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Machine Operate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Quanex is looking for a Machine Operator - 2nd shift to operate a Fluidized Sand Bed with our team located in Owatonna, Minnesota. In this role you are responsible for operating the Fluidized Sand ...

Quanex is looking for a Machine Operator - 2nd shift to operate a Fluidized Sand Bed with our team located in Owatonna, Minnesota. In this role you are responsible for operating the Fluidized Sand ...

Quanex is looking for a Machine Operator - 2nd shift to operate a Fluidized Sand Bed with our team located in Owatonna, Minnesota. In this role you are responsible for operating the Fluidized Sand ...

Quanex is looking for a Machine Operator - 2nd shift to operate a Fluidized Sand Bed with our team located in Owatonna, Minnesota. In this role you are responsible for operating the Fluidized Sand ...

Machine Operator

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$21.94 - $23.78/hr

Operate machinery safely and efficiently, including starting, stopping, and adjusting equipment as needed. * Monitor control screens and indicators to ensure machines operate correctly and respond ...

Machinist

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$24/hr

Program and operate CNC machines * Operate stand-up forklift and overhead crane to move material in the warehouse * Process orders to customer specifications * Do packaging and general housekeeping

The Machine Operator I, will operate production or warehouse machines that are similar and require limited set up and basic machine adjustments, perform preventative maintenance and assist in ...

The Machine Operator I, will operate production or warehouse machines that are similar and require limited set up and basic machine adjustments, perform preventative maintenance and assist in ...

The Machine Operator I, will operate production or warehouse machines that are similar and require limited set up and basic machine adjustments, perform preventative maintenance and assist in ...

The Machine Operator I, will operate production or warehouse machines that are similar and require limited set up and basic machine adjustments, perform preventative maintenance and assist in ...

Machine Operator

Foley, MN · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Operate a state of the art pulp molding machine * Monitor machine performance throughout the shift, troubleshoot issues promptly, and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime. * Handle ...

Manual Milling Machinist

Chaska, MN · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Jonaco Machine is a full-service precision machining supplier with over 50 years of industry ... Operate manual milling machines to produce quality components to customer specifications * Read and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Machine Operate information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do machine operate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operate in Minnesota is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Machine Operate vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperateEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certificationsSimilar credentials, often includes certifications for specific equipment
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesConstruction sites, industrial facilities, warehouses
Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, logisticsConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating machinery to produce goods or perform tasksDriving, maneuvering, and operating heavy equipment

Both Machine Operate and Equipment Operator roles involve operating machinery in industrial or construction settings. While they share similar credentials and work environments, Equipment Operator often emphasizes driving and maneuvering large equipment, whereas Machine Operate may focus more on operating specific machines for manufacturing or processing tasks.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Machine Operate jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Machine Operate job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,048 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Quanex Building Products

Owatonna, MN • On-site

$21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Quanex is looking for a Machine Operator - 2nd shift to operate a Fluidized Sand Bed with our team located in Owatonna, Minnesota.

In this role you are responsible for operating the Fluidized Sand Bed in a safe and efficient manner. This role is critical to supporting our paint lines to ensure schedules and customer orders are fulfilled.

The hours for this role are Monday - Thursday 3:30pm - 2:00pm

We Offer You!

  • Competitive Salary
  • Bonus Potential
  • 401K with 5% company match, yours to keep after 2 years
  • 15% immediate return if you participate in the company’s ESPP
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
  • Employer paid disability plans and life insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Tuition support for degree and continuous education
  • Employee Resource Groups focused on employee empowerment
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Dynamic Culture & People-just to name a few!

What’s attractive about this position? 

  • Growth Potential
  • Team-Oriented Environment
  • Ability to Make an Impact

What Success Looks Like:

  • Operate the Fluidized Sand Bed machine.
  • Operate overhead crane lifting system to load/unload Sand Bed Machine
  • Manually load baskets with paint fixtures
  • Work safely around high temperature components.
  • Keeps work area clean of sand to prevent slip hazards.
  • Follow all safety procedures, rules and guidelines
  • Notify supervisor/team lead of any existing or potential safety issues.
  • Responsible for attending work on time and for scheduled hours each day.
  • Crosstrain in paint line activities as needed.
  • Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned.

What You Bring:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Experience in manufacturing operations.

The hourly salary for this position is $21.50/ hour + $1.00 / hour in an added shift differential.

About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.


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