Production Operator Jobs in California
Production Operator jobs in California concentrate in food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, semiconductor fabrication, and aerospace and defense, with demand at every level from entry-line operators to senior process technicians. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where established employers like Genentech, Abbott Laboratories, and Northrop Grumman maintain large California operations. The most in-demand specialties are GMP-compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing, cleanroom semiconductor operations, and food processing line operations. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Production Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 77+ Production Operator jobs
Description
Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.
What You’ll Do
- Works on assignments that are semi routine in nature but recognizes the need for occasional deviation.
- Normally follows established procedures on routine work; requires instructions only on new assignments.
- Must display the ability to read, understand and follow test process instructions (TPIs)
- Must be available for OT and weekend work as required in addition to minimum 40 hr./wk
What You’ll Bring
- 2+ years manufacturing electronic test technician experience
- Responsible for performing production and field service returns testing and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated detailed root cause analysis troubleshooting skills.
- The ability to evaluate and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical instruments.
- This position requires skills for general assembly and disassembly of electronic equipment using basic hand tools.
- Requires the ability to interpret schematics and drawings, perform modifications and accomplish rework to new and used sub-assemblies and systems.
Why Join Us?
At Sanmina, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $39,076 - $48,000 and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Sanmina employees also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Sanmina, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157 or asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.
Description
Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a global powerhouse in integrated manufacturing solutions serving the fastest growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. We are a global engine providing the end-to-end manufacturing backbone for the world's most essential and innovative brands. Whether it's autonomous vehicles, life-saving medical tech, next-gen aerospace, or AI/cloud infrastructure - our integrated solutions don’t just meet standards—they redefine them.
What You’ll Do
- Works on assignments that are semi routine in nature but recognizes the need for occasional deviation.
- Normally follows established procedures on routine work; requires instructions only on new assignments.
- Must display the ability to read, understand and follow test process instructions (TPIs)
- Must be available for OT and weekend work as required in addition to minimum 40 hr./wk
What You’ll Bring
- 2+ years manufacturing electronic test technician experience
- Responsible for performing production and field service returns testing and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated detailed root cause analysis troubleshooting skills.
- The ability to evaluate and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical instruments.
- This position requires skills for general assembly and disassembly of electronic equipment using basic hand tools.
- Requires the ability to interpret schematics and drawings, perform modifications and accomplish rework to new and used sub-assemblies and systems.
Why Join Us?
At Sanmina, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $39,076 - $48,000 and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Sanmina employees also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Sanmina, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Sanmina provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Please be aware that this position may require access to technology, software, or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws. All offers of employment are contingent on the applicant either 1) being a "U.S. Person," defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident, or (iii) other protected individual, such as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157 or asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158; or 2) being eligible to obtain a timely export control license or license exception from the applicable U.S. federal agency.
See All 77 Production Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Production Operator JobsProduction Operator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Production Operator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Chemicals & Materials
- Mining & Natural Resources
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in production operator jobs across California.
- High school diploma or GED required by most California production facilities
- Prior manufacturing or assembly line experience in a regulated California industry
- Familiarity with GMP, ISO, or FDA standards common in California pharmaceutical and food plants
- Ability to operate and monitor automated production equipment and perform quality checks
- Forklift certification or willingness to obtain one required at many California distribution facilities
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds on the production floor
Production Operator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a production operator in California?
Most California production operator roles require a high school diploma or equivalent, with employers in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing providing on-the-job training aligned with FDA and GMP standards. No statewide license is required for the general role, but operators working in cannabis manufacturing must hold a California Department of Cannabis Control handler card. Community colleges across California, including those in the Los Angeles and Bay Area systems, offer manufacturing technology certificates that strengthen your application.
Which companies hire production operators in California?
Employers hiring production operators in California right now include Airgas, Unigen, and TTM Technologies, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of pharmaceutical, aerospace, and food and beverage manufacturers means hiring is ongoing across both large multinational facilities and regional production plants.
Which California cities have the most production operator jobs?
Irvine, Newark, and San Jose have the most production operator openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its aerospace, food processing, and garment manufacturing base, the Bay Area draws heavily from pharmaceutical and semiconductor employers, and San Diego's concentration of biotech and defense contractors drives steady demand in that market.
Are there remote production operator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Production operator work is inherently hands-on, requiring physical presence on the manufacturing floor to operate equipment, monitor processes, and perform quality checks. About 0% of production operator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve process monitoring, documentation, or quality assurance tasks that can be handled off-site.
How can I get hired as a production operator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to temporary-to-permanent production roles through staffing agencies that place workers in California food, pharmaceutical, and electronics facilities. Large California employers like Procter and Gamble, Abbott, and contract manufacturers in the Inland Empire and Silicon Valley run structured on-the-job training programs for entry-level hires with no prior experience. Earning a forklift certification through a California community college or a GMP awareness certificate gives candidates a clear edge and signals readiness for regulated production environments.
Where can I find and apply to production operator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to production operator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from California employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 77 Production Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Production Operator Jobs