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Associate Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Troon Golf

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.

Emerge Consulting LLC

Machine Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$17.05/hr

Production Associate - Full Time - Day Shift - $17.05/hour Oakwood Veneer Company - Troy, MI No ... Paid training We have operated nearly 40 years without layoffs (excluding temporary COVID shutdown ...

Oakwood Veneer Company

Machine Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$17.05/hr

Production Associate - Full Time - Day Shift - $17.05/hourOakwood Veneer Company - Troy, MINo ... Paid TrainingOakwood Veneer Company is hiring a full-time Production Associate / Machine Operator ...

Oakwood Veneer Company

Machine Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$17.05/hr

Production Associate - Full Time - Day Shift - $17.05/hour Oakwood Veneer Company - Troy, MI No ... Paid training We have operated nearly 40 years without layoffs (excluding temporary COVID shutdown ...

Aampower

Machine Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Job Posting Title Machine Operator Summary The machine operator is responsible for operating ... Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race ...

Piston Automotive

Forklift Operator

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

The Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and may also be required to perform other duties as a Production Associate. Offload inbound shipments safely and move ...

Piston Automotive

Forklift Operator

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

The Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and may also be required to perform other duties as a Production Associate. Offload inbound shipments safely and move ...

Piston Automotive

Forklift Operator

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

The Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and may also be required to perform other duties as a Production Associate. Offload inbound shipments safely and move ...

Aampower

Forklift Operator

Fraser, MI · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Effectively interact with associates, management, drivers and customers by exchanging information ... Operating knowledge of Plex About Dauch: Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming ...

Piston Automotive

Forklift Operator

Auburn Hills, MI

$16 - $19/hr

The Operator is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle and may also be required to perform other duties as a Production Associate. Offload inbound shipments safely and move ...

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All JobsAssociate Operator JobsAssociate Operator Jobs in Detroit, MI

Associate Operator information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$11

$14

$16

How much do associate operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate operator in Detroit, MI is $14.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.77 and $16.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Associate Operator jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Associate Operator job openings:
Associate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Operator job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,951 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

Forklift Operator

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

Oxford, MI • On-site

$19.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

American Axle & Manufacturing rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Posting Title
Forklift Operator
Job Description Summary
We are looking for a forklift operator to move packages and materials around our facility. You will be operating a forklift with the utmost care to ensure efficiency and safety. You must be a responsible individual with great experience in driving industrial vehicles. The goal will be to ensure that material and products will always be at the right place to achieve maximum efficiency.
Forklift Operator pay starts at $19.18 with a second-shift premium of 75 cents and a third-shift premium of 75 cents. Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, overtime, matching 401K, and health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
Associates are regularly required to stand, walk, and use their hands and fingers to handle or reach. These associates regularly lift and/or move parts that weigh between 15 and 35 lbs. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.
Job Description:
  • Unload materials and merchandise from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places
  • Locate and move stock of products to pallets or crates for storage or shipment
  • Identify damages and report shortages or quality deficiencies
  • Transport raw materials to production workstations
  • Inspect machinery to determine the need for repairs and guarantee safety by performing regular maintenance
  • Keep updated activity logs
  • Align with company policies and legal guidelines
  • Help maintain a safe and orderly environment of the facility

Required Skills and Education
  • Proven experience as forklift operator
  • Attention to detail and familiarity with industrial equipment
  • High school diploma or GED
  • General computer skills

About Dauch:
Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

What American Axle & Manufacturing employees say

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American Axle & Manufacturing logo

About American Axle & Manufacturing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), based in Detroit, MI, US, is a globally recognized leader in the automotive industry. Established in 1994, the company has built a strong reputation as a premier manufacturer of driveline and drivetrain systems, and related components for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, crossover vehicles, and commercial vehicles. With the mission of “Powering the Future of Mobility”, AAM is dedicated to delivering top-tier power transfer solutions that are efficient, safe, and sustainable. Over the decades, AAM's determination to excel has led to the development of groundbreaking innovations, earning accolades for its advanced PowerDense™ and EcoTrac® solutions.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1917

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