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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Chattanooga, TN

Astemo

1st Shift Machining Operator

Rock Spring, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Unloading of machined product from CNC machine * Loading conveyor with machined aluminum products ... End of shift area clean up - or as needed * Must be able to work where needed in the machining ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Dunlap, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Machine Operator As a Machine Operator, you will set up, operate, and monitor equipment that ... Standard shifts run Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for first shift and 2:30 p.m ...

Mars, Incorporated

Machine Operator

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Machine Operator- 12 Hour Night Shift Mars Wrigley - TNN Site Chattanooga, TN Machine Operator 12 Hour Night Shift (following a 2-2-3 shift rotation) 8 hour 2nd Shift 3pm-11:30pm *Additional shift ...

Mars

Machine Operator

Chattanooga, TN

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Machine Operator- 12 Hour Night Shift Mars Wrigley - TNN Site Chattanooga, TN Machine Operator 12 Hour Night Shift (following a 2-2-3 shift rotation) 8 hour 2nd Shift 3pm-11:30pm *Additional shift ...

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Chattanooga, TN is $16.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.93 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 Chattanooga, TN?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

For 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What cities near Chattanooga, TN are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Chattanooga, TN with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

1St Shift Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,802 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Summary/Overview

This position is responsible for the set up and operation of the simpler machines in Department 44.  This includes assembly operations, drilling, tapping, grinding, painting and handwork.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operate machines in Department 44 (hand tools, paint line, tap and thread) as required. 
  • Perform and document all quality checks on any machine in the department. 
  • Check, record, and adjust coolant concentrations and change or replace tooling. 
  • Wear proper personal protective equipment as required for assigned machines. 
  • Ability to complete forms as required by work center. 
  • Perform any other duties as required. 
Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities
  • Must be able to interpret documents such as manufacturing prints and work order packets. 
  • Must be able to sharpen chasers. 
  • Must be able to perform basic CMBIS transactions. 
  • Ability to interpret drawings and work order packets to set-up equipment and run acceptable products. 
  • Must be able to trouble shoot and correct minor problems in this work center. 
Required Qualifications
  • Equivalent experience with training in ABC print and work order reading and measurement techniques. Detailed training in machine operation is required. 
  • Ability to safely lift/lower/push/pull up to 40 lbs. 

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