1

3Rd Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Charleston, SC

Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift

Ladson, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift

Ladson, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift

Ladson, SC · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift

Ladson, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift

Ladson, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in ... Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills ...

CNC Machine Operator

North Charleston, SC

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

CNC Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

CNC Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

CNC Machine Operator

Charleston, SC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... shift. * Ability to reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T. * Prior ... Prior experience operating CNC machinery (e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and multi-axis machines)

Showing results 21-40

3Rd Shift Machine Operator information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do 3rd shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift machine operator in Charleston, SC is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3rd shift machine operator?

3rd Shift Machine Operators are employees who operate and monitor machinery during the overnight or late-night shift, typically from late evening to early morning. Their responsibilities include setting up machines, performing routine maintenance, ensuring quality control, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Working the third shift often requires attention to safety protocols, the ability to work independently, and adaptability to a nighttime work schedule. These roles are common in manufacturing, warehouse, and production environments where operations run 24/7.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd shift machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with prior manufacturing experience. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and often basic computer systems or machine interface panels is expected. Reliability, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently during overnight hours are important soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of equipment, minimal downtime, and consistent production quality during less supervised shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by 3rd shift machine operators and how can they be managed?

3rd Shift Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during overnight hours, managing fatigue, and adapting to a quieter or less supervised work environment. To overcome these, it’s important to establish a consistent sleep schedule, stay hydrated, and take advantage of scheduled breaks to prevent burnout. Operators are encouraged to communicate regularly with team members across shifts to ensure seamless handovers and address any issues that arise. Many companies offer shift differentials and support programs to help 3rd shift workers manage these challenges effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to 3Rd Shift Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC?

For 3Rd Shift Machine Operator jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for 3Rd Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most 3Rd Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 3Rd Shift Machine Operator job openings in Charleston, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,768 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift

Cummins

North Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description


Job Summary:
We are looking for a talented Machinist - Level III - 3rd Shift to join our team specializing in Logistics for our Cummins Inc. facility in North Charleston, SC.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Championing a safe workplace by stopping work when hazards arise, reporting incidents immediately, using proper PPE, and promoting a culture where teammates look out for one another.

  • Protecting people and the environment by correcting hazards within your control, recognizing environmental impacts, and actively engaging in HSE training to strengthen site-wide safety performance.

  • Elevating quality standards through high-craftsmanship workmanship, accurate inspections, adherence to process documentation, and raising issues early to reduce cost and quality exposure.

  • Improving equipment reliability by contributing to downtime failure analysis, providing feedback to preventive maintenance systems, and performing preventive, corrective, emergency, and predictive maintenance activities.

  • Delivering precision machining excellence by expertly setting up and operating lathes, mills, grinders, CNC equipment, and precision measuring tools to meet exact specifications and support production needs.

  • Developing others and strengthening the team by instructing and coaching less-experienced team members, serving as an informal technical resource, and helping the team meet daily business goals.

  • Driving operational efficiency by identifying and reducing manufacturing constraints, scheduling maintenance around production requirements, and solving problems that improve processes and material flow.

  • Building a collaborative, improvement-focused culture by communicating effectively across teams, completing required training, and actively participating in TPM initiatives that enhance safety, quality, flow, and employee development.

Responsibilities
To be successful in this role you will need the following:
  • Collaborative partnerships to work seamlessly with teammates, support groups, and cross-functional partners so shared objectives are met with alignment and trust.
  • Clear, audience-focused communication to deliver information in the right format for technicians, engineers, leaders, and operators, ensuring clarity and reducing rework.
  • Customer-driven decision making to build strong relationships, understand end-user needs, and make timely decisions that keep operations and customers moving forward.
  • Strong problem-solving and learning agility to interpret complex or conflicting information, adapt quickly, experiment, and use both successes and failures to improve future performance.
  • Safety-first technical expertise to champion proactive HSE behaviors, recognize electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic hazards, and integrate safe practices into daily manufacturing work.
  • Manufacturing and tooling proficiency to apply process knowledge, implement changes correctly, and select effective tools and fixtures that support quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Education/Experience
  • High school diploma or certificate of completion of secondary education or equivalent experience to the extent such experience meets applicable regulations.
  • This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
  • Requires significant relevant work experience or specialized skills obtained through education, training or on-the-job experience.

Qualifications
Additional Information
  • Additional responsibilities include monitoring automated machining line performance to ensure optimal production efficiency and quality standards.
  • The Technician must perform diagnostic assessments to identify potential equipment malfunctions, execute systematic troubleshooting procedures to resolve mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues, and conduct routine preventive maintenance according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Responsibilities also encompass strict adherence to safety protocols and lockout/tagout procedures during all operational and maintenance activities, accurate documentation of equipment performance metrics, maintenance logs, and incident reports, and coordination with engineering and maintenance teams to implement corrective actions and process improvements.
  • The Technician must maintain proficiency in reading technical schematics, interpreting error codes, and utilizing diagnostic tools to minimize downtime and maintain continuous production flow.

About Us
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

What Cummins employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cummins logo

About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919