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

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 ...

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Machine Operator - 1st Shift Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour Schedule: * 1st Shift: Tuesday-Friday * 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM Employment Type: * Temp-to-Hire Opportunity * Eligible for hire after completion of ...

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 Jun 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Shift Machine Operator, and why are they important?

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 does a typical day look like for a 1st Shift Machine Operator, and how does the role interact with other departments?

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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 17% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,435 per year, or $18 per hour.

1st Shift Machine Operator

Seaway

Vadnais Heights, MN • On-site

$17.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

We're looking for a reliable, detail-oriented team member to join our manufacturing team as Machine Operator I. 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 closely with your teammates to keep production running smoothly while learning valuable skills in a manufacturing environment.
Hours: 6:45am - 3:15pm
Pay: $17.25/hr - $18.00/hr
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Produce products within customer specifications per work instructions posted at each work cell.
  • Run each job efficiently, with the aim of high quality and low waste, per MME Group production goals.
  • Package product in accordance with the part-packing plan.
  • Visually or dimensionally inspect parts as prescribed by the quality standards.
  • Notify supervisor of any product defects or issues with equipment.
  • Verify and ensure box labels, box quantities, etc. are accurate according to work instructions.
  • Complete production documentation and reporting requirements.
  • Maintain and promote a safe and clean working environment.
  • Keep machines and work areas in a near, clean, and orderly condition, and free of hazards.
  • Demonstrate MME Group's core values (We Are Customer Focused, We Execute, We Are Respectful, We Win Together)

Qualifications and Skill Requirements:
  • High School or GED required.
  • Valid identification and the ability to legally work in the United States.
  • Previous experience in manufacturing or plastic injection molding preferred.
  • Previous experience working in a clean room preferred.
  • Ability to read and comprehend production instructions, policy manuals, safety instructions, etc.
  • Ability to perform basic mathematical computations (examples: add, subtract, and divide in all unit of measure, using whole numbers and decimals)
  • Ability to occasionally lift 30lbs unaided.
  • Ability to stand, bend, and stoop.
  • Ability to work and communicate in a team environment.
  • Walking and stair climbing may be required in the office/shop areas.

Benefits Include:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k with employer match
  • STD/LTD
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Gym Reimbursement

For California Residents
We may collect the following categories of personal information in connection with the submission of your resume or application materials to us for employment, and if hired, your employment with us: identifiers (e.g., name, address, email address, birthdate); personal records (e.g., telephone number, signature, education information, criminal background information, passport number and visa information); consumer characteristics (e.g., sex, marital status, veteran status, race, disability, sexual orientation); professional or employment information (e.g., resume, cover letter, employment history, background check forms, references, certifications, transcripts and languages spoken); and inferences from personal information collected (e.g., a profile reflecting abilities and aptitudes).
The above categories of personal information are collected for the following business purposes: performing recruitment and hiring services; processing interactions and transactions (e.g., to comply with federal and state laws requiring us to maintain certain records, managing the workforce); and security (e.g., detecting security incidents, protecting against fraudulent or illegal activity).
For additional details and questions, contact us at hr@seawayplastics.com