Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California
Manufacturing Operator jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where food and beverage processing, semiconductor fabrication, and aerospace component production drive steady hiring at every level from entry-line associates to senior process operators. Established employers with deep roots in California's manufacturing base, including Northrop Grumman, Abbott Laboratories, and Genentech, maintain ongoing operator demand across their production facilities. The most in-demand specialties are cleanroom operations, GMP-compliant pharmaceutical and biotech production, and precision machining for aerospace and defense. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 38+ Manufacturing Operator jobs
About Summit:
As North America's largest privately held printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer, we specialize in delivering high-reliability, advanced technology PCBs across diverse sectors, including defense, aerospace, and high-performance commercial markets. At Summit Interconnect, we are dedicated to excellence through innovation, collaboration, and customer service.
Our commitment to quality and growth has been recognized through several prestigious awards. We have been honored on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies for three consecutive years, reflecting our rapid revenue growth and resilience in the industry.
With a network of North American-based facilities, we continue to expand our PCB services, increase technical support, and add advanced new technology to our operations. Join our dynamic team, where your contributions matter, and professional growth is encouraged.
About the Role:
To support our growth, we are looking for Manufacturing Operators to join our team. Our operators are crucial in helping to ensure the quality of our products, efficiency of our operations, and customer satisfaction.
At Summit, a Manufacturing Operator helps make high-reliability printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electronic products. Operators work with machines, materials, chemicals, tools, and inspection equipment to complete different steps in the manufacturing process. This is a hands-on manufacturing job: operators follow work instructions, operate equipment safely, check product quality, record production information, and keep their work area clean and organized.
Manufacturing experience is preferred but not required. Training is provided for the equipment and processes used in each work area, and operators may be cross-trained to work in more than one area. Candidates coming from other hands-on industries, such as automotive, electronics, warehouse, or general assembly, are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Load and unload materials from manufacturing equipment.
- Set up and operate machines used to make printed circuit boards.
- Follow work instructions, process requirements, and production schedules.
- Monitor equipment and process conditions during production.
- Measure and inspect parts to make sure they meet requirements.
- Accurately record production, inspection, and process information.
- Handle chemicals and materials using required safety equipment.
- Move product between manufacturing steps.
- Keep equipment and work areas clean and organized using 5S standards.
- Stop the process and ask for help when equipment, materials, or product do not look correct.
- Work with other operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors.
- Follow all safety, quality, and environmental rules.
PCB manufacturing includes many different processes. Depending on your assigned area, you may work with equipment used for imaging and chemical processing (inner and outer layer processing), material preparation and lamination, CNC drilling and routing, solder mask and surface finish application, inspection and electrical test, or laboratory and process control. Training is provided for the equipment and processes used in each area.
Experience & Skills:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- 3 to 5 years manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
- Previous PCB manufacturing experience is a plus.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Basic computer, math, and measurement skills.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment and chemicals.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn new equipment and be cross-trained in different processes.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in printed circuit board (PCB) industry will be preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for long period of time.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular basis.
ITAR Compliance Notice
This position requires compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Under ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (e.g., "Green Card" holder), asylee, or refugee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Applicants who do not meet this requirement may not be eligible for employment in this position.
Summit Interconnect is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
About Summit:
As North America's largest privately held printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer, we specialize in delivering high-reliability, advanced technology PCBs across diverse sectors, including defense, aerospace, and high-performance commercial markets. At Summit Interconnect, we are dedicated to excellence through innovation, collaboration, and customer service.
Our commitment to quality and growth has been recognized through several prestigious awards. We have been honored on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies for three consecutive years, reflecting our rapid revenue growth and resilience in the industry.
With a network of North American-based facilities, we continue to expand our PCB services, increase technical support, and add advanced new technology to our operations. Join our dynamic team, where your contributions matter, and professional growth is encouraged.
About the Role:
To support our growth, we are looking for Manufacturing Operators to join our team. Our operators are crucial in helping to ensure the quality of our products, efficiency of our operations, and customer satisfaction.
At Summit, a Manufacturing Operator helps make high-reliability printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electronic products. Operators work with machines, materials, chemicals, tools, and inspection equipment to complete different steps in the manufacturing process. This is a hands-on manufacturing job: operators follow work instructions, operate equipment safely, check product quality, record production information, and keep their work area clean and organized.
Manufacturing experience is preferred but not required. Training is provided for the equipment and processes used in each work area, and operators may be cross-trained to work in more than one area. Candidates coming from other hands-on industries, such as automotive, electronics, warehouse, or general assembly, are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Load and unload materials from manufacturing equipment.
- Set up and operate machines used to make printed circuit boards.
- Follow work instructions, process requirements, and production schedules.
- Monitor equipment and process conditions during production.
- Measure and inspect parts to make sure they meet requirements.
- Accurately record production, inspection, and process information.
- Handle chemicals and materials using required safety equipment.
- Move product between manufacturing steps.
- Keep equipment and work areas clean and organized using 5S standards.
- Stop the process and ask for help when equipment, materials, or product do not look correct.
- Work with other operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors.
- Follow all safety, quality, and environmental rules.
PCB manufacturing includes many different processes. Depending on your assigned area, you may work with equipment used for imaging and chemical processing (inner and outer layer processing), material preparation and lamination, CNC drilling and routing, solder mask and surface finish application, inspection and electrical test, or laboratory and process control. Training is provided for the equipment and processes used in each area.
Experience & Skills:
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- 3 to 5 years manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
- Previous PCB manufacturing experience is a plus.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Basic computer, math, and measurement skills.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Ability to work safely around manufacturing equipment and chemicals.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn new equipment and be cross-trained in different processes.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in printed circuit board (PCB) industry will be preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to sit and/or stand for long period of time.
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. on a regular basis.
ITAR Compliance Notice
This position requires compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Under ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (e.g., "Green Card" holder), asylee, or refugee as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Applicants who do not meet this requirement may not be eligible for employment in this position.
Summit Interconnect is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is valued and respected. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
See All 38 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
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
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
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in regulated production environments
- Ability to read and interpret standard operating procedures, work orders, and schematics
- Experience operating and monitoring automated production or assembly line equipment
- Physical capability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and use PPE
- Basic quality control knowledge including inspection methods and defect documentation
Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing operator in California?
Most California manufacturing operator roles require a high school diploma or GED plus on-the-job training provided by the employer. For positions in regulated industries, completing courses in GMP or earning a certificate from a California community college manufacturing or industrial technology program strengthens a candidacy significantly. Biotech and pharmaceutical employers often prefer candidates who have completed California-based workforce programs or hold a Certified Production Technician credential through the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.
Which companies hire manufacturing operators in California?
California manufacturing operator roles are posted by Viant Medical, Summit Interconnect, and Cordis and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of aerospace, pharmaceutical, and food processing facilities means hiring is distributed across both large multinationals and regional contract manufacturers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most manufacturing operator jobs?
Irvine, Upland, and Santa Ana account for the largest share of manufacturing operator openings in California. Los Angeles and the surrounding Inland Empire anchor much of the demand through aerospace and food production facilities, while the Bay Area drives biotech and semiconductor operator hiring, and San Diego supports a dense cluster of life sciences and defense manufacturers.
Are there remote manufacturing operator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing operator work is almost entirely hands-on and tied to a physical production floor, so fully remote roles are the exception. About 40% of manufacturing operator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions typically cover administrative, quality documentation, or process coordination functions rather than direct production line work.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing operator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly for production associate or line technician roles, which large California employers such as Abbott, Genentech, and defense contractors routinely post as positions that include paid on-the-job training. Community colleges throughout California, including those in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, offer short-term certificates in manufacturing technology that signal readiness to hiring managers. Temporary staffing agencies specializing in industrial placement are also a practical bridge into permanent operator roles at major facilities.
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. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 38 Manufacturing Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Operator Jobs