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.
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Summary/Objective
This position is responsible for all tasks involved in the production of cream cheese. The goal of a production operator is to use equipment to assist with manufacturing, packaging, and other steps along in the production environment. This position follows standard work methods and practices safe work habits to ensure production is as efficient and safe as possible.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Assemble Parts for production in 8oz/3lb/30lb filler rooms;
- Ensure filler parts are properly washed and sanitize before installation;
- Print orders and insure correct codes are applied and lab verification;
- Ensure accurate weights being packaged;
- Insert work orders in SAP system for code dates;
- Check and change labels and materials to satisfy customer request;
- Track batches, dates of materials been used including lot numbers;
- Set up palletizing system and robot packers for production;
- Quality check individual units prior to packaging, insure metal detector is functioning properly, all required documents are filled out with accuracy;
- Insure x-ray machines are functioning properly and on proper settings;
- Perform general housekeeping as required (sweep warehouse, scrub floor, stack cardboard, empty trash, blow down box makers, clean Fanuc robots, etc.);
- Maintain parts sink with proper iodine solution throughout the shift;
- Run 3 lb. filler / ensure hopper is properly placed and capped;
- Run 30 lb./Cap fillers;
- Run 8 oz. filler / ensure hopper is properly placed and capped;
- Contribute to the team effort to assure quality, consistency, efficiency, and reduce loss, etc.;
- Safely operate a forklift;
- Perform repetitive tasks efficiently;
- Perform Sanitation tasks, cleaning fillers and associated lines occasionally;
- Ensure all PPE is worn properly.
Competencies
- Job Knowledge
- Quality of Work
- Job Safety
- Cost Control
- Teamwork & Leadership
- Inclusion& Communication
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a manufacturing environment with the following conditions:
- Exposure to hot or cold climate frequently;
- Exposure to chemical occasionally;
- Exposure to noise and vibration frequently;
- Exposure to wet and humid conditions occasionally.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties on the job, the physical demands are:
- Stand – continuously;
- Stoop/Bend – frequently;
- Squat – occasionally;
- Crawl – never;
- Climb Stairs or ladders – frequently;
- Reach – chest level, above or below – frequently;
- Push - 300 lbs. occasionally;
- Pull - 300 lbs. occasionally;
- Lift/carry- 50 lbs. frequently.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours vary depending on the shift and department. Overtime and weekend work is required at times. Vacation coverage as needed.
2nd shift -2pm to 10:30pm
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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
- Food & Beverage
- Medical Devices
- Mining & Natural Resources
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
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 Niagara Bottling, Unigen, and Vestis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Newark, San Jose, and Santa Cruz 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 August 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 52 Production Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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