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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Port Washington, WI

1st Shift Machine Operator

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Previous machine operator experience is required. Experience in die-cutting is preferred. Good human relations skills and strong verbal communication skills are required. Compensation & Benefits In ...

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We are seeking a trainable candidate to be a 3rd shift Machine Operator! Position is Monday - Friday night starting from 11pm - 7am. Starting pay is $15, but they pay your for a 30 min lunch and a 10 ...

Machine Operator Location: Germantown, WI Pay: $20.00-$22.00 per hour (Based on Experience) Shift: 1st Shift Job Type: Full-Time | Temp-to-Hire Join Our Production Team! We are seeking dependable and ...

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Port Washington, WI salary details

$12

$17

$22

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Port Washington, WI is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.61 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 cities near Port Washington, WI are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Port Washington, WI with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Port Washington, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,091 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

1st Shift - Machine Operator

Staffing Support Specialists

Mequon, WI • On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position: Machine Operator III
Location: Mequon, WI
Shift:
Pay: $21.00 - $28.00 / hour
Summary:
Operate various machines (drill presses, lathes, mills, CNCs, etc.) and verify and maintain quality of work produced. Monitor machines and tooling to ensure proper and safe operation. Complete all required tags, cards, and charts. Perform setups, fixture changeovers, and troubleshooting with little or no supervision. May operate CMM at company discretion. Train, assist, and lead other operators. Perform all duties with minimal supervision.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Perform complete machine setups and fixture changeovers, including use of indicators and optical tool setters, with little or no assistance.
  2. Make programming changes as required.
  3. Coordinate with management and operators to disposition scrap within Syteline.
  4. Troubleshoot machining and tooling issues and work with maintenance, manufacturing engineering, production control, and external resources as needed.
  5. May assign work to other operators and inspect work for quality with minimal supervision.
  6. Train and assist other operators with setups, startups, troubleshooting, and documentation.
  7. Operate multiple machines simultaneously as required.
  8. Facilitate machine changeovers and setups; validate correct CNC programs and fixturing for parts machining.
  9. May operate CMM at company discretion.
  10. Start-up machines, including operator PM procedures, and perform tooling adjustments and offset changes as required.
  11. Able to set tools as required.
  12. Load parts and operate machines safely and properly following established operating procedures, work instructions, or direction from the supervisor or lead.
  13. Verify parts meet print specifications and check frequently or per work instructions throughout the shift; adjust offsets as required or obtain assistance as needed to maintain nominal dimensions.
  14. Replace worn or broken tooling and record changes in tool history.
  15. Shut down and report any process that is not operating properly to the supervisor or lead.
  16. Perform first-piece and in-process inspections, including routine inspections using visual checks or measuring devices (e.g., micrometers, calipers).
  17. Visually inspect parts for chips, burrs, cleanliness, broken tooling, defective paint, and porosity.
  18. Complete scrap tags, mark defective areas of parts, and forward to the supervisor or lead for disposition.
  19. Maintain quality of work through inspection, testing, and adherence to inspection work instructions; notify the supervisor or lead of any nonconformities and document as required.
  20. Maintain a safe and clean work area by following 6S procedures.
  21. Follow all ISO procedures and participate in continuous improvement activities.
  22. Consistently demonstrate professional behavior (e.g., respectful, cooperative, trustworthy, willing to assist others, and take ownership in problem solving).
Qualifications:
  1. Excellent communication skills to train and inspect the work of other operators.
  2. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  3. Ability to make programming changes.
  4. No disciplinary action within the past six months.
  5. Demonstrated proficiency in setups and machining parts within the assigned department.
  6. Demonstrated history of maintaining low scrap or deviation rates due to operator error.
  7. Demonstrated proficiency in blueprint reading.
  8. Demonstrated proficiency operating at least six (6) machines, including multiple machine types and CNC equipment.
  9. Demonstrated proficiency in setups, tooling, offsets, inspections, CMM operation, and troubleshooting machining and tooling issues.
  10. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow instructions.
  11. Ability to perform basic arithmetic for charting, order quantities, and machine/tooling adjustments.
  12. Ability to meet production requirements while maintaining attention to detail.
  13. Ability to stand for extended periods of time (85-100% of the shift).
  14. Comprehensive understanding of part defects, machine operations, tooling requirements, and assembly practices.
  15. Ability to identify part defects and tooling requirements.
  16. Ability to document and communicate part shortages, disruptions, and progress.
  17. Strong written and verbal communication skills to support shift-to-shift communication.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Requirements
Occasional
3 - 33%
Frequent
34 - 66%
Continuous
67 - 100%
Never / Rarely
0 - 2%
Standing