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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

1st Shift Machine Operator

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Basic computer, tablet, or production data-entry skills Language Skills For 1st Shift Machine Operators, bilingual Spanish/English capability is strongly preferred and will be especially valuable ...

New

In this hands-on role, you'll help produce plastic parts by operating molding machines, removing and trimming parts, performing basic quality checks, and completing simple assembly tasks. You'll work ...

In this hands-on role, you'll help produce plastic parts by operating molding machines, removing and trimming parts, performing basic quality checks, and completing simple assembly tasks. You'll work ...

Must clean and organize work area throughout shift and at the end of shift. * Must be able to ... This is a safety sensitive position due to handling heavy material and operating forklifts. This ...

Must clean and organize work area throughout shift and at the end of shift. * Must be able to ... This is a safety sensitive position due to handling heavy material and operating forklifts. This ...

Must clean and organize work area throughout shift and at the end of shift. * Must be able to ... This is a safety sensitive position due to handling heavy material and operating forklifts. This ...

Machine Operator * Pay Rate Range: $17.00-$21.00/hr * Location: Delano, MN * Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Thursday 6AM-3:30PM, & Friday 6AM-10AM. * Overtime is mandatory when required, schedules may ...

2nd Shift Machine Operator

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Follow established operating procedures and standardized work * Complete required equipment checks at startup and throughout the shift * Monitor machine and line performance against established ...

New

Prinsco in Prinsburg has an opening for an entry level Machine Operator. This position is for 1st shift and starts at $18.25, offering a full benefit package including medical, dental, vision and ...

Prinsco in Prinsburg has an opening for an entry level Machine Operator. This position is for 1st shift and starts at $18.25, offering a full benefit package including medical, dental, vision and ...

Machine Operator

Albert Lea, MN · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a 3rd shift Machine Operator, you will be part of the manufacturing department supporting the production line. The ideal candidate will demonstrate reliability, a positive attitude, and the ...

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Machine Operator to support the production of electrical ... This position will remain open until filled Work Schedule * 1st Shift | 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM Benefits

Position Summary As a Machine Operator, you will play a key role in producing Valley Craft's metal ... Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs Hours 1st Shift: Monday-Thursday 5:00 am - 3:30 pm (5:30 pm ...

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do 1st shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Minnesota is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st Shift Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery during the first shift of the workday, typically starting in the early morning and ending in the afternoon. Their duties include setting up machines, monitoring production processes, conducting quality checks, and performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting tasks. This role is common in manufacturing, production, and warehouse environments, and requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.

What does a 1st shift machine operator do?

As a 1st Shift Machine Operator, your day typically starts early in the morning and involves setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery to ensure efficient production runs. You'll be responsible for maintaining quality standards, troubleshooting minor equipment issues, and completing production reports. Collaboration is common—you'll frequently communicate with supervisors, maintenance teams, and quality assurance staff to address issues and meet production goals. This teamwork is essential for keeping the workflow smooth and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a 1st shift machine operator?

To thrive as a 1st Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, basic computer skills, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel and maintain a safe, efficient work environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing downtime, ensuring product quality, and supporting overall plant productivity.

What is the difference between 1St Shift Machine Operator vs 2Nd Shift Machine Operator?

Aspect1St Shift Machine Operator2Nd Shift Machine Operator
Work HoursTypically 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMUsually 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
CertificationsRequires basic machine operation certificationsSame certifications as 1st shift
Work EnvironmentDaytime production floorEvening/night shift on the same production floor
Employer UsageCommonly advertised for day shifts in manufacturingOften sought for night shift roles in factories

The main difference between a 1St Shift Machine Operator and a 2Nd Shift Machine Operator lies in their working hours. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but they operate during different shifts. Employers often seek these roles based on shift timing preferences, with 1st shift covering daytime hours and 2nd shift handling evening or night hours.

What are normal 1st shift hours for a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st shift machine operator typically works during regular daytime hours, commonly from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours may vary slightly depending on the company but generally align with standard daytime shifts in manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,435 per year, or $18 per hour.

1st Shift Machine Operator

Plymouth, MN • On-site


Taher, Inc.
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 68 rated caterers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Recommended by parents


$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

About the Opportunity
Our Plymouth manufacturing facility is growing, and we are looking for dependable, energetic Machine Operators who want to be part of a fast-paced production environment focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and measurable results.
As production continues to ramp up, our Machine Operators will play an important role in helping us build reliable processes, reduce downtime, improve output, and consistently produce quality products.
We are looking for individuals who don't simply operate equipment--they pay attention to how the line is performing, recognize problems early, and take pride in achieving production goals.
What You'll Do
Machine Operators are responsible for safely and effectively operating assigned production equipment while monitoring performance, quality, and production results.
Responsibilities include:
  • Set up, operate, monitor, and adjust production equipment
  • Follow established operating procedures and standardized work
  • Complete required equipment checks at startup and throughout the shift
  • Monitor machine and line performance against established production goals
  • Track or communicate key operational measurements such as:
    • Production output
    • Run rates
    • Downtime
    • Waste
    • Quality defects
    • Yield
    • Efficiency
  • Recognize when equipment or production performance is outside expected standards
  • Make appropriate adjustments within established operating parameters
  • Escalate maintenance, quality, or production concerns promptly
  • Complete changeovers and product transitions as assigned
  • Perform basic troubleshooting and identify potential equipment problems
  • Complete required production and quality documentation accurately
  • Support line employees and work collaboratively with Line Leads and production leadership
  • Follow food safety, quality, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements
  • Participate in training using standardized work, Job Instruction, TWI, or similar methods
  • Help maintain a clean, safe, organized production environment
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities designed to reduce downtime, waste, and production variation
  • Communicate clearly during shift handoffs to ensure continuity between production teams

What We're Looking For
Strong candidates will have:
  • Previous experience operating manufacturing, packaging, food production, or industrial equipment preferred
  • Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to follow standardized processes and operating instructions
  • Comfort working with production goals, measurements, and performance expectations
  • Ability to recognize when something does not look, sound, or perform correctly
  • Strong reliability and attendance
  • A positive, team-oriented approach
  • Ability to work effectively in a changing and growing manufacturing environment
  • Ability to communicate concerns and ask questions when additional support is needed
  • Basic computer, tablet, or production data-entry skills

Language Skills
For 1st Shift Machine Operators, bilingual Spanish/English capability is strongly preferred and will be especially valuable when working with production teams, supporting training, and communicating operational expectations.
The Person Who Will Thrive Here
You'll likely enjoy this role if you:
  • Like working with equipment and understanding how things work
  • Take pride in hitting production goals
  • Pay attention to details others sometimes miss
  • Want to know the numbers behind how your machine or line is performing
  • Enjoy troubleshooting and solving problems
  • Stay positive when production priorities change
  • Understand the importance of consistency and standardized work
  • Want to be part of a growing operation where your ideas and performance can make a visible difference

Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to join a manufacturing operation during an important period of growth. We are building production capacity, strengthening our processes, and developing teams that are focused on safety, quality, accountability, and measurable performance.
If you enjoy working with equipment, solving problems, and seeing the results of your work every day, we'd like to hear from you.
  • Previous experience operating manufacturing, packaging, food production, or industrial equipment preferred
  • Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to follow standardized processes and operating instructions
  • Ability to work effectively in a changing and growing manufacturing environment
  • Ability to communicate concerns and ask questions when additional support is needed
  • Basic computer, tablet, or production data-entry skills
  • Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred

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