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Lead Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Lead Operator will work closely with the Supervisor to achieve production goals and foster a safe, high-performance work environment. This role is located in Texas City, TX and will be fully on ...

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The Senior Operator may serve as the field lead on assigned jobs, coordinate work activities, and provide practical guidance to less experienced personnel while remaining accountable to management ...

FlexSteel - Extrusion Operator I

Baytown, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Assists Lead Operator in analyzing and resolving line operations problems. * When applicable, loads material into machine for production runs, including maintaining material traceability. * Assists ...

The Lead Operator will work closely with the Supervisor to achieve production goals and foster a safe, high-performance work environment. This role is located in Texas City, TX and will be fully on ...

Preferred Experience: 1-4 years in chemical manufacturing A Technician (Advanced / Lead Operator) * Transfers ethylene and propylene oxide using DCS systems and safe work practices * Supports ...

Preferred Experience: 1-4 years in chemical manufacturing A Technician (Advanced / Lead Operator) * Transfers ethylene and propylene oxide using DCS systems and safe work practices * Supports ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The ...

Lead Operating Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$86K - $113K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and maintenance of the mechanical electrical and plumbing systems for the assigned facility. The ...

Production Operator - Slitter

Houston, TX

$17 - $20.25/hr

Perform slitter head setups as directed by lead operators * Support equipment maintenance and troubleshooting efforts as needed * Maintain a clean and organized workspace by performing routine 5S ...

Description The Lead Forklift Operator will oversee forklift operations, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and provide direction to a team of operators. This position offers the ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in Houston, TX is $23.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $26.63 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 Houston, TX?

For Lead Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,726 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

$23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Wieland - Creating Value for Generations!

Wieland is a global leader in copper and copper alloy manufacturing, processing, and distribution. We provide a large product and service portfolio including power, automotive, ammunition, coinage, construction materials, refrigeration, electronics and many other industries. To us, metal is more than material.

Wieland's Cultural Values

Wieland’s culture is what makes for a fun and rewarding place to work! As a company, we benefit daily from our employees' knowledge and abilities. With our cultural vision, we place our core values at the heart of everything we do: Safetyambitionoptimismreliabilityownershipdiversity, & respect.

Wieland is hiring a Production Lead. TheProduction Lead  will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the production floor, ensuring that manufacturing, safety, and quality standards are consistently met. This position supervises Operators and Material Handlers, coordinates production and shipping requirements, and drives continuous improvement in efficiency and productivity. The Lead Operator will work closely with the Supervisor to achieve production goals and foster a safe, high-performance work environment. This role is located in Texas City, TX  and will be fully on-site. 

Starting Pay: $23/hour

Schedule: Monday- Friday 1st shift  (6:00am-3:00pm)  

Pay Schedule: Weekly 


Production Lead Responsibilities:

  • Assist in supervising production and ensure tasks are completed efficiently and according to schedule.
  • Coordinate production processes to meet daily output and shipping requirements.
  • Enforce safety protocols and procedures and maintain a “Safety First” attitude.
  • Assign work tasks based on team members' skills and experience.
  • Support a high-performing team by addressing obstacles and ensuring tasks are completed within deadlines.
  • Maintain accurate records of production activities, including production volumes, downtime, and attendance.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Work with the Supervisor to develop and prioritize production schedules based on resources.
  • Lead onboarding for new hires and provide ongoing on-the-job training (OJT) to current employees.
  • Coordinate with employees to ensure assigned Cornerstone training is complete and up to date.
  • Ensure production targets are met within specified timeframes.
  • Ensure maintenance activities are aligned with production needs.
  • Other relevant tasks as assigned by the Supervisor.

Production Lead Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent (relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education).
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in a lead role.
  • Proficient knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and machinery.
  • Experience with bending, punching, and cutting processes is preferred.
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage employees and all levels.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and challenges.
  • Strong understanding of capacity limitations and the ability to resolve production issues effectively.
  • Proven ability to supervise and motivate a team, while ensuring safety and performance standards are met.
  • Ability to work with a “Safety First” mindset and enforce adherence to all safety and regulatory procedures.

Joining Wieland’s team gives you…

  • Benefits - Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life & more!
  • Retirement Savings - 401(k) contribution + match.
  • Work/Life Balance - Paid Vacation & Holidays.
  • Growth Opportunities - We have over 9,000+ employees worldwide and 40+ locations in North America alone. Growth opportunities are limitless!
  • Wellness Programs – Wieland encourages participation in our unique and personalized approach to wellness, where you are eligible to earn healthcare premium discounts as well as HSA employer contributions based on your status within the program.
  • Sustainability- Wieland continues to break ground with eco-friendly solutions and push the barrier in sustainability for future generations.

 

Wieland is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.   Come join Wieland today and help us continue to build a global corporation we are all proud to belong to.