2

Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

We work with 95% of Fortune 500 companies and specialize in staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. Working at Aerotek and why ...

We work with 95% of Fortune 500 companies and specialize in staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. Working at Aerotek and why ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Manufacturing information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$13

$30

$48

How much do entry level manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing in Waukee, IA is $30.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.30 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are there entry-level manufacturing jobs?

Yes, entry-level manufacturing jobs are widely available and often require minimal prior experience. These positions typically involve tasks such as assembly, operating machinery, or quality control, and may require basic skills, physical stamina, and safety training. Many companies offer on-the-job training for new workers.

What is an entry level manufacturing?

An Entry Level Manufacturing job involves performing basic tasks in a production or assembly environment, often under the guidance of experienced workers. Responsibilities may include operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, and maintaining a clean work area. No prior experience is usually required, as on-the-job training is provided. These positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing and develop technical skills.

How to start a career in entry level manufacturing?

To start a career in entry level manufacturing, gain basic technical skills through high school education or vocational training, and consider obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to operate machinery or tools, with on-the-job training provided by employers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in entry level manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with operating machinery, using hand tools, and following safety protocols—sometimes demonstrated through OSHA certifications—is important. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help set candidates apart in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These abilities are crucial for maintaining production quality, efficiency, and safety on the job.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry level manufacturing position?

A typical day for an entry level manufacturing employee involves operating and monitoring machines, assembling products or components, conducting quality checks, and ensuring a clean and safe work area. You’ll often work as part of a team, communicating with supervisors and co-workers to maintain production goals. Depending on the facility, shifts may vary, and you may rotate between different tasks to keep up with workflow demands. This variety keeps the workday active and helps employees develop a broad set of skills relevant to advancing in the manufacturing industry.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waukee, IA?

For Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waukee, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waukee, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waukee, IA are:

What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs?

Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Entry Level Manufacturing job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,460 per year, or $30 per hour.

2nd Shift_ Mechanical Manufacturing Technician I_ Onsite

Collins Aerospace

West Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-22

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-WEST DES MOINES-811 ~ 811 4th St ~ 4TH

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

Mechanical Manufacturing Technician is an entry level position with no certification required. The purpose for an operator at this level is to learn and train on the basic understandings of all calibration specific operations. Mechanical Manufacturing Technician is expected to have the basic level ability to prepare and assemble components to develop final or sub-assemblies with direct supervision by a certified calibrator (level II or above). The operator will set up and operate production equipment to ensure flow, spray angle, and quality of spray meets product specifications and tolerance levels. The operator is expected to follow established standard work under general supervision in efforts to obtain certification. The operator will typically refer problems or deviations to more experienced operators including Lead Technicians, supervisors, or engineers.
 

**External applicants are eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus.**

What You Will Do

  • Learn how to set up and operate test stand to check nozzles, spray bars, and valves for spray quality, angle, and flow according to specifications.

  • Learn how to set up and operate laser marker and printer according to procedures and specifications.

  • Learn how to record spray parameters by serial number. Learns how to certify product conformance through test and records performance results by serial number.

  • May learn how to disassemble, repair, and assemble product according to specifications.

  • Accurately complete production documentation and performs necessary labor transitions.

  • Support and follow all rules/guidelines/standards set by EHS, Quality, and CI functions as set by your leader and position.

  • Actively participate in the Continuous Improvement process as well as safety related activities.

  • May be required to work over 40 hours per week as scheduled to meet business needs.

  • All other duties as assigned including working extended shifts/overtime as required by the business.

  • Willingness to work nonstandard hours.

  • Some Holiday hours may be required based on business need.

  • Working extended shifts/overtime as required by the business.

  • The schedule for this position is 2nd Shift Monday through Friday 3:30pm - 12:00am.
     

What You Will Learn

  • This position is an opportunity to start your career and grow with Collins.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires HS Diploma. In the absence of a HS diploma or GED, 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Manufacturing experience

  • Manual dexterity to perform tasks associated with assembly and calibration.

  • Previous experience reading, understanding and working off blueprints.

  • Communication experience with all levels of employees and management
     

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  

  • Tuition reimbursement program 

  • Student Loan Repayment Program  

  • Life insurance and disability coverage  

  • Optional coverages you can buy: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

  • Adoption Assistance           

  • Autism Benefit  

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  

  • And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now!

We make modern flight possible for millions of travelers and our military every second.  Our major product lines are on-board virtually every aircraft flying. Be it keeping passengers safe with our emergency power generation systems or creating a positive in-flight experience through reliable cabin pressure controls and quieter engines, Power & Controls focuses on delivering a best-in-class experience to our customers. We hire the top people in the industry. Their ideas drive our performance, and their integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight! 

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. 

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. 

Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world – and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings. 

This position is considered safety sensitive in accordance with FAA Guidelines. Candidate will be subject to drug and alcohol testing per FAA’s regulation 14 CFR part 120, as well as 49 CFR part 40

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

#TopOp

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms


What Collins Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Collins Aerospace logo

About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018