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Lead Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Personified

Extrusion Lead Operator

Sparta, MI

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Extrusion Lead Operators 2nd Shift: A-2 amp; B2, 5:00PM-5:00AM Who We Are At Packaging Personified, we're more than a packaging supplier--we're an industry leader in flexible packaging solutions with ...

Wynalda Packaging

Printing Press Operator

Belmont, MI

$20 - $28/hr

Press Assistant → Lead Press Operator 1. Feeder / Entry Operator Timeline: 0-6 months Pay: $20/hour Focus: * Reliability, attendance, work ethic * Basic material handling * Understanding press ...

LTi Printing, Inc.

Offset Press Assistant

Sturgis, MI · On-site

Job purpose Responsible for assisting the Offset Lead Press Operator in the operation of printing press. Assist in performing setup, make-ready, print runs, setup and adjustment of the feeder system ...

Steel Tool & Engineering

Team Lead

Trenton, MI · On-site

Team Lead Location: Trenton, MI Company: Steel Tool & Engineering Co. Industry: Aerospace Precision ... Assign operators to workstations and ensure all team members understand priorities * Monitor ...

Steel Tool & Engineering

Team Lead

Trenton, MI

Team Lead Location: Trenton, MI Company: Steel Tool & Engineering Co. Industry: Aerospace Precision ... Assign operators to workstations and ensure all team members understand priorities * Monitor ...

Steel Tool & Engineering

Team Lead

Trenton, MI · On-site

Team Lead Location: Trenton, MI Company: Steel Tool & Engineering Co. Industry: Aerospace Precision ... Assign operators to workstations and ensure all team members understand priorities * Monitor ...

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All JobsLead Operator JobsLead Operator Jobs in Michigan

Lead Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$13

$21

$30

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in Michigan is $21.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.33 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.

What are the duties and responsibilities of an operator?

A lead operator is responsible for overseeing the operation of machinery or equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining production efficiency. They monitor processes, troubleshoot issues, and may train or supervise other operators, often using control systems and requiring relevant certifications. Attention to detail and adherence to safety standards are essential in this role.

What jobs work with lead?

Lead operators often work alongside other production or manufacturing staff, including machine operators, technicians, and supervisors. They coordinate tasks, oversee operations, and ensure safety and efficiency in the workplace, often requiring knowledge of equipment and safety protocols.

What jobs make around $100,000 a year?

Lead Operators in industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, or power generation can earn around $100,000 annually, especially with experience and specialized skills. Higher salaries often require certifications, overtime, or working in high-demand environments. Other related roles include plant managers or technical supervisors with similar compensation levels.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Lead plant operators can earn salaries up to $80,000 to $100,000 or more annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced certifications and extensive technical skills can contribute to higher compensation in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Operator jobs in Michigan? For Lead Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Operator jobs in Michigan are:
Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,492 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Extrusion Lead Operator

Extrusion Lead Operator

Packaging Personified

Sparta, MI

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Extrusion Lead Operators
2nd Shift: A-2 amp; B2, 5:00PM-5:00AM
Who We Are
At Packaging Personified, we’re more than a packaging supplier—we’re an industry leader in flexible packaging solutions with a nationwide presence. Our family-owned and operated business has thrived since 1975, maintaining a strong foundation of stability and excellence. For nearly five decades, we’ve never had a layoff—a testament to our commitment to our people and our continued success. Join a team of talented professionals who collaborate, support, and inspire each other while creating outstanding custom packaging. We take pride in delivering excellence, and we want you to be part of it!
What You’ll Be Doing
Take charge in a dynamic production environment where precision and leadership go hand in hand. As the Extrusion Lead Operator, you'll oversee the operation of blown film extrusion machinery, ensuring optimal efficiency, top-tier quality, and strict adherence to company standards. In addition to managing the technical aspects of production, you'll guide and support your team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. If you're looking for a role that combines hands-on expertise with leadership, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. You’ll perform the following key functions:
  • Lead and coordinate extrusion team operations, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards
  • Interpret job specification sheets to determine the correct product specifications, including film width, gauge, and treat levels
  • Oversee set-ups, changeovers, and general extrusion functions, ensuring team members follow best practices
  • Manage department paperwork related to manufactured materials and production tracking
  • Conduct and ensure completion of quality checks to maintain product excellence.
  • Provide training and mentorship to extrusion operators, fostering skill development and process improvement
  • Perform and oversee routine maintenance and troubleshooting of all equipment in the department
  • Optimize product quality and productivity while implementing strategies to control scrap levels and minimize waste
  • Communicate effectively with managers, engineers, and other departments to address production challenges and ensure workflow efficiency
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols and actively promote a safe working environment
  • Perform any and all other duties as assigned by management
What You Bring
  • Proven experience in extrusion operations and leadership in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong ability to read and interpret technical documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and production manuals
  • Ability to write reports, document production metrics, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • High-level proficiency in mathematical calculations, including measurements, rates, ratios, and percentages
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to apply logical thinking to carry out instructions in various formats
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to train and guide team members
  • Self-motivated leader with a proactive approach to challenges and process improvement
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training in a manufacturing environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience
What We Offer
  • Competitive starting pay based on skills and experience
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time off
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401k with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
Work Environment amp; Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Employees are frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. You must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Employees are occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. To ensure safety, all employees are required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary, including but not limited to gloves, hairnets, safety glasses, ear protection, and other protection when applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Packaging Personified is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics under local laws and regulations.
All candidates must successfully pass pre-employment screenings, including drug testing, background checks, and criminal record reviews.
Come join us—apply today! We’d love to connect with you and discuss how you can contribute to our success.

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