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Back Up Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

Azusa, CA

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Distribute the documentation for the scheduled run to the assigned staff (e.g. palletizer, material handler, backup machine operator, etc.) and monitor all the data being captured throughout the ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Distribute the documentation for the scheduled run to the assigned staff (e.g. palletizer, material handler, backup machine operator, etc.) and monitor all the data being captured throughout the ...

Sterling Foods

Machine Operator

Azusa, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Distribute the documentation for the scheduled run to the assigned staff (e.g. palletizer, material handler, backup machine operator, etc.) and monitor all the data being captured throughout the ...

Pretium Packaging L.L.C.

Machine Operator

Bethlehem, PA

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Shift 7:00pm - 7:00am Machine Operators will operate and maintain assigned pieces of production ... Know the responsibilities of an Inspector Packer and be able to replace/backup and break an ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Shift 7:00pm - 7:00am Machine Operators will operate and maintain assigned pieces of production ... Know the responsibilities of an Inspector Packer and be able to replace/backup and break an ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Shift 7:00am - 7pm Machine Operators will operate and maintain assigned pieces of production ... Know the responsibilities of an Inspector Packer and be able to replace/backup and break an ...

Pretium Packaging

Machine Operator

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Shift 7:00pm - 7:00am Machine Operators will operate and maintain assigned pieces of production ... Know the responsibilities of an Inspector Packer and be able to replace/backup and break an ...

SMS Staffing

Machine Operator

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Serve as a backup operator for an additional machine in the area. * Complete post-operative line clearance. * Investigate and report any production issues or yield concerns. * Assist in training new ...

Quikserv

Machine Operator

Houston, TX

$18 - $20/hr

CNC Machine Operator The CNC Machine operator ensures that the machine is set up properly ... Learn other appropriate manufacturing job functions and serve as back up in other areas when ...

Quikserv, Inc.

Machine Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

CNC Machine Operator The CNC Machine operator ensures that the machine is set up properly ... Learn other appropriate manufacturing job functions and serve as back up in other areas when ...

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How much do back up machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for back up machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Back Up Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Back Up Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring prior manufacturing experience. Familiarity with production machinery, safety protocols, and often software like PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and effective communication help you adapt quickly and maintain smooth operations when stepping into the primary operator's role. These skills ensure operational continuity, minimize downtime, and uphold safety and quality standards in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges a Back Up Machine Operator may face when stepping in for the primary operator?

A Back Up Machine Operator often faces the challenge of quickly adapting to different machines or processes, especially if each has unique settings or maintenance needs. They must be able to follow detailed handovers and troubleshoot unexpected issues efficiently to minimize downtime. Communication with both the primary operator and the rest of the production team is essential to ensure a smooth transition and maintain consistent quality and safety standards. Flexibility and a strong understanding of standard operating procedures are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is a Back Up Machine Operator?

A Back Up Machine Operator is a worker trained to operate machinery in a manufacturing or production setting, stepping in when the primary operator is absent or unavailable. Their responsibilities include starting, stopping, monitoring, and maintaining industrial machines to ensure smooth operations. They may also perform quality checks, troubleshoot issues, and follow safety protocols. This role requires flexibility, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to different equipment. Back Up Machine Operators help maintain productivity and reduce downtime in production environments.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Back Up Machine Operator can potentially earn around $10,000 a month with experience, overtime, and working in high-paying industries such as manufacturing or energy. These roles often require technical skills, safety certifications, and the ability to operate complex machinery, but typically do not require a college degree.

What is the difference between Back Up Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectBack Up Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, possibly forklift or equipment operation licensesSimilar certifications, often includes OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, warehouses, production linesFactories, construction sites, manufacturing facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate, monitor, and back up machinery, ensure safety protocolsOperate machinery, perform setup and maintenance tasks

Back Up Machine Operators focus on supporting primary machine operations and safety backup, while Machine Operators handle the main operation of machinery. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ slightly, with Back Up Machine Operators serving as auxiliary support to ensure continuous and safe production.

More about Back Up Machine Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Back Up Machine Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Back Up Machine Operator jobs are:
Back Up Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Back Up Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Back-Up Machine Operator - Weekend Night

Back-Up Machine Operator - Weekend Night

Utz Brands, Inc.

Hanover, PA • On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Utz Quality Foods is looking to grow our loyal, career driven, and customer focused team, and are currently recruiting for a Back-Up Machine Operator to join our team of manufacturing professionals in Hanover, PA on Weekend Night Shift.
As a Back-Up Machine Operator this candidate will be responsible to help the packaging machine operator, help relieve from the production line, and more. This position works Friday to Sunday 5:55PM-5:55AM.
Key Responsibilities
  • Supplies production lines with needed materials.
  • Places skids of cardboard at tables and packing stations.
  • Moves product from packing area to warehouse by pulling handjack filled with product.
  • Must have or be able to obtain forklift license.
  • Substitutes for Packaging Machine Operator during breaks, lunches, illness and vacations.
  • Transports rolls of packaging film.
  • Ability to lift roll stock (80 lbs.) onto packaging machine chest level every 1 to 2 hours.
  • Changes code blocks to appropriate daily and weekly code and price; sets weights.
  • Basic understanding of vertical form and fill packing machines.
  • Starts and stops power to the machine, vibrator and conveyor.
  • Operates labeling equipment.
  • Assists the Packaging Machine Operator as needed.
  • Requires working proactively in a cross-functional team with diverse groups of people.

Requirements
  • Requires basic math and reading skills.
  • Must be willing and able to stand 100% of the time
  • Requires knowledge of product quality and production processes.
  • Prior Machine Operating experience.
  • Prior Food Manufacturing experience is preferred.
  • Mechanically inclined.
  • Moderate lifting (40lbs).

External Recruitment Process
  • Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
  • Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
  • Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!
Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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