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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 2nd shift Machine Operator! Position is Monday - Friday night starting from 3pm - 11pm. Starting pay is $15, but they pay your for a 30 min lunch and a 10 ...

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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 Sep 1, 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, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,091 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

1st Shift - Machine Operator

Hartford, WI • On-site

Staffing Support Specialists
Human Resources Consulting Services • 51 - 200 employees

$18/hr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position: Machine Operator I
Location: Hartford, WI
Shift: 1st Shift - 7:00am - 3:30pm
Pay: Starts at $18.00 / hour
Summary:
Operate various work centers, including drill presses, mills, CNCs, and similar equipment. Operate multiple machines simultaneously as required. Verify and maintain quality of work produced. Monitor machines and tooling to ensure proper and safe operation. Complete all required tags, cards, and charts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Start-up machines, including operator PM procedures.
  2. Load parts and operate machines safely and properly following established operating procedures, work instructions, or direction from the supervisor or lead.
  3. Verify parts meet print specifications and check frequently or per work instructions throughout the shift; obtain assistance as needed to maintain nominal dimensions.
  4. Shut down and report any process that is not operating properly to the supervisor or lead.
  5. Operate multiple machines simultaneously as defined by standard operating documents.
  6. Perform first-piece and in-process inspections, including routine inspections using visual checks or measuring devices per work instructions (e.g., micrometers, calipers).
  7. Visually inspect parts for chips, burrs, cleanliness, broken tooling, defective paint, and porosity.
  8. Complete scrap tags, mark defective areas of parts, and forward to the supervisor or lead for disposition.
  9. Maintain quality of work through visual inspection, testing, and adherence to inspection work instructions; notify the supervisor or lead of any nonconformities and document as required.
  10. Maintain a safe and clean work area by following 6S procedures.
  11. Follow all ISO procedures and participate in continuous improvement activities.
  12. Consistently demonstrate professional behavior (e.g., respectful, cooperative, trustworthy, willing to assist others, and take ownership in problem solving).
  13. Track productivity using hour-by-hour boards and communicate machine downtime or other production issues (e.g., part shortages, broken tooling, significant quality concerns).
  14. Participate in Kaizen events impacting machining and overall operations.
Qualifications:
  1. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow instructions to perform the duties described above.
  2. Ability to perform basic arithmetic required for charting, order quantities, and machine or tooling adjustments.
  3. Ability to meet production requirements, including takt time, while maintaining attention to detail.
  4. Ability to stand for extended periods of time (85-100% of the shift).
  5. Basic understanding of part defects, machine operations, tooling requirements, and assembly practices.
  6. Ability to identify part defects.
  7. Ability to document and communicate part shortages, disruptions, and/or progress during the workday.
  8. Written and verbal communication skills to provide next shift with pertinent information regarding instructions, machine operations, part shortages, and schedule changes.
Physical Requirements:
Physical Requirements
Occasional
3 - 33%
Frequent
34 - 66%
Continuous
67 - 100%
Never to Rarely
0 - 2%
Standing
X
Sitting
X
Walking