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Lead Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Personified

Extrusion Lead Operator

Sparta, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Extrusion Lead Operators 2nd Shift: A-2 & 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 ...

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 ...

Workbox Staffing

Lead Assembler

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Lead Operator Location: Grand Rapids, MI Shift: 1 st shift 6:00 am - 3:30 pm 2nd Shift 4:30 pm -2:00 am Pay: $20.00 //$ 22.00 per hour Job Summary The Lead Operator is the bridge between the ...

Fabcon Precast

Auger Crew Lead Operator

Trenton, MI

Purpose/Summary Lead auger crew members safely run jobsite operations. Essential Duties and ... Experience operating a skid steer Other Required Qualifications * Computer skills * Ability to use ...

Fabcon Precast

Auger Crew Lead Operator

Grandville, MI · On-site

Purpose/Summary Lead auger crew members safely run jobsite operations. Essential Duties and ... Experience operating a skid steer Other Required Qualifications * Computer skills * Ability to use ...

Lakeland Monroe Group

MOLDING OPERATOR

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Operate molding machine as indicated by Work Instructions, Lead Operator, Technician and/or Supervisor. * Inspect parts for cosmetic defects per Inspection Instruction Sheet. * Communicate molding ...

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

$22 - $24/hr

Our Team Lead coordinates the daily production activities to support operational efficiency, operator safety, and continuous improvement. You'll follow a structured 3-step daily leadership process to ...

New

Steel Tool & Engineering

Team Lead

Trenton, MI · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Our Team Lead coordinates the daily production activities to support operational efficiency, operator safety, and continuous improvement. You'll follow a structured 3-step daily leadership process to ...

New

Steel Tool & Engineering

Team Lead

Trenton, MI · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Our Team Lead coordinates the daily production activities to support operational efficiency, operator safety, and continuous improvement. You'll follow a structured 3-step daily leadership process to ...

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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 Aug 31, 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,492 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Machine Lead Operator

Integrity Trade Services

Grand Rapids, MI

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Machine Lead Operator
We are hiring for a Machine Lead Operator for a great company located in the Grand Rapids, MI area! 
Schedule/Shift Details: Third Shift, 11:00PM-7:00AM, Sunday-Thursday
Pay: $24-26+/hr 
Description

The Machine Lead Operator is responsible for operating the grit blast, thermal spray machines, and automated inspection and material handling for processing components. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support the Shift Supervisor.
  • Support and engage in process Improvements.
  • Perform machine setup and fixturing change overs
  • Proven experience trouble shooting machines.
  • Experience making adjusting to manufacturing equipment to make parts.
  • Operates all machines to process parts.
  • Simple inspections.
  • Train people on equipment and processes.
  • Equipment preventative maintenance and repair.
  • Fills in for Shift Supervisor.
  • Support Material Handling.
  • Load and unload trucks as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Must have GED or equivalent
  • Must have two years of leadership experience
  • Computer literate
  • Materials knowledge and uses
  • Manufacturing procedure background. CNC experience preferred
  • Print reading skills
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
  • Valid state driver’s license and good driving record
  • Ability to obtain Hilo Certification
Benefits:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • PTO
  • 401k

Why choose Integrity Trade Services? 
At ITS, we offer our employees a competitive salary paid weekly and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.  

Interested? Want to Learn More? 

Reach out to Angelie Hernandez @ Angelie.Hernandez@itsstaffing.com or call 616-600-7946 x 1252 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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