the Life:
- Read work orders, verify materials, and set up the production line with correct quantities and components per manufacturing SOPs
- Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment (fille/labeler), printers, and conveyors to maintain efficient workflow
- Manufacture and/or test complex products while completing required documentation and performing quality inspections throughout the process
- Fill, seal, label and organize products, including handling special arrangements as needed
- Perform line clearance, including reconciliation and disposal of materials for each job
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, glassware to maintain a safe and compliant environment
- Follow direction from production lead/management and collaborate with team members to complete assigned tasks, resolve issues, and keep production running smoothly
- Follow ISO/cGMP/GDP and Quality System Regulation to ensure all documentation is complete, workspace is organized, and key updates are communicated at the end of each shift
- Support process improvements, equipment validation, and Lean/PPI initiatives while working with cross-functional teams
- Perform other assigned duties as required
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience:
- Required: Minimum of 1 year of direct work experience in a manufacturing, operations, production, lab setting
- Preferred: Direct experience in a cGMP environment, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and Good Warehouse Practices
- Preferred: Direct machine operation experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Comfortable using MRP systems, electronic document systems, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong attention to detail with batch records, SOPs, inventory transaction
- Clear communicator across peers, and management
- Ability to understand and adapt to changes in production priorities and schedules
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based environment
- Ability to read/write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; and carry out manufacturing instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Knowledge of significant figure required
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and respond effectively to changing priorities and deadlines
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
- Able to lift up to 40 lbs. without assistance
- May work in cold environments (as low as -20C) and around loud-noise equipment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel-toe shoes, lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection required
- Controlled Substance Handling: This role involves handling, management, and oversight of controlled substances (Schedules I–V) in accordance with DEA, FDA, and Thermo Fisher guidelines
- Exposure to Controlled Substances: Proper safety protocols and protective measures must be strictly followed
- Safety Protocols: Adherence to all safety procedures is mandatory to ensure a safe working environment
What We Offer
Compensation
- Competitive Hourly Pay Rate
- Additional shift differential for 2nd shift and 3rd shift positions
- Annual performance-based bonus
- Annual merit performance-based increase
Excellent Benefits
- Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits-effective Day 1
- Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Career Advancement Opportunities
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in California is $18.30–$27.45. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed
- Cold Room/Freezers -22 degrees F/-6 degrees C
- Fluctuating Temps hot/cold
- Laboratory Setting
- Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery)
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
- Standing for full shift
- Warehouse
- Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
Compensation: $18.30 - $24.40
Shift: 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM, Monday Through Friday
- Must be flexible to support overtime, weekend and swing shifts hours (4 PM-4 AM) as production demand requires.
- May require training for 6 months that is conducted from 6:00 AM - 2:45 PM (Mon - Fri)
Location/Division Specific Information:
This position is based at the Fremont, CA site within the Niche Diagnostics Division (NDX).
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world’s toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
How Will You Make an Impact?
The Operator II position will interact and work closely with peers, senior operators, production leads and managers within Manufacturing Services department to support production demand and ensure achievement of company goals following the 4i values.
A Day in the Life:
- Read work orders, verify materials, and set up the production line with correct quantities and components per manufacturing SOPs
- Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment (fille/labeler), printers, and conveyors to maintain efficient workflow
- Manufacture and/or test complex products while completing required documentation and performing quality inspections throughout the process
- Fill, seal, label and organize products, including handling special arrangements as needed
- Perform line clearance, including reconciliation and disposal of materials for each job
- Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, glassware to maintain a safe and compliant environment
- Follow direction from production lead/management and collaborate with team members to complete assigned tasks, resolve issues, and keep production running smoothly
- Follow ISO/cGMP/GDP and Quality System Regulation to ensure all documentation is complete, workspace is organized, and key updates are communicated at the end of each shift
- Support process improvements, equipment validation, and Lean/PPI initiatives while working with cross-functional teams
- Perform other assigned duties as required
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience:
- Required: Minimum of 1 year of direct work experience in a manufacturing, operations, production, lab setting
- Preferred: Direct experience in a cGMP environment, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and Good Warehouse Practices
- Preferred: Direct machine operation experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Comfortable using MRP systems, electronic document systems, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong attention to detail with batch records, SOPs, inventory transaction
- Clear communicator across peers, and management
- Ability to understand and adapt to changes in production priorities and schedules
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-based environment
- Ability to read/write English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; and carry out manufacturing instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Knowledge of significant figure required
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and respond effectively to changing priorities and deadlines
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
- Able to lift up to 40 lbs. without assistance
- May work in cold environments (as low as -20C) and around loud-noise equipment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as steel-toe shoes, lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection required
- Controlled Substance Handling: This role involves handling, management, and oversight of controlled substances (Schedules I–V) in accordance with DEA, FDA, and Thermo Fisher guidelines
- Exposure to Controlled Substances: Proper safety protocols and protective measures must be strictly followed
- Safety Protocols: Adherence to all safety procedures is mandatory to ensure a safe working environment
What We Offer
Compensation
- Competitive Hourly Pay Rate
- Additional shift differential for 2nd shift and 3rd shift positions
- Annual performance-based bonus
- Annual merit performance-based increase
Excellent Benefits
- Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits-effective Day 1
- Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Career Advancement Opportunities
Compensation and Benefits
The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in California is $18.30–$27.45. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
See All 168+ Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Operator JobsManufacturing Operator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Operator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Jobot9
- Joby Aviation8
- Niagara Bottling7
- Saint-Gobain5
- Sanmina5
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing34
- Food & Beverage21
- Chemicals & Materials20
- Aerospace & Defense14
- Electronics & Hardware14
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing operator jobs across California.
- High school diploma or GED required by most California manufacturing employers
- Prior experience operating production line equipment or automated machinery preferred
- Ability to read work orders, blueprints, and standard operating procedures accurately
- Familiarity with GMP, ISO, or FDA quality standards common in California facilities
- Physical ability to stand for full shifts and lift up to 50 pounds consistently
- Basic computer skills for entering production data into manufacturing execution systems
Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operator in California?
Most manufacturing operator roles in California require a high school diploma or equivalent, with employers providing on-the-job training for specific equipment and processes. Completing a community college certificate in manufacturing technology or industrial operations strengthens your candidacy, and many California community colleges offer these programs through their workforce development divisions. For roles in pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing, familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practice standards is frequently expected before hiring.
Which companies hire manufacturing operators in California?
Employers hiring manufacturing operators in California right now include Jobot, Joby Aviation, and Niagara Bottling, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's mix of aerospace, biotech, semiconductor, and food production industries means hiring is spread across both major metros and inland manufacturing corridors like the Inland Empire and Sacramento Valley.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing operator jobs?
San Jose, San Diego, and Stockton have the most manufacturing operator openings in California. Los Angeles anchors the list through its aerospace, food processing, and apparel manufacturing base, while San Jose and San Diego openings reflect the Bay Area's semiconductor and biotech industries and San Diego's concentration of defense contractors and life sciences companies.
Are there remote manufacturing operator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing operator work is fundamentally hands-on and tied to physical production lines, cleanrooms, and equipment that can't be operated remotely. About 0% of manufacturing operator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those listings typically cover quality documentation, production scheduling, or process coordination tasks rather than floor operations.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to production associate or general labor roles, which large California manufacturers such as food processors in the Central Valley and electronics assemblers in the Inland Empire regularly hire for without requiring prior manufacturing experience. Completing a short certificate in manufacturing or industrial technology at a California community college and earning a forklift operator certification both give candidates a concrete edge during screening.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing operator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to manufacturing operator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metro areas. Search the available roles, find ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 168+ Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Operator Jobs