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Associate Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Operator Associate I

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$22.16/hr

Thermoforming Operator| Kalamazoo | HIRING IMMEDIATELY at our Manchester Road location Do you have experience working as a Thermo Operator, Machine Operator, Plastic Molding Machinery? We want you on ...

Novolex

Operator Associate I

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$22.16/hr

Thermoforming Operator| Kalamazoo | HIRING IMMEDIATELY at our Manchester Road location Do you have experience working as a Thermo Operator, Machine Operator, Plastic Molding Machinery? We want you on ...

Novolex

Operator Associate I

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$22.16/hr

Thermoforming Operator| Kalamazoo | HIRING IMMEDIATELY at our Manchester Road location Do you have experience working as a Thermo Operator, Machine Operator, Plastic Molding Machinery? We want you on ...

Novolex

Operator Associate I

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$22.16/hr

Thermoforming Operator| Kalamazoo | HIRING IMMEDIATELY at our Manchester Road location Do you have experience working as a Thermo Operator, Machine Operator, Plastic Molding Machinery? We want you on ...

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.

Forklift Operator

Oxford, MI · On-site

$19.18/hr

You will be operating a forklift with the utmost care to ensure efficiency and safety. You must be ... Associates are regularly required to stand, walk, and use their hands and fingers to handle or ...

Aampower

Forklift Operator

Oxford, MI · On-site

$19.18/hr

You will be operating a forklift with the utmost care to ensure efficiency and safety. You must be ... Associates are regularly required to stand, walk, and use their hands and fingers to handle or ...

Aampower

Forklift Operator

Oxford, MI · On-site

$19.18/hr

You will be operating a forklift with the utmost care to ensure efficiency and safety. You must be ... Associates are regularly required to stand, walk, and use their hands and fingers to handle or ...

Clarion Technologies

Operator

Greenville, MI · On-site

$14/hr

Operator Department: Manufacturing Position Description: Responsible for working on the ... levels of associates. - Other duties as assigned by supervision. Other Requirements: - All ...

Troon

Equipment Operator

West Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

Key Responsibilities of the Equipment Operator: * Operates all equipment that is used in daily ... Oversees other maintenance associates while performing duties that include operation of equipment.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Operator JobsAssociate Operator Jobs in Michigan

Associate Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$13

$14

How much do associate operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate operator in Michigan is $13.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.24 and $14.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate operator?

Associate Operators are entry-level professionals responsible for supporting the daily operations of a facility, such as a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or control room. Their duties typically include monitoring equipment, performing basic maintenance, following safety protocols, and ensuring production processes run smoothly. They often work under the supervision of more experienced operators and may assist with troubleshooting issues or reporting problems. This role is a key starting point for those looking to build a career in operations or production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate operator?

To thrive as an Associate Operator, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-specific machinery, safety protocols, and basic computer systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help individuals excel in monitoring operations and addressing issues quickly. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production, ensuring safety, and contributing to overall operational success.

What are some typical challenges an associate operator might encounter during daily operations?

As an Associate Operator, common challenges include quickly troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, adapting to unexpected changes in production schedules, and maintaining high attention to detail during repetitive tasks. You may also need to coordinate with maintenance and quality assurance teams to ensure safety and compliance standards are met. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for handling these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Associate Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAssociate OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production linesFactories, industrial settings, production floors
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, assembly, and production industriesWidely used in manufacturing, processing, and industrial sectors
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in operations, monitor equipment, perform basic maintenanceOperate machinery, ensure proper functioning, troubleshoot issues

Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, with Associate Operators typically supporting machine operations and performing basic tasks, while Machine Operators focus on directly handling machinery and ensuring smooth production processes.

Which associate operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying associate operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where specialized skills and certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. These positions typically offer higher wages due to the complexity and risk involved, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and company size.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Associate Operator jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Associate Operator job openings:

Associate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,524 per year, or $13.2 per hour.

Chemical Operator/Associate Operator South Haven

South Haven, MI • On-site

W. R. Grace & Co.
Chemical Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about W. R. Grace & Co.external

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Band Grade : 8 
Hourly Wage:$24.35 
Other Compensation:  Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses  
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

Grace is seeking a candidate to be a Chemical Operator for our South Haven Site.  The South Haven Site produces a portfolio of products for the specialty pharmaceutical industries, specifically Active Pharmaceutical Intermediates.  Consisting of a cGMP kilo lab, pilot plant and custom manufacturing at the commercial volumes, the site is fully equipped to develop and manufacture custom drug intermediates and API's. South Haven is nestled on the Lake Michigan Coast with beautiful beaches and fun year-round.

Responsibilities

A Chemical Operator mechanically prepares production materials for packaging and shipment through centrifugation, drying, milling, compaction and classification using prescribed cGMP practices. Tends tumble dryers, mills, classifier, compactors and centrifugal extraction equipment. Completes proper documentation of all steps taken in the process.

  • Loads and operates milling machine to produce material that meets customer specifications
  • Compact and classify material to insure proper particle size
  • Pack out material in shipping containers and move into shipping warehouse
  • Maintain high level of housekeeping to prevent cross-contamination of material
  • Fill out proper documentation including batch records, AN, log books
  • Loads and operates tumble dryer to remove moisture from product
  • Must be available to work nights, holidays, weekends and overtime
  • Must complete a job specific test
  • Must be clean shaven to wear a respirator at times
  • Must pass a drug screen
  • Must pass background check including criminal  
  • Must be available to work 12-hour shifts (4:45-5:10) and do 3 months on days - 3 months on nights rotation

Rotation listed below:

Schedule On=working

Sun        Mon      Tues       Wed       Thurs       Fri            Sat

On          Off          Off          On          On          Off          Off

Off          On          On          Off          Off          On          On

On          Off          Off          On          On          Off          Off

Off          On          On          Off          Off           On          On

This title reports to the Operations Supervisor.  Starting wage is $24.35 per hour with room for advancement. Training is provided for this role.

Employees who are in good standing can reach $35.00 per hour in three years from start date.

Physical Requirements and Environment
  • Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
  • Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
  • Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Experience  in mathematics, chemistry and mechanical appitude.
  • Expereince working on teams that require strong communication and documentation skills.
  • One to 3 years experience in manufacturing or similar setting. (Preferred)
Benefits

US Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Disability
  • Grace Wellness Program
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Retirement Plans
  • 401(k) Company Match - up to 4%
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.

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