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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Beaver Dam, WI

Shift Hours: 1st Shift Monday - Thursday 5:00AM - 3:30PM Pay Rate: Machine Operator I: $21.75/hour Machine Operator II: $24.25/hour Machine Operator III: $26.25/hour The Machine Operator is ...

Machine Operator Level 2

Beaver Dam, WI · On-site

$22.70 - $24.20/hr

Starting at $22.70 1st shift -$24.20 2nd shift Hours: Full-Time | 1st, 2nd Shift: 6am-2pm, 2pm 10pm Are you an experienced Machine Operator looking for stability, growth, and a company that values ...

Machine Operator Level 2

Beaver Dam, WI · On-site

$22.70 - $24.20/hr

Starting at $22.70 1st shift -$24.20 2nd shift Hours: Full-Time | 1st, 2nd Shift: 6am-2pm, 2pm 10pm Are you an experienced Machine Operator looking for stability, growth, and a company that values ...

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Beaver Dam, WI salary details

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Beaver Dam, WI is $18.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.42 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 Beaver Dam, WI?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Beaver Dam, WI are:

What cities near Beaver Dam, WI are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Beaver Dam, WI with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Beaver Dam, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,634 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

PreMix Machine Operator II - 1st Shift

Richelieu Foods

Beaver Dam, WI • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Information  

At Richelieu Foods, we are dedicated to a culture of belonging for everyone. Driven by our values of ownership, respect, and growth, we put people, safety, and quality above all else -- delicious pizza, outstanding service, and solid customer relationships are what happens as a result. 

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is a leading national private label and contract packing food manufacturer focused on frozen pizza. We have two manufacturing facilities located in IL and WI. We provide products to many national retailers, wholesalers, distributors, club and mass stores, as well as industrial accounts including other food manufacturers.

Job Summary

At Richelieu Foods we make Great Food from Great People. We are looking for a 1st Shift Machine Operator II in our PreMix department. As our PreMix Machine Operator II, you are assisting the PreMix Lead with all the aspects of PreMix operations, including production, and product quality. They will ensure that the mixing operation is running smoothly, efficiently, and timely while also meeting operational demands.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Requestions for the required ingredients stated on the BOM from the material handler.
  • Combines all materials in proper sequence and signs off that each ingredient has been added and processed for the correct amount of time as outlined in the mixing system (WIP/Formula Sheet.)
  • Responsible for safe operation, accurate scaling of ingredients, mixing in the proper sequence and maintaining mixer schedule.
  • Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices, food safety and Superior quality standards (GMPs, HACCP, FSI, SQF, etc.)
  • Conduct product inspection to ensure specs are met.
  • Change machine settings as needed.
  • Proper interpretation of all formulas and proper development of all WIPs, including but not limited to time, temperature, weight, and exceptions to formulas.
  • Ensuring that mixing equipment adheres to sanitation regulations.
  • Keeps work area, tools, and supplies, organized and sanitary throughout the shift.
  • Ability to work and communicate well with others as a part of a team.
  • Completes and delivers all batch forms (Formula Sheet) to the Supply Chain Manager.
  • Assists in the training of mixing area helpers and / or assistant mixers.
  • Follows all GMP’s and Safety Procedures as outlined by RFI. 

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to read a WIP schedule and have basic math skills.
  • Must be able to lift 50lbs regularly and 75lbs occasionally.
  • Must be able to multi-task in a fast- paced environment.
  • Bilingual skills a plus
  • Food manufacturing experience
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English.
  • Comfortable in a cold working environment.
  • Ability to work occasional Saturdays.

Working Conditions 

  • Standard Manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to hot/cold temperatures, moving mechanical parts and power industrial trucks.  

  •  Requires 100% onsite attendance to perform the essential functions of the role.

Pay and Benefits 

The following information is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Compensation is based on experience, geographic locations, and other legally permitted factors. The starting hourly rate is $18.50. This position may also be eligible for overtime pay.

Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax spending accounts; 401K with company match; paid time off; short-term and long-term disability; and life insurance. 

Disclosures 

This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended only to be a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type. 

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.