1

1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

1st Shift Machine Operator Packaging Team Member M-Th: 5:30am - 4pm Compensation: $19.50/hr Responsible for monitoring, operating and troubleshooting the packaging equipment while working efficiently ...

Comprehensive Benefits Package! Full Time | 1st Shift | Monday - Friday | 5:00am-1:30pm Must be ... The Machine Operator operates the CNC machine to cut and build rollers, sets up and operates a ...

Description Position at Banner Industries This position is responsible for operating a variety of machines in a production environment. Operates assigned power equipment to process orders which meet ...

Flexco , a leading global manufacturer, is seeking a Machine Operator to work first shift (6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) in our air-conditioned facility. The chosen candidate would be responsible for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$18

$24

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Chicago, IL is $18.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st Shift Machine Operator, and why are they important?

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 typical day look like for a 1st Shift Machine Operator, and how does the role interact with other departments?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,405 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
1st Shift Machine Operator

1st Shift Machine Operator

Newly Weds Foods

Broadview, IL • On-site

$19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Newly Weds Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 432 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

1st Shift Machine Operator
Packaging Team Member
M-Th: 5:30am - 4pm
Compensation: $19.50/hr
Responsible for monitoring, operating and troubleshooting the packaging equipment while working efficiently and following all procedures for producing quality products according to customer specifications, as well as following safety, GMP and quality procedures. The machine operator is also required to do complete washouts of the machinery at the end of a production run.
Duties & Responsibilities
SKILLS & SPECIFICATIONS
  • Understand written and verbal instructions to complete packaging of products. Refer to "Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's)", Machine Priming, Basic Operating Procedures, Machine Operations, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSPO's).
          • Able to operate various manufacturing equipment in mass/high volume production environment.
          • Requires the ability to manipulate small parts and gauges.
          • Ability to use thinking and reasoning skills to solve a problem.
          • Set up machine at beginning of shift to ensure proper working order.
          • Perform safety checks throughout shift.
          • Adjust machine components according to finished product specifications.
          • Load packaging material into machine throughout shift.
          • Stop and adjust machine in cases of malfunctions/jams.
          • Troubleshoot problems during operation.
          • Inspect and remove defective items or those that do not meet quality standards.
          • Clean machine, perform preventative maintenance.
          • Test and evaluate products to verify correct weights, seals, film orientation, leakers, codes, labels etc.
          • Document activities performed throughout the shift - pre-op inspections, quality checks, maintenance performed, maintenance needed, etc.
          • Communicate performance information to other shifts.
          • Clear lines at the end of the shift.
          • Take all required training including washout training for sanitary washouts.

SAFETY & GMP OBJECTIVES
        • Maintain a safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel on the use of all equipment and resources; maintaining compliance with established policies and procedures.
        • Comply with all company safety and environmental policies and procedures as well as complying with all OSHA, EPA and other regulatory rules and regulations (THINK "SAFETY FIRST").
          • Ability to recognize unsafe acts and conditions in the facility and implement appropriate corrective actions.
          • Ability to fully complete appropriate paperwork related to specific job functions in addition to quality and safety/training.
          • Ability to recognize and report all incidents; even those that do not warrant treatment.
        • Review and execute our Food Safety Plan and MFP Mission Statement in order to provide value to each of our customers with safe, relevant, tasty food products; while never comprising quality.
        • Adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP's) including proper waste disposal, attire, grooming and hygiene, etc.
  • An employee holding this job position is not authorized to represent or speak on behalf of the company, or respond to any media inquiries regarding the company, its business, its products or its customers.
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee of the job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Skills and Specifications
  • Ability to interact effectively with various levels of professionals in the organization.
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to guide, teach and communicate with others.
  • Good mechanical skills.

Also..
Must be able to attend work as scheduled
Must be able to read and write in English
Must be able to perform basic math problems
Must be able to perform the jobs of his team members
Must be able to lift up to 55 lbs.
Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions
Must be able to interact with others in a professional manner.
Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Employee Incentive Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Cash Accumulation Plan-401K
  • Life/AD&D Insurance
  • Short- Term/Long-Term Disability
  • Vacation Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Adoption Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Maternity/Paternity Leave

Compensation: $19/hr
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 4am - 4pm
Machine Operator is supported and backed up by other machine operators or the Lead. Suitable training is required of this individual.
Machine Operator reports to the Packaging Supervisor.

What Newly Weds Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom