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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Stoughton, WI

NOVARES

1st shift Machine Operator

Janesville, WI

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

... the next shift team's operator LEVEL 2 (Level 1 + missions below) 1 - Ensure production in ... machines, assemblies, etc.) during production changes - Detect and solve problems common to his/her ...

Lakeside Foods, Inc

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Emmi Roth

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Stoughton, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Summary The Packaging Machine Operator plays a vital role in the production process, ensuring the efficient operation of packaging machinery and the timely packaging of cheese products. Primary ...

Emmi Roth USA

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Stoughton, WI

$16.50 - $20/hr

Summary The Packaging Machine Operator plays a vital role in the production process, ensuring the efficient operation of packaging machinery and the timely packaging of cheese products. Primary ...

Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Lakeside Foods

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

McDonald Mfg. Co.

Machine Operator - 1st shift

Beloit, WI

$16 - $19.25/hr

Able to operate multiple machines within a work center. * Collection and data entry of production tracking into company computers. * Adds coolant to reservoirs and lubricates machine parts as needed.

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1St Shift Machine Operator information

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Stoughton, WI is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.04 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 Stoughton, WI are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Stoughton, WI 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 Stoughton, WI 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 $36,954 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

1st shift Machine Operator

Janesville, WI

NOVARES
10K+ employees

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Paid breaks

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about NOVARESexternal

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Finality
Level 1: Ensure production and the quality of this production in compliance with procedures
Level 2: Ensure production and quality of this production in compliance with procedures and have the ability to work on different production stations (versatile)
Level 3: Ensure production and quality of this production in compliance with procedures, have the ability to work on different production stations (versatile) and perform other functions (multi skills)
Main Missions
LEVEL 1 1 - Ensure production in compliance with procedures
- Produce in accordance with procedures and standards (production, quality, flows, health & safety, etc.)
- Record production on the relevant sheets
- Package and identify parts produced and affix labels
- Validate conformity between the product and product labels
2 - Control the quality of his/her production
Raise quality alarms (process anomalies, product anomalies)
Ensure the smooth running of the work process
3 - Ensure the conformity and cleanliness of his/her work area
Clean his/her stations
Check the conformity of his/her workstation before starting production
4 - Help to ensure the correct operation of his/her Production Team
- Make suggestions and help to implement them
- Develop his/her versatility and multi skills
- Take part in working groups and progress meetings
- Comply with the rules of the company and 5S
- Help others
5 - Pass on required information to the production team
- Attend team meetings
- Notify the process leader or manager in the event of a fault or potential problem
- Ensure that instructions are communicated to the next shift team's operator
LEVEL 2 (Level 1 + missions below)
1 - Ensure production in compliance with procedures
- Manage his/her station and comply with standard production rates
- Help to remove and install peripheral devices (special machines, assemblies, etc.) during production changes
- Detect and solve problems common to his/her job
- Develop versatility and remain versatile to work on several product families. Develop multi skills
2 - Control the quality of his/her production
- Perform reworks
LEVEL 3 (Level 1 and 2 + missions below)
1 - Ensure production in compliance with procedures
- Restart the station following shut-down (peripheral device, press) if authorized
- Help with production changes if authorized
2 - Control the quality of his/her production
- Help to reduce the number of rejected parts (lean manufacturing, monitoring of red containers)
- Analyse the causes of non-conformity and propose solutions
- Detect complex problems associated with his/her job and implement actions required to solve them
3 - Ensure the conformity and cleanliness of his/her work area
- Perform level 1 maintenance
4 - Help to ensure the correct operation of his/her Production Team
- Help, as required and at the request of his/her manager, to train new employees in production products/processes
5 - Provide technical tutoring on production and associated training
- Coordinate training and train operators
- Provide technical support to operators
- Monitor the training needs of operators
- help to integrate new production processes and accept these in terms of reliability and quality
Purpose

Level 1: Ensure production and the quality of this production in compliance with procedures 
Level 2: Ensure production and quality of this production in compliance with procedures and have the ability to work on different production stations (versatile) 
Level 3: Ensure production and quality of this production in compliance with procedures, and have the ability to work on different production stations (versatile) and perform other functions (multi skills) 

Essential job functions
Abilities

- Manual dexterity to assemble, operate, adjust and inspect 
- Near vision to handle small parts and to detect visual defects 
- Normal color vision and depth perception capability 
- Ability to take direction from others 
- Communication skills to work effectively in a team environment 
- Reading and basic math comprehension to understand and interpret training guides, standard operating procedures and quality information (SPC, charts, graphs, etc.) and to complete production reports 
 

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