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Junior Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Sparks, NV · On-site

$30 - $33.20/hr

We are currently accepting applications for Machine Operators / Jr. Technicians at our state-of-the-art production facility in Sparks, NV (Spanish Springs). This position will work 12 hr shifts from ...

Provide training and technical guidance to junior operators without direct supervisory duties ... machinery in a manufacturing in textile environment preferred * Manual dexterity and hand-eye ...

Senior Machine Operator

Waller, TX

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Train and mentor junior operators on machine operation and procedures. * Collaborate with production leadership to improve processes and maintain best practices. * Support new product development and ...

Senior Machine Operator

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Train and mentor junior operators on machine operation and procedures. * Collaborate with production leadership to improve processes and maintain best practices. * Support new product development and ...

Senior Machine Operator

Katy, TX

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Train and mentor junior operators on machine operation and procedures. * Collaborate with production leadership to improve processes and maintain best practices. * Support new product development and ...

Senior Machine Operator

Cypress, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Train and mentor junior operators on machine operation and procedures. * Collaborate with production leadership to improve processes and maintain best practices. * Support new product development and ...

Senior Machine Operator

Spring, TX

$15.25 - $18/hr

Train and mentor junior operators on machine operation and procedures. * Collaborate with production leadership to improve processes and maintain best practices. * Support new product development and ...

Machine Operator Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex ... new or junior team members to do their best work safely. You will be maintaining equipment ...

Machine Operator Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex ... new or junior team members to do their best work safely. You will be maintaining equipment ...

Machine Operator

Ogden, UT · On-site

$25.04/hr

Machine Operator Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex ... new or junior team members to do their best work safely. You will be maintaining equipment ...

Machine Operator

Ogden, UT · On-site

$25.04/hr

Machine Operator Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies ® , Kleenex ® , Cottonelle ® ... new or junior team members to do their best work safely. You will be maintaining equipment ...

Machine Operator

Ogden, UT · On-site

$25.04/hr

Machine Operator Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex ... new or junior team members to do their best work safely. You will be maintaining equipment ...

Machine Operator Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies ® , Kleenex ® , Cottonelle ® ... new or junior team members to do their best work safely. You will be maintaining equipment ...

Machine Operator

Milton, WI · On-site

$27.50 - $30.50/hr

We are currently accepting applications for a Machine Operator in our new, state-of-the-art ... The Junior Technician must also possess a great deal of flexibility in their ability to multi-task ...

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Junior Machine Operator information

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How much do junior machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior machine operator in the United States is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Machine Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes experience with computerized control systems are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient production processes and help maintain quality standards on the manufacturing floor.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Machine Operators during their first few months on the job?

Junior Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as learning to operate different types of machinery efficiently and safely, adapting to shift work or fast-paced production environments, and quickly identifying and resolving minor equipment issues. They may also need to familiarize themselves with quality control standards and reporting procedures. Support from more experienced colleagues and ongoing training are typically available to help new operators overcome these hurdles and build confidence in their role.

What are Junior Machine Operators?

Junior Machine Operators are entry-level workers responsible for operating and maintaining machinery in manufacturing or production environments. They assist in setting up machines, monitoring their operation, and ensuring products meet quality standards. Junior Machine Operators often perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot minor issues, and follow safety protocols to maintain a smooth workflow. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced operators or supervisors while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

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

AspectJunior Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, manufacturing or production settingsMore autonomous, similar manufacturing environments
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with machine setup, basic operation, and maintenanceOperating machinery independently, troubleshooting, quality checks

The main difference between a Junior Machine Operator and a Machine Operator lies in experience and responsibility level. Junior Machine Operators are typically entry-level, requiring basic training and supervision, while Machine Operators have more experience and handle more complex tasks independently. Both roles are essential in manufacturing settings, with the Junior role serving as a stepping stone to becoming a fully qualified Machine Operator.

What cities are hiring for Junior Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Junior Machine Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Machine Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Machine Operator

Machine Operator

CLASEN QUALITY CHOCOLATE

Sparks, NV • On-site

$30 - $33.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) is a world-class manufacturer of chocolate and innovative coatings. We have recently been awarded the Top Workplaces Award by the WI State Journal - No. 2 Large Employer and the Benefits Award. CQC has been growing double digits annually because of our flexibility, commitment, respect and integrity, and we are looking for quality individuals to join our team. Working for a family-owned company provides you with the opportunity to wear many different “hats,” make a difference every day, and have fun doing it! We are committed to being an Employer of Choice in the Reno/Sparks area and offering our employees a variety of traditional and unconventional benefits.


We are currently accepting applications for Machine Operators / Jr. Technicians at our state-of-the-art production facility in Sparks, NV (Spanish Springs). This position will work 12 hr shifts from 4:55pm-5:25am. One shift works Sunday - Tuesday and every other Saturday. The other shift works Wednesday–Friday, every other Saturday. Pay starts at $30.00 per hour (plus $3.20 night shift differential).

Because you're only working 3-4 days per week, you have more full days off for hobbies and time with friends and family. Also, there is 8-hours of built-in overtime during your 4-day workweek. Last, if you want to volunteer for an extra workday and its available, it is paid at double-time.

Benefits

  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance (Low deductible and copays, LASIK reimbursement, Adults orthodontics)
  • Company-paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Match – up to 5%
  • Paid Vacation, Personal and Volunteer days plus 11 holidays
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Wellness: Free fruit, insurance discounts, gym and run/walk/bike event reimbursement, free wellness checks
  • Scholarships – Employee, spouse, and children
  • Summer Camp Reimbursement – children of employees
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee appreciation events
  • Free chocolate and coating!
  • Bonus Potential – Perfect Attendance ($300+ quarterly) & Year-End (5%+)
  • Double Time Pay

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of a Junior Technician is to read and understand coating recipes, produce bulk and finished coating in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures, and safety procedures and also display competency in material handling. The Junior Technician / Technician must also possess a great deal of flexibility in their ability to multi-task and maintain a team attitude in all actions taken.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Mixing: Read recipe and add ingredients to mixer or bulk tank by hand and by using the plant control system (PCS).
  • Testing: Collect and test samples of product in various stages of the production process. Add necessary ingredients to the conches. Melt ingredients for production orders.
  • Refining: Prepare and operate the pre-refiner, refiners, and conches to achieve desired fineness and viscosity.
  • Chipline: Operate chipline depositor and troubleshoot color, shape, and size issues on finished products. Read, interpret, and mix bases, flavors, and dyes to meet product specifications.
  • Packaging: Operate all packaging equipment to ensure product meets customer standards and complete all required paperwork and checks.
  • Shipping & Receiving:
  • Move ingredients in and out of racking, utilizing RSS inventory management system, to achieve proper first in-first out (FIFO) / product rotation procedures.
  • Load and unload inbound/outbound trailers, completing the necessary inspection forms. Requires working at heights and using fall protection to accomplish task.
  • Receive, inspect, sample, tag, and route all incoming materials. Pick, pack, load, and ready orders for shipping.
  • Sanitation: Utilize correct cleaning procedures to complete production and non-production cleaning responsibilities. Set up, tear down, and clean tanks, pipes, pumps, and plates.
  • Train and certify in all eight areas noted above within the designated timeframes.
  • Inspect product for color, shape, and size issues on finished products.
  • Read and interpret production and distribution schedules.
  • Understand and display competency in using the plant control system (PCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI).
  • Complete paperwork and log production information accurately (labor reports, recipe weight, waste sheets, Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) sheets, etc.).
  • Operate forklift and other material handling equipment, and drive personal vehicle for work.
  • Attend team, safety, and quality meetings, complete the necessary training / certification required by supervision, and train others as needed. Perform all tasks assigned by the supervisor, while following all company, safety, and quality policies and procedures. Cover for other employees while on break/lunch. Maintain regular attendance at work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 3 years of complex industrial experience (machine operation, troubleshooting, multi-tasking, etc.)
  • Food manufacturing experience would be helpful, but not required
  • Previous experience lifting 55 lbs. is preferred
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, RSS, Microsoft Navision, Plant Control Systems, and/or Label Management would be helpful


SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Lift 55 pounds on a continual basis
  • Stand and walk for entire shift
  • Speak, write and read in English
  • Perform math at an intermediate level (multiplication, division, fractions, etc.)
  • Work at heights above 10 feet and in extreme heat and cold
  • Work with allergens, such as soy, milk, etc.
  • Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to perform a variety of tasks
  • Multi-tasking, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Demonstrate range-of-motion, strength, and physical stamina needed to safely perform the job in fast-paced work environment.
  • Remain alert to safety hazards, maintain attention to stay on task, manage time effectively, and work independently and in a team to complete assigned tasks.

CQC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, protected veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information, please visit our website at www.cqc.com


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