This study examines the determinants of job satisfaction in Sichuan’s microchip manufacturing industry, focusing on the roles of social interactions, organizational perception, perturbing factors, and the mediating effects of environmental factors. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 457 employees through an online questionnaire, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed for data analysis. The results reveal that social interactions (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and organizational perception (β = 0.45, p < 0.001) positively influence job satisfaction, while perturbing factors, such as stress and role ambiguity, negatively affect it (β = − 0.29, p < 0.001). Environmental factors significantly mediate these relationships, amplifying the positive effects of social interactions and organizational perception while buffering the negative impact of workplace stressors. The study extends Herzberg’s two-factor theory by demonstrating the dynamic role of environmental factors as mediators, challenging their traditional classification as passive hygiene factors. Moreover, the findings contextualize Western-based job satisfaction models within China’s collectivist culture, where group harmony and hierarchical support play critical roles in shaping employee satisfaction. Practical recommendations aligned with Chinese national policies, such as the Healthy China 2030 Plan and the Labor Law, include implementing team-building initiatives, transparent organizational processes, stress management programs, and ergonomic workspace designs. These strategies aim to enhance job satisfaction, reduce workplace stress, and align organizational practices with national objectives for workforce well-being. Future research should explore demographic variations and apply the framework to other industries and cultural contexts to validate its broader applicability.