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Helper Machine Operator Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator (Crane - 3rd Shift)

Conover, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... help you rest comfortably. Learn more about Bedding Components: L&P Bedding Group Job Summary: The ... Follow safe operating procedures when operating crane. * Track material transferred into department.

We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ... ready machine. Gluer Operators have the main duties of preparing the gluers for upcoming jobs ...

... help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We ... machine controls for speed, temperature, pressure, etc. • Understands and adheres to all safety ...

Operator - Korrvu

Hudson, NC · On-site

$22.55/hr

... help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We ... machine controls for speed, temperature, pressure, etc. • Understands and adheres to all safety ...

2nd shift Machine Set-Up

Newton, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Responsible for effective and efficient machine set-ups to ensure the changeover is completed ... Familiar with Lean Principals including 5s, SMED, and TPM to help drive Department efficiency

2nd shift Machine Set-Up

Newton, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

Responsible for effective and efficient machine set-ups to ensure the changeover is completed ... Familiar with Lean Principals including 5s, SMED, and TPM to help drive Department efficiency

... coater helper. * Review coating schedule and ensure accurate footage is run for all products ... Follow all "coater operator" work instructions. * Perform any and all activities as required or ...

... coater helper. * Review coating schedule and ensure accurate footage is run for all products ... Follow all "coater operator" work instructions. * Perform any and all activities as required or ...

... machine controls for speed, temperature, pressure, etc. • Understands and adheres to all safety ... Qualifications • Experience working in a fast-paced environment. • Experience operating high ...

Manufacturing Helper

Lenoir, NC · On-site

$21.28/hr

... machine controls for speed, temperature, pressure, etc. • Understands and adheres to all safety ... Qualifications • Experience working in a fast-paced environment. • Experience operating high ...

Entry Level Load Former

Statesville, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Responsible for all activities associated with stacking the equipment and helping the operators ... Set-up bundler, hold down arm, load former, and delivery end of machine accurately in accordance ...

Entry Level Load Former

Statesville, NC

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Responsible for all activities associated with stacking the equipment and helping the operators ... Set-up bundler, hold down arm, load former, and delivery end of machine accurately in accordance ...

... coater helper. * Review coating schedule and ensure accurate footage is run for all products ... Follow all "coater operator" work instructions. * Perform any and all activities as required or ...

... coater helper. * Review coating schedule and ensure accurate footage is run for all products ... Follow all "coater operator" work instructions. * Perform any and all activities as required or ...

Showing results 41-60

Helper Machine Operator information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do helper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for helper machine operator in Hickory, NC is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helper machine operator?

Helper Machine Operators assist main machine operators in manufacturing and production settings. Their duties typically include setting up machinery, loading materials, monitoring machine performance, and performing basic maintenance or cleaning. They also help ensure products meet quality standards and may record production data. This role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently. No formal education is usually required, but on-the-job training is common.

What does a helper machine operator do?

As a Helper Machine Operator, your daily tasks usually involve assisting the main machine operator by preparing materials, loading and unloading machines, and monitoring equipment for proper operation. You may also be responsible for basic maintenance, cleaning the work area, and reporting any issues to supervisors. Collaboration with other team members, such as quality control staff and maintenance technicians, is common to ensure efficient production and adherence to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helper machine operator?

To thrive as a Helper Machine Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with common manufacturing tools, basic computer systems, and sometimes forklift certification is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in supporting machine operators and maintaining workflow. These skills ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to efficient production in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Helper Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectHelper Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; certification or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with setup, cleaning, and basic operationOperate machinery independently, monitor processes, troubleshoot

The Helper Machine Operator typically assists with basic tasks and supports the Machine Operator, who handles more complex machinery operation. Both roles are common in manufacturing environments and require similar credentials, but the Machine Operator has more responsibility and independence in operating equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Hickory, NC?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Helper Machine Operator jobs in Hickory, NC?

For Helper Machine Operator jobs in Hickory, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helper Machine Operator jobs in Hickory, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Helper Machine Operator jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Helper Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Helper Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Helper Machine Operator job openings in Hickory, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,519 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Machine Operator (Crane - 3rd Shift)

Conover, NC


Leggett & Platt
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 52 rated furniture manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Paid breaks


$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Elite Comfort Solutions, a Leggett & Platt Company, is comprised of hardworking individuals dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality foam products for the bedding and furniture markets and beyond.  With locations around the globe, we offer a world of opportunities in areas such as business, information technology, and manufacturing.

We make life more comfortable.

Leggett & Platt’s overall mission is a commitment to enhance lives – by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part in bringing about a better future.

Leggett & Platt’s inventive heritage and leadership span more than 130 years. Leggett & Platt has divisions that design, manufacture, and sell a variety of products for all areas of life. Our reliable product development and launch capability, coupled with our global footprint, make us a trusted partner for customers in the automotive, furniture, hydraulic cylinders, flooring, textile and geo components industries.

Learn more about the history of Leggett & Platt: https://leggett.com/history

Bedding

The world leader in bedding technology.

Leggett & Platt has been the driving force in bedding components technology since inventing the bedspring in 1885. Now, we own more mattress industry patents than anyone in the world.

Springs, foam, adjustable beds, machinery – our Bedding businesses design, produce, and supply innovative sleep solutions that help you rest comfortably.

Learn more about Bedding Components: L&P Bedding Group

Job Summary:

The Crane Operator performs various tasks necessary to move and organize buns during foam production and to store using an overhead crane. (Sunday - Thurday, 11p-7a)

Qualifications, Knowledge, Education & Experience:

Must be at least 18 years of age to perform this job. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • At beginning of shift, get a Drop List and directions from the line operator as to which buns are to be pulled for shipping.
  • Review bun inventory (by physically walking the bays) to determine where the buns are located and in what order to pull buns for shipping.
  • Organize and issue buns from storage bays based on Drop List.
  • Lift buns by crane placing buns on shipping line, visually check for quality and that bun is placed on line correctly and in order.
  • Make note of any reclassifications of buns.
  • Ensure all buns are scanned from and to inventory location.
  • Follow safe operating procedures when operating crane.
  • Track material transferred into department.
  • Communicate with supervisor and other employees as needed.
  • Check quality of buns. Record and report defects to supervisor.
  • Assist with daily and monthly inventory.
  • Responsible for good housekeeping in work area & equipment.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education:

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

  • Good mechanical aptitude and attention to detail

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; maintains a clean and organized work environment.
  • Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.
  • Safety - Observes all safety procedures and policies; Reports potentially unsafe conditions to supervisor; Uses equipment and materials properly.
  • Good attention to detail.
  • Able to work accurately from verbal and written instructions.

 

 

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continual basis. It does not exclude other duties that may be assigned.

 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity / Veteran / Disability Employer

 

 

For more information about how we handle your personal data in connection with our recruiting processes, please refer to the Recruiting Privacy Notice on the “Privacy Notice” tab located at http://privacy.leggett.com

 

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve had a chance to learn more about us, what are you waiting for! Apply today and allow us the opportunity to learn more about you and the value you can bring to our team. Once you apply, be sure to create a profile, and sign up for job alerts, so you can be the first to know when new opportunities become available.

Our Values

Our values speak to our shared beliefs, and describe how we approach working together.

  • Put People First reflects our commitment to safety and care of each other, learning and development, and creating an environment of mutual respect, empathy and belonging.
  • Do the Right Thing focuses us on acting with honesty and integrity, delivering the results the right way, taking pride in our work, and speaking the truth – good or bad.
  • Do Great Work…Together occurs when we engage without hierarchy, collaborate as a team, embrace challenges, and work for the good of all of us.
  • Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

Our Commitment to You

We're actively taking steps to make sure our culture, processes and practices promote equal opportunity for all. Join us!

We welcome and encourage all applicants to apply. We’d love the opportunity to consider you.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer

For more information about how we handle your personal data in connection with our recruiting processes, please refer to the Recruiting Privacy Notice on the “Privacy Notice” tab located at http://privacy.leggett.com



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