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

Customer Driven Staffing - North Carolina

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CNC Lathe Machine Operator / Set Up

Statesville, NC · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

Preferred Qualifications ● Experience specifically operating or setting up HAAS machines. ● ... Company Description Customer Driven Staffing's mission is to help employers achieve organizational ...

Westrock

Folder Gluer Operator P (7/1)

Claremont, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Wanzl NA

2nd shift Machine Set-Up

Hickory, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sealed Air Corporation

Manufacturing Helper

Lenoir, NC

$21.28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

pregis

Coater Operator-Nights

Conover, NC

$32/hr

... 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 ...

pregis

Coater Operator-Days

Conover, NC · On-site

$32/hr

... 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 ...

Sealed Air Corporation

Manufacturing Helper

Lenoir, NC · On-site

$21.28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Pratt Industries

Entry Level Load Former

Statesville, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Pratt Industries

Entry Level Load Former

Statesville, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Pregis

Coater Operator-Days

Conover, NC · On-site

$32/hr

... 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 ...

Pregis

Coater Operator-Nights

Conover, NC · On-site

$32/hr

... 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 ...

JT Russell and Sons

Asphalt Paver Operator

Conover, NC · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your expertise will help maintain the proper depth, grade, and finished cross-section of asphalt ... Are you the Asphalt Paver Operator we're looking for?To thrive as a Full-Time Asphalt Paver ...

Westrock

Finishing Operator

Conover, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ... Operate folder gluer and window machines while maintaining production equipment numbers and ...

Smurfit Westrock

Finishing Operator

Conover, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ... Operate folder gluer and window machines while maintaining production equipment numbers and ...

Westrock

Cutting Tech

Conover, NC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ... Coordinate and adjust crewing machines according to demands and departmental goals. * Monitor labor ...

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All JobsHelper Machine Operator JobsHelper Machine Operator Jobs in Hickory, NC

Helper Machine Operator information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$10

$16

$20

How much do helper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Helper Machine Operator jobs near you
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.

Fryer Machine Operator - Weekend Day Shift

UTZ Brands, Inc

Kings Mountain, NC

$16.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Ready for an exciting career with a company that values teamwork and your success? Join Utz Quality Foods and become part of a dynamic team committed to excellence!

We're looking for a Fryer Operator at our Kings Mountain, NC facility. If you have a passion for quality production and enjoy hands-on work, this could be the perfect role for you! The shift operates

Rotating Schedule: Friday to Sunday & Thursday to Sunday 6:00AM-6:30PM.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate and adjust Fryer equipment to meet production goals
  • Perform maintenance and basic repairs on machinery
  • Troubleshoot and perform preventative maintenance to keep things running smoothly
  • Ensure high-quality products by inspecting equipment and monitoring production
  • Collaborate with your team to meet safety, quality, and production standards
  • Maintain cleanliness and adhere to safety and food safety protocols
  • Handle data entry functions and communicate updates to the team

Requirements:

  • 1-2 years of Food Manufacturing experience is preferred.
  • Ability to work on warm to hot environments.
  • Experience operating production and data entry equipment
  • Ability to perform basic mechanical tasks and use tools like Allen wrenches and screwdrivers
  • Knowledge of safe operating practices, including lock-out/tag-out programs
  • Strong multi-tasking skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate effectively and work well with others
  • Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs and work around hot equipment
  • Bilingual is preferred, but not required.

External Recruitment Process

  • Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
  • Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
  • Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Continuously Pursuing Excellence!

Here at Utz, we have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from high quality ingredients. After over a century with a strong family heritage, our diverse portfolio of brands includes Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border. Our associates are the reason for the success of this company, so it is important we provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment that offers opportunities for career growth and advancement. We also help take care of our associates by providing benefits, resources, and programs that ensure they live their healthiest lives. Our full-time benefit package includes medical, dental, and vision plans, an employer match 401k, profit sharing plan, employee stock purchase plan and much more. Join our world class team and help us become the fastest growing pure-play U.S. snacking company of scale!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

  • Demonstrated ability to operate production and data entry equipment.
  • Must follow all personal and food safety rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Must be able to stand most of the time.
  • Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 70lb's.
  • Must be willing and able to work in / around consistently hot equipment and environments.
  • Must have the ability to multi-task.
  • Must be team oriented.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Must possess basic math skills.
  • Proficiency with basic hand tools.
  • Knowledge of safe operating practices involved in the use of lock-out/tag-out programs and food safety.
  • Experience with general mechanic tools (Allen wrenches, screw drivers, etc.).
  • Strong commitment to company values.

Apply