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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Showing 5 of 78+ Production Operator jobs
To perform activities regarding compounding, weighing, mixing, processing of materials and safe operation of equipment throughout the facility. To ensure the even flow of the properly mixed compound throughout the manufacturing process.
Responsibilities:- Check all raw materials using color perception for contamination, weigh and mix raw materials as specified on the formulations/instructions.
- Inspect scales for accuracy and operate equipment according to standard procedures.
- Visually check mixing consistency of each batch, report inconsistencies, unusual conditions, or any process changes/problems to the Production Supervisor.
- Load raw materials and oil into mixer and mix in accordance with schedule and related work instructions.
- Monitor mixing conditions and adjust bulk oil set up as needed for mixing purposes.
- Ensure mixer is clean of material buildup for changeovers to other materials.
- Keep mixer chamber clean between batches.
- Maintain clean mill and mill pan area after every batch to prevent contamination.
- Maintain efficient flow of machines to minimize production loss.
- Report any problems immediately to supervision and participate in solutions to those problems.
- Safety is a personal responsibility; verify that area and equipment are safe before proceeding with duties.
- Check all safety equipment; follow all facility safety rules and procedures; wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
- Lock-out/Tag-out procedures must be adhered to when equipment is down for repair or cleaning.
- Ability to clean tools and maintain identified tool boards while keeping workstation and surrounding area clean and organized.
- Keep equipment in safe operating condition, report problems to Maintenance department.
- Participate in training of new Associates as directed by the Supervisor.
- Perform any other project/task as assigned by Management.
- High School diploma or equivalent is desired. Successful completion of Competency Assessment may be considered in lieu of education.
- One (1) year manufacturing experience is preferred
- Ability to perform basic math (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
- Ability to read a tape measure. Good computer/systems skills - MS Office (Excel/Word/Outlook).
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 55 pounds regularly as part of daily production activities
- Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions.
- Ability to visually identify color differences in finished goods and to check material for contaminants or inconsistencies.
- Good cooperation and collaboration skills.
- Good organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
- High degree of concentration with attention to detail, high energy and self-motivated.
- Ability to manage demands and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events through organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interact well with all personality types.
- Manufacturing experience is a plus!
To perform activities regarding compounding, weighing, mixing, processing of materials and safe operation of equipment throughout the facility. To ensure the even flow of the properly mixed compound throughout the manufacturing process.
Responsibilities:- Check all raw materials using color perception for contamination, weigh and mix raw materials as specified on the formulations/instructions.
- Inspect scales for accuracy and operate equipment according to standard procedures.
- Visually check mixing consistency of each batch, report inconsistencies, unusual conditions, or any process changes/problems to the Production Supervisor.
- Load raw materials and oil into mixer and mix in accordance with schedule and related work instructions.
- Monitor mixing conditions and adjust bulk oil set up as needed for mixing purposes.
- Ensure mixer is clean of material buildup for changeovers to other materials.
- Keep mixer chamber clean between batches.
- Maintain clean mill and mill pan area after every batch to prevent contamination.
- Maintain efficient flow of machines to minimize production loss.
- Report any problems immediately to supervision and participate in solutions to those problems.
- Safety is a personal responsibility; verify that area and equipment are safe before proceeding with duties.
- Check all safety equipment; follow all facility safety rules and procedures; wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
- Lock-out/Tag-out procedures must be adhered to when equipment is down for repair or cleaning.
- Ability to clean tools and maintain identified tool boards while keeping workstation and surrounding area clean and organized.
- Keep equipment in safe operating condition, report problems to Maintenance department.
- Participate in training of new Associates as directed by the Supervisor.
- Perform any other project/task as assigned by Management.
- High School diploma or equivalent is desired. Successful completion of Competency Assessment may be considered in lieu of education.
- One (1) year manufacturing experience is preferred
- Ability to perform basic math (i.e., addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
- Ability to read a tape measure. Good computer/systems skills - MS Office (Excel/Word/Outlook).
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 55 pounds regularly as part of daily production activities
- Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to read and comprehend written instructions.
- Ability to visually identify color differences in finished goods and to check material for contaminants or inconsistencies.
- Good cooperation and collaboration skills.
- Good organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
- High degree of concentration with attention to detail, high energy and self-motivated.
- Ability to manage demands and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events through organization, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interact well with all personality types.
- Manufacturing experience is a plus!
See All 78 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
- Chemicals & Materials
- Energy
- Food & Beverage
- Technology & Software
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 Vestis, TTM Technologies, and Airgas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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?
Santa Ana, San Jose, and Newark 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 5% of production operator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 78 Production Operator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Production Operator Jobs