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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Fogelsville, PA

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Machine Operator on 1st shift at our Fogelsville, PA manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for the safe operation of a specific piece of ...

Machine Operator

Fogelsville, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Machine Operator on 1st shift at our Fogelsville, PA manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for the safe operation of a specific piece of ...

Machine Operator

New Holland, PA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

About Leviton Manufacturing Machine Operator - Night Shift (New Holland, PA) $24-$26/hr + $2/hr Shift Premium | 12Hour 232 Schedule | FullTime About Leviton At Leviton, we build what's next to light ...

Machine Operator

New Holland, PA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

About Leviton Manufacturing Machine Operator - Night Shift (New Holland, PA) $24-$26/hr + $2/hr Shift Premium | 12-Hour 2-3-2 Schedule | Full-Time About Leviton At Leviton, we build what's next to ...

Machine Operator

New Holland, PA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

About Leviton Manufacturing Machine Operator - Night Shift (New Holland, PA) $24-$26/hr + $2/hr Shift Premium | 12-Hour 2-3-2 Schedule | Full-Time About Leviton At Leviton, we build what's next to ...

About Leviton Manufacturing Machine Operator - Night Shift (New Holland, PA) $24-$26/hr + $2/hr Shift Premium | 12-Hour 2-3-2 Schedule | Full-Time About Leviton At Leviton, we build what's next to ...

About Leviton Manufacturing Machine Operator - Night Shift (New Holland, PA) $24-$26/hr + $2/hr Shift Premium | 12-Hour 2-3-2 Schedule | Full-Time About Leviton At Leviton, we build what's next to ...

Machine Operator

Kutztown, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Salary/Pay Rate/Compensation: $19.50 per hour Shift: 7am - 7pm 2/2/3 schedule Why you should apply to be Machine Operator: * Competitive pay rate with consistent full-time hours * Work in a dynamic ...

Be Seen First

Shift 1: 7:00am - 3:30pm Shift 2: 2:30pm - 11:00pm Shift 3: 9:00pm - 5:30am o Production machine ... operator, manufacturing Company Description Growing company offering wire and metals to other ...

Machine Operator-2nd Shift

Macungie, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup ... Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas - keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and ...

Machine Operator-2nd Shift

Macungie, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup ... Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas - keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and ...

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Allentown, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to operate, monitor, and troubleshoot a variety of assigned machines and will also be responsible for inspecting components to ...

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Allentown, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

The Machine Operator will be responsible for performing various tasks to operate, monitor, and troubleshoot a variety of assigned machines and will also be responsible for inspecting components to ...

Showing results 21-40

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Reading, PA salary details

$12

$17

$23

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Reading, PA is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.94 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 Reading, PA?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Reading, PA are:

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

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

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

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

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Reading, PA 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 $36,706 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Machine Operator

Carpenter Co.

Fogelsville, PA

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 26 days ago


Carpenter Co. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Do you want to be part of a team that aspires to improve the quality of life for others? Are you interested in efficient manufacturing processes that promote sustainability? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment in a job well done? At Carpenter Co., we challenge our employees to learn from and inspire one another – all levels of the company collaborate, communicate and constantly improve to achieve shared success. If that sounds like an environment in which you will thrive, Carpenter Co. could be a great fit for you!

Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Machine Operator on 1st shift at our Fogelsville, PA manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for the safe operation of a specific piece of equipment used to manufacture components and finished products for internal and external customers as defined by a daily production schedule.

Carpenter Co. employees are committed to working hard to ensure production goals are met while maintaining operations excellence. The successful candidate will maintain daily communication with department management, team lead and other employees in the department. The position must produce product with varying cutting instructions based production requirements. The position works in a normal manufacturing environment with exposure to temperature changes.

Additional responsibilities of the Machine Operator will include:

  • Must maintain a neat, orderly, and safe work environment.
  • Performs cutting operations according to internal and external customer specifications.
  • Records pertinent data into the SAP system.
  • Conducts quality checks of all material to meets customer specifications.
  • Follows work instructions to maintain requirements.
  • Must make sure all finished product is labeled correctly.
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret a tape measure.
  • Accurately transports and loads product to designated area and/or trailer as needed.
  • Assists with inventory, as required.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Skills / Requirements

  • High school education or GED required.     
  • On the job training is provided, prior machine experience is a plus.
  • Basic computer knowledge and the ability to use computerized equipment in daily operations. 
  • Ability to work flexible hours and overtime.
  • Must have basic reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Must be forklift certified.
  • Must have the ability to read and interpret a tape measure.

Important Notes

Carpenter Co. is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other legally protected characteristic.

Carpenter Co. conducts pre-employment drug testing on all applicants that receive and accept a written offer of employment.

Carpenter Co. offers a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health insurance, generous profit-sharing plan, and much more. We offer long-term career opportunities for our employees in a stable industry and clean working environment. We also offer tuition reimbursement to our employees after 1 year of service. To learn more, check us out at http://www.carpenter.com


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