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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in St Paul, MN

Work Environment You will work on a manufacturing floor with active machinery and consistent equipment noise, where hearing protection is provided and expected to be used. The role involves operating ...

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Machine Operator

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating a variety of machinery and equipment to ...

Machine Operator III

Blaine, MN · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Operate advanced manufacturing equipment, perform machine setups and changeovers, and support production during staffing shortages or high-volume periods * Lead and support machine operators across ...

Machine Operator

Lakeville, MN · On-site

$22.80/hr

The Machine Operator performs set-ups, makes minor adjustments and operates packaging equipment ... Food and Beverage Manufacturing * Blending * CNC Machine Setup & Changeover * Good Manufacturing ...

The Machine Operator performs set-ups, makes minor adjustments and operates packaging equipment ... Food and Beverage Manufacturing * Blending * CNC Machine Setup & Changeover * Good Manufacturing ...

Machine Operator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Roseville, MN 55113 We are hiring an experienced Machine Operator to run production equipment in a manufacturing environment. This position is ideal for someone with previous hands-on machine ...

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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator information

See St Paul, MN salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do food manufacturing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food manufacturing machine operator in St. Paul, MN is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food manufacturing machine operator do?

A Food Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for running and maintaining machinery that processes, packages, or prepares food products in a factory setting. Their tasks include setting up equipment, monitoring production lines, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting minor issues to ensure efficient operation. They must follow strict safety and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure product quality. Operators may also be involved in cleaning machinery and recording production data.

What are some common challenges faced by food manufacturing machine operators, and how can they be managed?

Food Manufacturing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of the machinery used. Regular training, proactive maintenance, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams help operators minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and following established protocols can also make it easier to handle high production demands and frequent changeovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food manufacturing machine operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes HACCP certification is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help operators maintain quality and efficiently address issues. These skills ensure safe, consistent production and help meet strict food industry standards.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing Machine Operator vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Manufacturing Machine OperatorFood Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsProcessing facilities, quality control labs, production areas
Job FocusOperating and monitoring machinery to produce food productsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving processing equipment
Common UsageManufacturing food items like snacks, beverages, canned goodsEnsuring quality, safety, and efficiency in food processing

While both roles work in food production environments, Food Manufacturing Machine Operators primarily focus on operating machinery, whereas Food Processing Technicians handle equipment maintenance and quality control. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in St. Paul, MN?

For Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in St. Paul, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in St. Paul, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in St. Paul, MN are:

Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Machine Operator job openings in St. Paul, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,257 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Machine Operator

Aerotek

Minneapolis, MN

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Operator - 1st shift $28-34/hr

Job Description

The Manufacturing Operator sets up and operates bending and metal forming equipment to produce high-quality CFMF components that meet precise specifications. This role combines hands-on machine operation, careful measurement, and quality control to ensure every part meets standards. You will work with a variety of metal profiles, follow detailed production documentation, and use production tracking systems to keep work flowing efficiently and accurately.

Responsibilities

  • Operate bending equipment to produce curved CFMF components that match exact specifications.
  • Perform machine start-up, operation, and shutdown procedures correctly and safely.
  • Set up tooling for different material profiles, including track, stud, angle, hat channel, and other shapes.
  • Calibrate machines to achieve and maintain the required part quality.
  • Monitor production in real time and adjust machine settings to keep parts within specification.
  • Read and follow production paperwork, drawings, and work instructions before handling material.
  • Verify parts against specifications using quality control and measurement tools.
  • Perform part finishing activities such as flattening, twist correction, and other metal forming adjustments.
  • Inspect completed parts and document any non-conformances accurately.
  • Troubleshoot common part issues, such as twist and flatness, and correct them at the machine.
  • Use the Manufacturing Resource Planner (MRP) to clock into operations, track time, and update part status.
  • Complete all required paperwork accurately and maintain full material traceability from parts to pallet.
  • Meet daily utilization targets by staying engaged, efficient, and focused on production goals.

Essential Skills

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, metal fabrication, or a similar hands-on trade preferred, with a willingness to train the right person.
  • Experience with production or general machine operation in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical documents, and drawings.
  • Ability to read a tape measure accurately and perform precise measurements.
  • Solid basic math skills for measurements and calculations.
  • Mechanical aptitude and a systematic approach to solving problems.
  • Attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ownership of quality.
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a close-knit team.
  • Comfort using computers and tablets for production tracking and MRP systems.
  • Familiarity with quality control processes and measurement tools.
  • Experience with CNC equipment, press brakes, rollers, or other metal forming machinery.
  • Understanding of lean manufacturing or 5S principles.
  • Certification in relevant safety procedures or a commitment to obtain it.
  • Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification on the job.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Technical training in manufacturing, metal fabrication, or a related field is a plus.
  • A strong appetite for learning new machines, processes, and skills, with the follow-through to master them.
  • Comfort with changing priorities and varying projects in a dynamic production environment.
  • Experience using production tracking or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) software.
  • Prior exposure to structured training programs or standardized work processes.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and correct common issues related to metal bending, twist, and flatness.
  • Familiarity with fabrication, metal bending, and general production practices.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that invests in your growth through paid, structured training on every machine and process, supported by a dedicated annual budget for professional development. The organization offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with paid holidays, to support your well-being and work-life balance. You will work in a professional, safety-focused environment where continuous improvement, skill development, and long-term career progression are encouraged and supported.

Work Environment

You will work on a manufacturing floor with active machinery and consistent equipment noise, where hearing protection is provided and expected to be used. The role involves operating potentially hazardous equipment under strict safety protocols and procedures. Required personal protective equipment is provided, including safety glasses and hearing protection, while steel- or composite-toe footwear is required. The facility is climate-controlled to provide a comfortable working environment throughout the year. Work takes place in a schedule-driven production setting, where meeting deadlines and maintaining steady output are important parts of day-to-day operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.


Aerotek logo

About Aerotek

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our "people are everything" spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and travel arrangement services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US