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Machine Operator 1St Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Menasha Corporation

Grinder Operator

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

At ORBIS, our people come first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees feel ... Fill in for operators as needed. * Be actively involved in Continuous Improvement; promote and ...

Menasha Corporation

Grinder Operator

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

At ORBIS, our people come first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees feel ... Fill in for operators as needed. * Be actively involved in Continuous Improvement; promote and ...

Galls

Embroidery Operator - Overnight

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Associates utilize several pieces of industrial machinery including embroidery equipment, sewing ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Galls

Embroidery Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Ability to operate various machines, including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage--Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Galls

Embroidery Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Ability to operate various machines, including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Galls

Embroidery Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Ability to operate various machines, including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverageEligible 1st day of the month after start date * 401(k) ...

Galls

Embroidery Operator - Overnight

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.0K/wk

Ability to operate various machines including sewing, embroidery, engraving, and heat-press ... Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage-- Eligible 1st day of the month after start date ...

Smyrna Ready Mix, LLC

Loader Operator

Nicholasville, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Do you love running big machines and being part of a team that gets the job done? At SRM Concrete ... comes first. * Follow all safety rules, wear your gear, and help keep the plant a safe place for ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsMachine Operator 1St JobsMachine Operator 1St Jobs in Lexington, KY

Machine Operator 1St information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do machine operator 1st jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator 1st in Lexington, KY is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Machine Operator 1St vs Machine Operator 2Nd?

AspectMachine Operator 1StMachine Operator 2Nd
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, additional certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factoriesManufacturing plants, factories, sometimes more complex machinery
Employer UsageEntry-level or primary machine operation rolesSupporting or secondary roles, often assisting or overseeing
Common Search IntentUnderstanding entry-level machine operationClarifying roles with similar titles or responsibilities

Machine Operator 1St and Machine Operator 2Nd roles are both essential in manufacturing, with the 1St typically being entry-level and the 2Nd often supporting or assisting. The main differences lie in experience, certifications, and job responsibilities, with the 2Nd usually requiring more experience or specialized skills.

How to become a machine operator 1st with no experience?

To become a first-level machine operator with no experience, you should look for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training, and consider obtaining relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training or equipment-specific courses. Having basic mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols can improve your chances of being hired and trained for the role.

How to get started as a machine operator?

To start as a machine operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience through entry-level manufacturing or technical training programs. Developing skills in operating specific machinery, understanding safety protocols, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects.

What does a machine operator 1 do?

A Machine Operator 1 is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring manufacturing equipment to produce products according to specifications. They perform routine maintenance, ensure safety protocols are followed, and may need to read technical manuals or use measurement tools. This role often requires attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.

What are popular job titles related to Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY?

For Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Machine Operator 1St jobs in Lexington, KY are:

Machine Operator 1St jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator 1St job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,596 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

1st Shift Automatic Press Operator

Challenge Manufacturing Company

Richmond, KY • On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Challenge Manufacturing rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

523rd of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are: Challenge Manufacturing's mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.
Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge's success!
Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!
Who We Want:
Has primary responsibility for monitoring up to 1,000 Ton Automatic presses ensuring quality stampings are produced per the Challenge Manufacturing Quality Standards, production orders and engineering specifications. Performs necessary quality checks, records information in PLEX (Enterprise Resource Planning system -ERP) and performs general utility work to meet work schedule.
What You'll Do:
  • Performs all duties to ensure department and plant meet daily and weekly production requirements.
  • References production orders in Plex to stamp product per Job Element Sheet (JES).
  • Select and load correct coils in stamping press in order to produce a quality stamping.
  • Frequently lifts/moves, pulls/pushes, and/or positions products and materials weighing up to xx pounds, occasionally weighing more (assistance given with heavier objects by work partner[s]), throughout assigned work center. Press operations involve frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, turning, and lifting.
  • May select proper rack or bin to pack parts and/or store parts for next process.
  • Properly packs parts in correct pin/storage container per packaging instructions to meet customer requirements. Ensures proper labeling requirements are followed. Uses personal computer (PC), Plex system, keyboard, and mouse.
  • Completes on-line work center and operator inspection sheets to verify process are stable and all visual inspection and gage requirements are being met.
  • Visually inspects parts from stamping press per Challenge Manufacturing quality standards to ensure proper form, fit, and function. Ensures customer and Challenge Manufacturing quality standards are met per gage instructions, first piece inspection approval, problem containment processes, quality alerts and other quality standards called out in the Challenge Manufacturing Quality Policy and/or Plex System specific for each work center.
  • Ensures and maintains safety and cleanliness of work area by performing housekeeping duties.
  • Performs and cross trains on various work centers as required.
  • Completes appropriate paperwork and other documentation (hourly count boards).
  • Meets daily production requirements.

When and Where:
This will be a 1stShift / 6:00AM-2:30PM M-F position located at our Plant in Richmond, KY.
What You Need to Have:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent
  • One year of manufacturing experience
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at a level sufficient to safely and effectively perform job duties, including following work instructions, safety procedures, and company communications.
  • Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
  • Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.
  • Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
  • Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of customers.
  • Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.
  • Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.
  • Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.
  • Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely. Must be able to understand and follow written and verbal workplace instructions
  • Must be able to work up to 12 hours per day including Saturday and Sunday
  • Ability to read and interpret job element sheets
  • Ability to use a variety of gages (functional, go/no go) required
  • PC and keyboard/mouse skills required
  • Ability to frequently lift/move material weighing up to 40 pounds
  • Ability to work as a contributing member within team environment

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