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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Charleston, SC

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

On our team, you'll have the support to excel at work and the resources to build a career you can be proud of. 1st Shift, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm As the Forklift Operator, you'll have an ...

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Operate commercial embroidery machines in a production environment * Hoop garments accurately and ... first responders, and our local community. We are entering an exciting stage of growth and are ...

Forklift Operator 1st shift

Moncks Corner, SC · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Complete required pre-shift forklift inspections and report equipment defects promptly. * Maintain accurate inventory movements using scanners, warehouse systems, or required paperwork. * Follow ...

Core 1st Shift hours are from 7am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday. The hourly rate for this position is ... Preferred: • Prior experience in machining, deburring, honing, or lapping parts in a ...

Core 1st Shift hours are from 7am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday. The hourly rate for this position is ... Visually inspect parts determining defects (i.e machining operations, rust vs. heat-treat scale ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 2, 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 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 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:

CNC Machine Operator

ZF

Charleston, SC • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago


ZF rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

421st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

 Req ID 87157 | North Charleston, SC, United States ZF CV Systems North America LLC

Position Summary

This role is responsible for the efficient and precise operation of CNC machinery to produce high-quality components that meet stringent quality standards. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with CNC equipment, a strong understanding of quality control tools, and a commitment to continuous improvement and workplace safety.

Position Responsibilities
  • Assist with machine setups, changeovers, and troubleshooting to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance.
  • Operate CNC machines including milling, turning, drilling, tapping, de-burring, sawing, sanding, and bushing press.
  • Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T specifications to ensure accurate machining.
  • Understanding of IATF 16949 quality management standards and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Use precision measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, go-nogo gauges, and height gauges to verify product quality.
  • Utilize Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and interpret inspection data to confirm dimensional accuracy.
  • Under supervision make changes to CNC programs (G-code/M-code) as needed to optimize performance and correct deviations.
  • Maintain accurate records of production output, calibrations, verification processes, quality checks, and machine performance.
  • Perform routine machine maintenance and assist in diagnosing mechanical or process issues.
  • Ensure compliance with all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively across shifts and escalate issues to leadership when necessary.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support team and production goals.
Essential Skills and Experience
  • Minimum 1-2 years experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines).
  • Basic mathematics skills (adding, subtracting, reading measurements, etc.)
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs unassisted and utilizing Team Lift for 75lbs correctly multiple times throughout the shift.
  • Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
  • Prior experience in using precision measurement tools and interpreting inspection results.
  • Understanding of manufacturing quality system standards for machining applications.
  • Knowledge of cutting speeds, feeds, and material properties for various metals and alloys.
  • Basic computer skills for data entry, machine interface navigation, and production tracking.
  • Basic English language competency.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Familiarity with TS16949, ISO14001, and ISO9001 quality systems.
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, high-precision manufacturing environment.
  • Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines).
  • Ability to use and or read digital calipers, height gauges, depth gauges, etc.

Be part of our ZF team as CNC Machine Operator and apply now!

Contact

Charnequa Butts

+1 843 740 2996

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT: 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice. 

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility. 

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran


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