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Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Apple Valley, MN

Thales

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Attention to punctuality, accuracy, and team orientation in work and surroundings is required. * Assist other operators as needed, including providing machine coverage during breaks and lunch.

Thales

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Chanhassen, MN

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Attention to punctuality, accuracy, and team orientation in work and surroundings is required. * Assist other operators as needed, including providing machine coverage during breaks and lunch.

Thales

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Attention to punctuality, accuracy, and team orientation in work and surroundings is required. * Assist other operators as needed, including providing machine coverage during breaks and lunch.

Thales

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Attention to punctuality, accuracy, and team orientation in work and surroundings is required. * Assist other operators as needed, including providing machine coverage during breaks and lunch.

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Assistant JobsMachine Operator Assistant Jobs in Apple Valley, MN

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Apple Valley, MN salary details

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How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Apple Valley, MN is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine operator assistant?

Machine Operator Assistants support machine operators by preparing materials, monitoring equipment, and ensuring a smooth production process in manufacturing environments. Their tasks often include loading and unloading materials, cleaning machines, inspecting products for quality, and assisting with machine maintenance. They help maintain efficiency and safety in the workplace and may also document production data or report equipment issues. This role is key for keeping manufacturing lines running smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Assistant, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to use measuring tools or computer systems is often required. Reliability, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient machine operation and help maintain smooth production processes in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine operator assistant, and how can they be overcome?

Machine Operator Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, ensuring safety compliance, and minimizing machine downtime. To overcome these, it's important to stay attentive to operational protocols, communicate effectively with machine operators and team members, and proactively report any equipment issues. Continuous learning and on-the-job training can also help assistants rapidly build the skills necessary to troubleshoot minor problems and contribute to a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Machine Operator Assistant vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Operator AssistantMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in manufacturing or production settings, working alongside machine operatorsOperates machinery directly in manufacturing or industrial environments
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machine operation, performs basic maintenance, and monitors equipmentControls and manages machinery, ensures quality, and troubleshooting

The Machine Operator Assistant primarily supports and assists the Machine Operator in daily tasks, focusing on preparation and basic maintenance. The Machine Operator takes on the responsibility of running and managing machinery independently. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but the Machine Operator has more advanced technical duties and decision-making authority.

How to become a machine operator assistant with no experience?

To become a machine operator assistant with no experience, start by gaining basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety procedures through online courses or training programs. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is provided to learn equipment operation and maintenance. Developing skills in attention to detail, manual dexterity, and understanding of tools can improve your chances of securing a position.

What cities near Apple Valley, MN are hiring for Machine Operator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Apple Valley, MN with the most Machine Operator Assistant job openings:

Machine Operator Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Apple Valley, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,499 per year, or $19 per hour.

2nd Shift - Production Machine Operator

Great Northern

Brooklyn Park, MN • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Great Northern Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Production Machine Operator - 2nd Shift
Quick Turn Department
Position is located at: 9399 Hampshire Ave. N. in Brooklyn Park, MN
Why Great Northern
Established in 1962, Great Northern is a local, privately owned paper-based packaging manufacturer with a long history of providing secure, stable, and meaningful positions. You will experience a collaborative team-first, safe, clean, enjoyable, and predictable workplace where team members support and care for one another.
Our team members produce sustainable and eco-friendly products that are supplied to national brands that impact people's day-to-day lives.
Great Northern is committed to making a difference in the lives of our team members, customers, and the communities in which we live and work. Many of our team members were referred by their friends and families who are already a part of the Great Northern team.
Position Summary
Under general supervision and following established procedures, the Machine Operator I is responsible for performing repetitive assembly operations of a short to medium cycle duration on a variety of products, subassemblies or components that require some adjusting, fitting or aligning. This position will function as a general operator, utilizing Level One handfed, semi-automatic machines with a minimal amount of automation. The scope of machine operations (Level One) for this position includes, but is not limited to, equipment feeders/robots, slitter, slotter, band saw, hand tape, hand glue, and baler/shredder. This position will perform physical and manual labor of a general character and simple nature requiring no previous experience and will assist Machine Operators II and III on any other equipment.
All job responsibilities are to be performed in strict adherence with the Company's Mission/Values Statement and in accordance with established standards for external customers as well as internal customers.
Pay/Schedule
  • $24.00/hour - $28.00/hour depending on experience and qualifications (Plus $2.00/hour Shift Differential)
  • 2nd Shift: Monday - Friday from 2:45pm - 11:15pm

The Benefits of Great Northern
  • Competitive 401K match and a historically generous profit-sharing retirement savings contribution
  • Paid time off accrued during your first year of employment
  • Medical plan options are available to provide flexibility in choosing the one that best suits your individual and family needs
  • Clean, comfortable breakroom
  • Opportunities to advance your career and compensation level
  • Flexible overtime opportunities when available and/or needed
  • Annual merit increases as well as market benchmarking to ensure competitive wages

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING. OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED.
  1. Reads job specifications to determine machine adjustments and material requirements.
  2. Retrieval and staging of ink, tooling, and material while ensuring everything matches production specifications.
  3. Responsible for the output and condition of Level One machines.
  4. Effectively set-up, run, and trouble shoot Level One machines.
  5. Follows safe operating procedures and all safety rules and guidelines as listed on work center safety documentation. (i.e. JSA, PPE, LOTO/MS)
  6. Selects, installs, sets, positions and aligns stops, guides, rolls, and blades as indicated by scale, rule or template of order specifications.
  7. Adjusts tension controls according to size, thickness and number of corrugated sheets.
  8. Stacks and feeds corrugated material.
  9. Observes machine operation to detect product defects or machine malfunctions.
  10. Adjusts settings and controls on Level One machines as required to ensure product meets all specifications, quality standards and ISO procedures.
  11. Measures product dimensions to determine accuracy of machine operation and performs quality inspection of finished product.
  12. Removes cut pieces and scrap from product, die or bed of machine.
  13. Counts, stacks, strips, marks, bands and transports finished product to the proper area as directed.
  14. Completes work orders and prints the correct load tag (Work in Progress or Finished Goods) for the applicable routing.
  15. Performs minor machine maintenance such as oiling of machines, and general housekeeping duties that include, but are not limited to, cleaning up scrap and ink spills.
  16. Evaluates area operations and recommends improvement, by applying 5S standards and continuous improvement principles.
  17. Participates in area meetings.
  18. Performs job costing and inventory transactions.
  19. Performs a variety of miscellaneous job-related tasks as may be assigned from time to time by a Management Representative.

Opportunities for Growth
You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge that can be applied to grow into new positions with higher pay. Furthermore, you can grow your career with Great Northern through advancement opportunities available at our facilities both locally and nationally.
Expectation
To be successful your teammates will depend on you to have pride in your work, be on time, work safely, work effectively with others, be optimistic, take ownership of your responsibilities, and look for continuous improvement opportunities.
This is a Safety Sensitive position
We are a Tobacco free campus
Great Northern is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Great Northern is an equal opportunity at will employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.

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