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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Charleston, SC

Machine Operator

Summerville, SC

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Safety-first environment with a commitment to compliance and quality standards. * Supportive ... What's a typical day as Machine Operator - Placement? You'll be: * Programming, setting up, and ...

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Sewing Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Opportunity Allegiance Flag Supply is hiring team members for our Weekday Manufacturing Shift ... Are comfortable learning and operating industrial equipment (training provided) * Take pride in ...

PIT Operator - 1st Shift

North Charleston, SC · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

PIT Operator - 1st Shift Logistics at full potential. At GXO, we're constantly looking for talented individuals at all levels who can deliver the caliber of service our company requires. You know ...

CNC Machine Operator

North Charleston, SC

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

CNC Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

CNC Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

CNC Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Ladson, SC · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift The Forklift Operator is responsible for operating stand-up powered industrial trucks to safely transport, stage, and store materials within the warehouse. This role ...

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Forklift Operator - 1st Shift Logistics at full potential. At GXO, we're constantly looking for talented individuals at all levels who can deliver the caliber of service our company requires. You ...

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$12

$17

$22

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Charleston, SC is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Charleston, SC? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC? For 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Charleston, SC with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Machine Operator Mechanical Technician G3

Prolim Global

Goose Creek, SC • On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Machine Operator – Mechanical Technician G3

Location: Charleston, SC
Shift:
Mon–Thurs: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM


Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Machine Operator / Mechanical Technician G3 to operate light-duty bench and floor-type machine tools in a manufacturing environment. This role involves machining operations, equipment adjustments, quality verification, and adherence to strict OSHA and PPE safety standards.

This position requires candidates who are comfortable working in demanding industrial conditions and wearing required protective equipment daily.


Key Responsibilities
  • Operate light-duty machine tools including:

    • Small lathes

    • Power mills

    • Extruding machines

    • Drills and punch presses

    • Power brakes, shears, and saws

  • Set up machining equipment and perform adjustments

  • Conduct basic maintenance on machines

  • Inspect finished work using gauges, jigs, and fixtures to measure close tolerances

  • Operate and monitor numerically controlled (NC) machines as applicable

  • Verify product quality using statistical process control methods

  • Follow all OSHA, site, and safety compliance standards


Required Training & Certifications

Candidates must be trained and qualified in accordance with the following OSHA standards:

  • Confined Space (29 CFR 1915 Subpart B)

  • Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1915.1200 / 1910.1200)

  • Respirator Training & Medical Clearance (29 CFR 1910.134)

  • Fall Protection / 4-D Body Harness (29 CFR 1915.159, 1915.71, 1915.73, 1915.77)

  • PPE Training (29 CFR 1915 Subpart I)

  • Hearing Conservation (29 CFR 1910.95)

  • Audiometric Testing compliance

  • Hexavalent Chromium medical clearance


Required PPE – Charleston Location

Daily use of respirator and full PPE is required.

Mandatory equipment includes:

  • MSA Comfo Classic Half/Full Face Respirator
    OR 3M Speedglas PAPR 9100MP Adflo (H&S approval required)

  • 3M DBI Sala ExoFit X100 Harness

  • Nano-Lok Edge Twin Leg Self-Retracting Lanyards

  • MSA Skullgard Hard Hat (White, labeled)

  • Welding shield compatible with Skullgard Hard Hat

  • 3M Peltor Optime 95 Earmuffs (ear plugs not permitted)

  • Kleenguard Calico safety glasses (ANSI Z87 compliant)

  • 8” safety boots or leather safety shoes with spats

  • Flame-resistant coveralls with long sleeves

  • Full welding jacket and leather bib


Work Environment
  • Physically demanding industrial setting

  • Exposure to temperature and humidity extremes

  • Use of respirator and fall protection equipment required

  • May require use of 60’ self-retracting lifelines and beam clamp systems

  • Compliance with ANSI Z359.1 standards required


Qualifications
  • Experience operating machining equipment

  • Ability to work with close tolerances and precision measuring tools

  • Strong understanding of shop safety standards

  • Comfortable working in confined spaces and elevated areas

  • Reliable attendance for 1st shift schedule