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Lead Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of basic operating machinery * Practice world class safety practices, every day. * Participate in monthly safety talks with production departments or as required. * Participate in quality ...

Knowledge of basic operating machinery * Practice world class safety practices, every day. * Participate in monthly safety talks with production departments or as required. * Participate in quality ...

Company Description To operate Cardline that produce fiber products in a safe and efficient manner following standard operating procedures. Qualifications BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Must be physically ...

Company Description To operate Cardline that produce fiber products in a safe and efficient manner following standard operating procedures. Qualifications Minimum - High School Diploma and/or three ...

Lead Operator, Fowler | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based ...

Lead Operator, Fowler | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based ...

Bindery Operator 1

Crawfordsville, IN · On-site

$22 - $27.40/hr

Participate in training to prepare to promote into a Lead operator position * Inspect equipment for safety issues * Monitor quality, output and productivity * Learn to utilize tools to measure and ...

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Extruder Operator

Evansville, IN · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

... lead operator of a twin screw extruder - Strong knowledge of production processes and equipment operation - Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills - Ability to work well in a team ...

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Extruder Operator

Evansville, IN · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

... lead operator of a twin screw extruder - Strong knowledge of production processes and equipment operation - Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills - Ability to work well in a team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in Indiana is $23.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

What is a lead operator?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

How does a lead operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Operator jobs in Indiana? For Lead Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,575 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Lead Operator

Magna

Muncie, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based on your language selection.
What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
Transforming mobility. Making automotive technology that is smarter, cleaner, safer and lighter. That's what we're passionate about at Magna Powertrain, and we do it by creating world-class powertrain systems. We are a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in design, development, testing and manufacturing of complex powertrain systems. Our name stands for quality, environmental consciousness, and safety. Innovation is what drives us and we drive innovation. Dream big and create the future of mobility at Magna Powertrain.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Including but not limited to the following:
  • High School or GED equivalent
  • Knowledge of basic operating machinery
  • Practice world class safety practices, every day.
  • Participate in monthly safety talks with production departments or as required.
  • Participate in quality stand down meetings as quality issues warrant.
  • Support quality containments and system purges.
  • Support IATF practices and initiatives. May be assigned as internal auditor
  • Relieve cell operators during breaks, lunch or other short term runs.
  • Operate machines on a daily basis such as lathes, machining centers, gun drill and rack rolling machines.
  • Assist supervisor with manpower moves to support machine downtime or material shortages.
  • Must be able to read blueprints and understand print symbols
  • Knowledge of basic inspection tools: micrometers, calipers, depth gages, height gages, bore gages etc
  • Must have basic math skills.
  • Responsible for writing up scrap.
  • Evaluate and solve production problems.
  • Set-up and change over equipment as necessary.
  • Support engineering efforts for tool testing.
  • Assist engineering with Process development and documentation of manufacturing work instructions.
  • Support prototyping activities of new product development as well as service requirements for current and past models.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing and cellular manufacturing principles.
  • Basic knowledge of industrial engineering principles related to man/machine cycle time studies.
  • Perform low levels of maintenance.
  • Training and indirect supervision of production operators.
Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure
As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.
Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Powertrain