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Entry Level Operator Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

First Shift Pay: $17 hour Send updated resume to kimartin@ aerotek.com for IMMEDIATE consideration Looking to hire entry level assemblers! You will have exposure to medical device manufacturing, and ...

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Machine Operator I

Eatontown, NJ · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Job Summary Entry-level machine operator position in a cleanroom manufacturing environment. The role involves operating and setting up various manufacturing machines, performing basic adjustments and ...

Machine Operator I

Eatontown, NJ · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Job Summary Entry-level machine operator position in a cleanroom manufacturing environment. The role involves operating and setting up various manufacturing machines, performing basic adjustments and ...

Blender Operator

Farmingdale, NJ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

About the role We are currently looking for an Entry Level (Bilingual) Blending Operator to join our team as well as the potential for long-term growth and development opportunities. This is a cross ...

Machine Operator I

Eatontown, NJ

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Job Summary Entry-level machine operator position in a cleanroom manufacturing environment. The role involves operating and setting up various manufacturing machines, performing basic adjustments and ...

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The Molding Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining molding machinery to produce high ... Lift materials weighing up to 40 lbs as required Preferred Qualifications * Entry Level Molding ...

Keeping facilities operating safely, reliably, and cost-effectively is an ongoing challenge. Our ... The Entry-Level Electrical Engineer will be responsible for supporting electrical engineering ...

Fabrication Operator Fairfield, NJ Full Time Entry Level Fabrication Operator in Fairfield, NJ 1st Shift Pay $17.50 per hour - $19.75 Based on experience Fulltime, Benefits, and Weekly Pay iBoost ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Operator information

See New Jersey salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in New Jersey is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level operator?

Entry level operators are employees who typically work in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings and are responsible for running machinery, monitoring equipment, and ensuring products meet quality standards. They are usually new to the field and receive on-the-job training to learn how to operate specific machines or processes. Their duties may include starting and stopping equipment, doing basic maintenance, reporting malfunctions, and keeping work areas clean and safe. Entry level operators play a key role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn safety and operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required or highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level operators and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Operators often face challenges such as mastering complex machinery, adapting to shift work, and maintaining consistent productivity in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to take advantage of on-the-job training, ask questions, and seek guidance from experienced team members. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about safety procedures can also help new operators quickly become effective and confident in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectEntry Level OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing lines, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles across manufacturing and industrial sectorsOperational roles in manufacturing, processing, and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Operator and a Machine Operator lies in their experience and specialization. Entry Level Operators typically have basic training and perform general operational tasks, while Machine Operators often have specific technical skills and certifications to handle particular machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments and share similar work settings, but Machine Operators usually require more technical expertise.

How to become an entry level operator with no experience?

To become an entry level operator with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through online courses or vocational training, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training if applicable. Many employers also consider candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills.

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

The most popular types of Operator jobs in New Jersey are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in New Jersey look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in New Jersey are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,880 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Manufacturing Operator III

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Performs functions relating to the processing of drug products; consistent with established Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), customer requirements and in conjunction with all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Responsible for the safe and efficient execution of their job duties, while ensuring product compliance to established standards.
Area Of Responsibility
  • Under limited Supervision:
      • Operate equipment for two or more production processes: Glatt fluid bed processor, Granulation, Blending, Compression Coating, Imprinting, Banding and Encapsulation.
      • Perform machine changeovers, cleaning, & set up as required.
      • Troubleshoot and make appropriate adjustments to maintain production specifications.
  • Ensure adherence to quality standards during the manufacturing process.
  • Complete manufacturing documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  • Maintain compliance at all times with appropriate SOP's and cGMP's.
  • Perform duties through proper, safe use of equipment following all OSHA regulations and Equipment Manuals.
  • Train or coach entry level Operators.
  • May act as Team Lead in their absence.

Work Conditions:
Environmental related to manufacturing/production environments:
  • Noise: Sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent, to cause marked distraction or possible injury to sense of hearing.
  • Fumes: Smoky or vaporous emissions, usually odorous, thrown off as the result of combustion or chemical reaction.
  • Odors: Unpleasant smells.
  • Gases: Examples include carbon monoxide and ozone.
  • Dust: Airborne particles of any kind, such as textile dust, wood, and silica.
  • Hazards: Conditions where there is danger to life, health or bodily injury such as closeness to moving mechanical parts; working on scaffolding and high places; exposure to burns, radiant energy, explosives, toxic chemicals, and electric shock.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle and feel and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, and bend.
  • Must be capable of bending and lifting, moving and/or carrying up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to navigate office, lab, and/or plant floor working environments, stands, ambulates, and reaches.
  • Must have the ability to wear applicable personal protective equipment utilized at the site, including but not limited to respirators, safety glasses/goggles, and safety shoes.

Travel Estimate
Up to 0 %
Education and Job Qualification
  • High School/Trade School/Vocational School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Forklift or other related equipment certification required
  • Excellent Troubleshooting skills
  • Solid knowledge of cGMP and other pharmaceutical regulatory requirements
  • Solid knowledge of Occupational Health & Safety procedures
  • Strong Math and Computer Skills including MS Office and SAP
  • Strong Interpersonal & communication (both verbal & written) skills
  • The requirement for English language proficiency for this job role elementary 1 (comparable to CEFR basic A2) level based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Experience
  • Minimum five (5) years of Production/Manufacturing experience including minimum of 3 years of experience in primary production process and minimum of two years in a secondary process.

The presently-anticipated base compensation pay range for this position is $25.00/hr to $32.00/hr. Actual base compensation may vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to geographical location and experience. In addition, this position is part of the Annual Performance Bonus Plan, and may be eligible for the Long Term Incentive Plan. Employees are eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs which include medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; and the employee assistance program. Employees also receive various paid time off benefits, including vacation time and sick time.
The compensation and benefits described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company, or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees as assigned to this job. Nothing herein shall preclude the employer from changing these duties from time to time and assigning comparable duties or other duties commensurate with the experience and background of the incumbent(s).
We provide equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, military or veteran status, generic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives:
Sun Pharmaceuticals (Sun) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Sun employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Sun. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.