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Factory Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

The Focus Factory Leader provides direction to salaried and hourly production and support staff employees in a manufacturing and assembly environment. Plans and assigns work, enforces policies and ...

Trane Technologies is hiring a Senior Focus Factory Manager of Operations in Columbia, SC. The Operations Leader provides direction to salaried and hourly production and support staff employees in a ...

This role will ensure delivery of Factory OT/IT related services to the site, provides support and first point of contact for all production OT/IT related systems while following applicable global ...

Trane Technologies is hiring a Senior Focus Factory Manager of Operations in Columbia, SC. The Operations Leader provides direction to salaried and hourly production and support staff employees in a ...

General Sales Manager

Lugoff, SC · On-site

$95K - $150K/yr

Homes built in a factory environment play a critical role in helping solve the nation's need for attainable housing. We are proud to have helped thousands of families nationwide find high-quality ...

Factory Motor Parts is looking for an experienced and customer focused Auto Parts Professional ! This position will answer phone calls to identify customer needs, sell automotive parts, and ...

Oversee and coordinate all factory training and testing programs for employees; * Set and manage technician expectations to optimize performance; * Manage customer flow to deliver timely and quality ...

Service Manager

Lugoff, SC · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

Oversee and coordinate all factory training and testing programs for employees; * Set and manage technician expectations to optimize performance; * Manage customer flow to deliver timely and quality ...

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Factory information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$9

$13

$17

How much do factory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for factory in Columbia, SC is $13.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $14.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Factory vs Machine Operator?

AspectFactoryMachine Operator
Primary RoleOversees entire manufacturing processes and manages production linesOperates specific machinery within the factory
CredentialsTypically requires basic education; certifications depend on machineryOften requires technical training or certifications for specific equipment
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, involving supervision and coordinationFactory floor, focused on operating machinery
Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe manufacturing facilities and processesSpecific role within factories, focusing on machinery operation

While a factory refers to the entire manufacturing facility or process, a machine operator is a specific role within that environment responsible for operating machinery. Understanding this distinction helps in targeting the right job searches and career planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a factory worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Factory Worker, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and attention to detail, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and good communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These attributes are vital for maintaining efficient production, ensuring workplace safety, and contributing to overall operational success.

What jobs are there in a factory?

Factory jobs include roles such as assembly line workers, machine operators, quality control inspectors, maintenance technicians, and supervisors. These positions often require knowledge of manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or training in specific equipment. Factory workers typically work in a structured environment with shifts and safety standards in place.

What are some common challenges faced by workers in a factory environment, and how can they be addressed?

Factory workers often encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, meeting production targets under tight deadlines, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. To address these, it's important to stay focused, follow established safety protocols, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members. Many factories also offer training sessions and ergonomic equipment to help reduce physical strain and improve productivity, which can make the work more manageable and rewarding.

What are different factory jobs?

Factory jobs focus on different aspects of the manufacturing process. As a factory worker, you may perform your duties on a production line where you produce, assemble, or package products or parts. Shift managers oversee operations during a particular time of day, while supervisors or foremen manage a department or monitor the entire factory floor. You can work as a technician, a job in which your responsibilities involve maintaining factory equipment. Factories also employ managers, administrative staff, accountants, designers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals. You can find factory jobs in various industries, include automotive, fashion, food, electronics, household goods, and industrial products.

What are some good factory jobs?

Factory jobs include roles such as assembly line worker, machine operator, quality control inspector, and production technician. These positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and familiarity with tools or machinery; some may also require safety certifications or training. They typically involve working in manufacturing environments with shifts that can include nights and weekends.

What is a factory worker?

Factory workers are employees who perform various tasks in a manufacturing environment, such as assembling products, operating machinery, packaging goods, or performing quality checks. Their roles are essential for producing and preparing products for distribution. Factory workers often work on production lines and must follow strict safety and quality guidelines to ensure efficient and safe operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Factory jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Factory jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What job categories do people searching Factory jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Factory jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Factory jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Factory job openings:
Infographic showing various Factory job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,640 per year, or $13.8 per hour.

Focus Factory Leader

trane technologies

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Trane Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 299 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including TraneandThermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business-it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what's possible for a sustainable world.

Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home.

We boldly go.

Where is the work:

On-Site (5 days)

What's in it for you:

Trane Technologies is hiring a Focus Factory Leader in Columbia, SC. The Focus Factory Leader provides direction to salaried and hourly production and support staff employees in a manufacturing and assembly environment. Plans and assigns work, enforces policies and procedures and recommends improvements in production methods, equipment, operating procedures and working conditions. Accountable for driving higher standards of excellence in manufacturing high quality products in a safe manner while assuring cost-efficient products and on-time delivery to customers, and for maintaining an environment of positive employee relations in a team environment.


What you will do:

  • Provide strategic leadership for the Sheet Metal Fabrication Focus Factory, establishing operational priorities and driving business performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and employee engagement.

  • Lead a complex manufacturing operation that includes press brakes, Salvagnini systems, CNC equipment, and related fabrication processes to ensure reliable production and support customer demand.

  • Develop and lead both salaried and hourly teams by building organizational capability, fostering accountability, and creating a high-performing culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Human Resources, and other manufacturing leaders to align resources, remove barriers, and execute site and enterprise objectives.

  • Champion long-term operational improvements through capacity planning, process optimization, automation, capital projects, and Lean manufacturing principles to position the business for future growth.

  • Responsible for overall performance of assigned work group, including safety, quality, cost and output schedule performance.

  • Responsible for coaching and improving individual employee performance to acceptable standards, including but not limited to workmanship, attendance, safety and job performance.

  • Serve as primary communication vehicle between leadership team and production employees.

  • Provide leadership to continuously improve safety, quality and efficiency by the application of Six Sigma fundamentals.

  • Assures employees are consistently being trained and developed so that talent is retained and succession plans remove gaps in bench strength.

  • Administer talent management programs and processes to ensure that tools are being used to create value across the organization.

  • Responsible for training and developing operators and assuring that all employees understand how to perform the job in a safe manner to quality and productivity standards.


What you will bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business or other applicable field required.

  • Demonstrated leadership ability.

  • Minimum of 2 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a supervisory role.

  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing tools a plus; Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification preferred.

  • Strong planning, problem analysis and resolution, and organizational skills.

  • Able to make timely decision in stressful situations.

  • Ability to listen to customers and translate into accurate, actionable specifications.

  • Must be team-oriented with strong leadership and interpersonal skills

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:

$134,805.00 - $188,265.00

Compensation Type:

Salary

Incentive Eligible:

Yes

Sales Commission Eligible:

No

Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Thrive at work and at home:


  • Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives - WE DARE TO CARE!
  • Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
  • 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
  • Paid time off includes 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
  • Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary depending on Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.


Safety Sensitive Role:

Yes

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are 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, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Trane Technologies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Trane Technologies logo

About Trane Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Trane Technologies and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King®, we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what's possible for a sustainable world. We're a team that dares to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities. We believe in a better future when we uplift others and enable our people to thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.

Industry

Industrial machinery manufacturing and machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US