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Machine Operator
Career Insights for Manufacturing Machine Operator (General)
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Manufacturing Machine Operator operates machinery used in a manufacturing facility, including a range of machines used for the production or transport of goods.
$41,136 / year median in California
+6% projected growth
Job Description
- Job Title: Food Production Machine Operator
- Job Description
- The Food Production Machine Operator plays a key role in operating and monitoring bakery production and packaging equipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
This position supports efficient production of baked goods by following detailed product specifications for weights, settings, packaging, speeds, labels, and ingredients. The role focuses on maintaining safety, quality, and consistency while working closely with production team members to meet daily output goals.
- Responsibilities
- + Operate, monitor, and adjust bakery production and packaging equipment to maintain consistent output and product quality.
+ Follow all safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and quality policies and procedures during every stage of production.
+ Ensure all product specifications are met, including correct weights, labeling, packaging accuracy, and product appearance.
+ Perform routine quality checks on finished products and document findings as required.
+ Troubleshoot minor machine issues, make basic adjustments, and promptly escalate major concerns to supervisors or maintenance.
+ Maintain clean, sanitary, and organized work areas during and after production runs in accordance with food safety standards.
+ Assist with material handling, including staging ingredients, loading materials, and supporting packaging and line operations as needed.
+ Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members to resolve production challenges and maintain line efficiency.
+ Participate in cross-training on multiple machines and processes to support flexible team operations and coverage across lines.
+ Perform routine safety checks on equipment and work areas and actively promote a safe work environment.
+ Follow FIFO (First In, First Out) practices and support accurate production logs, batch documentation, and related paperwork.
+ Support machine setup, calibration, and changeovers between products or batches under guidance or established procedures.
+ Assist with operation of conveyor systems, mixers, fillers, ovens, and packaging equipment as assigned.
+ Contribute to preventative maintenance procedures by identifying potential issues and supporting scheduled maintenance activities.
- Essential Skills
- + High School Diploma or GED.
+ Minimum 6 months to 1 year of production or manufacturing experience preferred.
+ Experience operating machinery in a production or manufacturing environment.
+ Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
+ Ability to read and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), production orders, and product specifications.
+ Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, or sanitation practices preferred.
+ Strong attention to detail with a consistent focus on product quality and accuracy.
+ Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
+ Comfort performing repetitive tasks such as bending, stooping, and reaching throughout the shift.
+ Ability to stand for 8-12 hours per shift and lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds consistently.
+ Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with varying temperatures and strong bakery odors.
+ Commitment to following PPE requirements and safety protocols at all times.
- Additional Skills & Qualifications
- + Previous experience in food manufacturing, bakery, or beverage production environments is preferred.
+ Experience working in production environments involving chemicals, batching, or blending processes is a plus.
+ Familiarity with food safety standards such as GMP and HACCP, as well as sanitation protocols.
+ Experience operating or assisting with production equipment such as mixers, ovens, fillers, conveyor systems, and packaging machines.
+ Exposure to high-volume, fast-paced production settings with strict quality and documentation standards.
+ Experience with material handling, batching, or ingredient preparation in a regulated environment.
+ Basic understanding of preventative maintenance procedures, changeovers, machine setup, and calibration.
+ Experience working with production logs, batch documentation, and quality assurance processes.
+ Knowledge of FIFO practices and adherence to food safety and quality assurance standards.
+ Comfort working in environments requiring consistent use of PPE and strict compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
+ Strong teamwork, communication, and reliability in a production setting.
+ Willingness to cross-train and learn multiple production processes and pieces of equipment.
- Why Work Here?
- Employees benefit from a competitive benefits package and a stable, long-term opportunity with a strong focus on retention and growth.
The organization offers clear paths for advancement into higher-level operator roles, supported by training and development. Team members enjoy consistent scheduling with available overtime opportunities, as well as a collaborative, team-oriented environment that prioritizes safety and quality. This role provides valuable hands-on manufacturing experience in a well-established food production setting, offering both career development and job stability.
- Work Environment
- This role is based in a fast-paced food manufacturing facility producing baked goods such as donuts, pastries, and muffins.
The environment includes continuous machine operation on production lines and requires close collaboration with team members to meet daily production targets. The production floor can be hot and loud due to ovens and machinery, with strong bakery-related odors throughout the area. Certain processes may take place in cooler or refrigerated spaces, depending on the product and production stage. Employees must follow strict GMP and food safety standards at all times and are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hairnets, gloves, non-slip footwear, and a red hard hat. Cleanliness and sanitation are critical, and team members must maintain an organized, hygienic workspace throughout each shift while adhering to all safety and compliance requirements.
- Job Type & Location
- This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sacramento, CA.
- Pay and Benefits
- The pay range for this position is $21.
00 - $21.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
- Workplace Type
- This is a fully onsite position in Sacramento,CA.
- Application Deadline
- This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.
- About Aerotek
- Aerotek® Inc.
provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
- Massachusetts Lie Detector:
- It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates.
AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) Plans
- Other Retirement and Savings