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Lead Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Argos, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Argos, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Argos, IN

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Argos, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Takes direction from Unit Manager and Lead Operator. * Communicates process information and issues with other production operators, maintenance & management. * Supports Unit Manager, maintenance, and ...

Machine Operator

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Machine Operator

Argos, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment. * Other ...

Production Operator

Columbus, IN

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Communicate with team members, lead operators, and management to support production goals * Lead by example in professionalism and support of company policies Continuous Improvement * Identify ...

Handler, Material

Muncie, IN

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Participate in daily carryover meetings with day shift E-Car Lead Operator. * Receive training and indirect guidance from the lead operator(s). * Perform other related duties as assigned by ...

Handler, Material

Muncie, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Participate in daily carryover meetings with day shift E-Car Lead Operator. * Receive training and indirect guidance from the lead operator(s). * Perform other related duties as assigned by ...

Handler, Material

Muncie, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Participate in daily carryover meetings with day shift E-Car Lead Operator. * Receive training and indirect guidance from the lead operator(s). * Perform other related duties as assigned by ...

Production Operator

Columbus, IN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Communicate with team members, lead operators, and management to support production goals * Lead by example in professionalism and support of company policies Continuous Improvement * Identify ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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, and why are they important?

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 are Lead Operators?

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.
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,575 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Machine Operator

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Altium Packaging rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 114 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Location Address:
300 Dewey Street, Argos, Indiana 46501
Work Shift:
8hr-2nd Shift (United States of America)
The Machine Operator will operate blow-mold/PET/injection molding machines, grinders, trimmer machines, and conveyor systems. Role is responsible for troubleshooting process problems and performing minor maintenance to ensure continued operation of the production line. The Machine Operator is also responsible for following our company's Good Manufacturing Practices.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
• Demonstrates safe work practices by wearing correct PPE and following safety policies
  • Demonstrates punctuality and adheres to work schedule.

• Demonstrates a One Team Cross Functional attitude by working well and effectively with others
  • Embraces and participates in continuous improvement processes to drive change within the plant.

• Adheres to company General Manufacturing Policies
  • Ensure compliance with corporate and plant safety standards and with applicable laws and regulations issued by regulatory agencies.
  • Keeps the work area clutter free, clean, and organized.
  • Introduction to preventive maintenance, mold, neck and blow pin and other mechanical changes.
  • Operate blow-mold/PET/injection molding machines (including wheels, reciprocating or shuttle machines) to ensure production of quality bottles.
  • Adhere to quality control and to blow mold process procedure.
  • Introduction to troubleshooting and resolving process problems.
  • Performs bottle inspections, such as drop tests for designated lines.
  • Inspects the quality of bottles during production, packaging and labeling.
  • Perform audits, weights and quality checks. Machines may vary by site.
  • Make adjustments to meet product specifications.
  • Troubleshoot and perform minor repair on blow-mold and support equipment.
  • Immediately escalates all bottle abnormalities, defects and quality issues when found.
  • Monitor supply levels of packaging materials and replenish as needed.
  • Pick up dropped bottles, place into bins and if needed into grinder.
  • Ensure correct labeling, bottle description and packaging of product in accordance with specific customer requirements.
  • Move finished goods to designated area.
  • Prepare & document daily production reports, including rejects, regrinds, line efficiencies and other.
  • Prepare maintenance request forms and document equipment repairs.
  • Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished on unusual problems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.
  • Duties may differentiate by plant based on equipment and plant design.
  • #IND1

  • Reasonable mandatory overtime may be required due to business needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The requirements listed below are minimum requirements for the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to safely perform the essential functions of the job, unless such accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the Company.
EXPERIENCE:
  • Basic mathematical skills are required.
  • Basic computer experience.
  • Blow mold experience.

EDUCATION:
• Prefer High School diploma or general education degree (GED).
TRAINING:
• Completion of Altium Production/Machine Operator training within 90 days of hire date.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to safely perform the essential functions of the job unless such accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the Company. While performing the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; reach out, over and below with hands and arms.
The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and or crawl. The employee frequently is required to lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts in a production environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Temperatures inside the plant can fluctuate between hot and cold according to seasonal changes. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in the production department and other designated areas.
#IND MO
Altium Packaging, Our Culture Differentiates Us!
We incorporate our Guiding Principles into all aspects and at all levels of the organization and use them as a framework for decision-making. We believe our Guiding Principles foster a culture of excellence that benefits both employees and customers.
Our Guiding Principles
  • Act with Integrity & in Compliance
  • Drive Value Creation
  • Be Disciplined Entrepreneurs
  • Focus on the Customer
  • Act with Humility
  • Treat others with Dignity and Respect
  • Seeking Fulfillment in your Work

We Believe in Rewarding our Most Important Resource - Our People!
We show our commitment to Total Rewards by providing a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. In addition to medical, dental and vision plans, company holidays and vacation days, tuition reimbursement, learning and training opportunities, bonus potential, and a 401(k) plan with company contributions, Altium Packaging locations offer rewards and recognition programs and opportunities to make a difference in the community.
EEO Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
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