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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Charleston, SC

Machinist I - Entry Level

Huger, SC · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

... operating at the highest level. Come join the 7,000 employees worldwide working at Primetals ... Our Huger, SC facility is currently seeking to a first shift mid-level Machinist position. MINIMUM ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

Machinist - Large CNC Vertical Lathes 1st Shift-Summerville,South Carolina

Curtiss-Wright

Ravenel, SC • On-site

$25.38 - $36.63/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Machinist - Large CNC Vertical Lathes (VTL) 1st Shift
With our continuing growth, Curtiss Wright is looking to add experienced Machinists to our new, state-of-the-art Summerville, SC (Charleston) facility!
This is a great opportunity for those with a strong CNC machining background and experience with Large Vertical Lathes to join CW's efforts to support the United States Navy and commercial customers.
Location: Summerville, SC
Shift: 1st (7am-3pm)
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture
Hourly: $25.38 - $36.63
Please note that the hourly range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in SC. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
Your Challenge:
  • Set up and operate large vertical turret lathes to perform precision machining to tolerances within 0.001".
  • Interpret blueprints, work instructions, and technical drawings to determine machining requirements
  • Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications
  • Select appropriate tooling and materials for each job
  • Maintain machines, perform minor repairs, and report mechanical issues to maintenance
  • Monitor the machining process and make necessary adjustments to feeds, speeds, and tooling
  • Document production and inspection results accurately
  • Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment

Your Expertise:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Completion of a four-year machinist apprenticeship or equivalent is an asset
  • Minimum of 3+ years in CNC machines experience operating vertical lathes
  • Experience operating Fives/G&L 1600, 2000, and Momentum 2500 is preferred
  • Ability to maintain acceptable quality and efficiency level and effectively communicate with others
  • Lifting objects weighing 50 pounds to waist height and transporting 10 feet
  • Due to DoD requirements, candidates must be US citizens
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain DoD Security clearances and approvals

#LI-RT1
Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright Steam & Air Solutions (SAS), a business unit of Curtiss-Wright, designs, manufactures, tests and provides - Navy steam turbines and steam valves, nuclear steam turbines, and aftermarket steam parts, upgrades, and overhauls.
Located in Summerville SC, this brand new state-of-the-art facility is approximately 134,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing in relations to machining, welding, assembly and quality inspections.
To learn more, please visit us: Curtiss-Wright EMS - SAS (cw-ems.com)
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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