ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

Castle Metals

1st Shift Machine Operator

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

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 ...

MSI Express, Inc.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Geneva, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

First Shift: 6:45 AM - 3:05 PM ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY: The Machine Operator is responsible to complete a variety of maintenance, development and operations tasks that promote the efficient ...

MSI Express, Inc.

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Geneva, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

First Shift: 6:45 AM - 3:05 PM ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY: The Machine Operator is responsible to complete a variety of maintenance, development and operations tasks that promote the efficient ...

MacLean-Fogg

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$20.09/hr

Job Summary MacLean-Fogg is hiring a Machine Operator at our Mundelein, IL manufacturing facility ... Stands, walks, bends, and reaches for the majority of the shift. * Frequently lifts, carries ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Crystal Lake, IL salary details

$12

$17

$23

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Crystal Lake, IL is $17.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.13 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 Crystal Lake, IL?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Crystal Lake, IL are:

What job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Crystal Lake, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Crystal Lake, IL are:

What cities near Crystal Lake, IL are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Crystal Lake, IL 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 Crystal Lake, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,066 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

1st Shift Machine Operator

Banner Industries

Carol Stream, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

This position is responsible for operating a variety of machines in a production environment.  Operates assigned power equipment to process orders which meet customer requirements.
 
A. M. Castle & Co. has over 135 years of experience as a leader in the metals service center industry. We provide exceptional benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401K match, disability benefits and tuition reimbursement.
Hours: 5am - 1:30pm
Compensation range: $18 - $19/hr + incentive eligible
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES: 
 
Essential Primary Responsibilities: 
  • Sets up and operates assigned machine(s) that produce products in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
  • Safely adjusts and utilizes machine according to exact customer order requirements.
  • Notices and reports defects and/or excessive wear and tear of equipment; Performs set-up and preventative maintenance of equipment.
  • Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
  • May assists with Warehouse Operator responsibilities as needed: 
 
Physical Demands/Working Conditions:
  • Stooping, standing, and manual dexterity
  • Light lifting (occasional 25 lbs or less)
  • Heavy lifting (frequent 25 lbs+)
  • Assigned safety equipment must be worn at all times (hard hat, safety shoes with metatarsal, safety glasses with side shields, gloves, arm guards)
  • Frequent exposure to mechanical moving parts 
 
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
 
Required Qualifications:
  • Capable of being certified in assigned equipment (forklift, Raymond side-loader, overhead crane, etc.)
  • Basic measurement competency
  • Basic math competency
  • Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a warehouse environment
  • Strong work ethic
  • The ability to work scheduled overtime and emergency/mandatory overtime as needed 
 
Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • One year of work experience
  • One year of equipment experience
  • PC literacy
  • Certified in assigned equipment (forklift, Raymond side-loader, overhead crane, etc.)
     
 
 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP
 
Company Overview: Founded in 1890, A. M. Castle & Co. is a global distributor of specialty metal and plastic products and supply chain services, principally serving the producer durable equipment, oil and gas, commercial aircraft, heavy equipment, industrial goods, construction equipment, retail, marine and automotive sectors of the global economy. Its customer base includes many Fortune 500 companies as well as thousands of medium and smaller-sized firms spread across a variety of industries. Within its metals business, it specializes in the distribution of alloy and stainless steels; nickel alloys; aluminum and carbon. Together, Castle operates service centers located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.