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Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Lafayette, TN

3rd Shift Heat Treat Operator

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Job Summary Tends to multiple heat treat furnace machines on the front and/or lower end, to harden ... Perform or assist in the Salt reclaim process. * Daily 5S duties and LPA completion. * Adjusts flow ...

Jetter Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

... * Assist with other related tasks as needed Success Factors: * Knowledge of basic underground utilities * Skilled in Operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely * Ability to use ...

Jetter Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

... * Assist with other related tasks as needed Success Factors: * Knowledge of basic underground utilities * Skilled in Operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely * Ability to use ...

Jetter Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

... * Assist with other related tasks as needed Success Factors: * Knowledge of basic underground utilities * Skilled in Operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely * Ability to use ...

Jetter Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

... * Assist with other related tasks as needed Success Factors: * Knowledge of basic underground utilities * Skilled in Operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely * Ability to use ...

Jetter Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

... * Assist with other related tasks as needed Success Factors: * Knowledge of basic underground utilities * Skilled in Operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely * Ability to use ...

Jetter Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

... * Assist with other related tasks as needed Success Factors: * Knowledge of basic underground utilities * Skilled in Operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely * Ability to use ...

Laundry Assistant

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Operate washing machines and dryers are operated in accordance with manufacturer's and center's policy and procedures. * Removed dry clothes from dryer, fold and store in accordance with center ...

Showing results 41-60

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Lafayette, TN salary details

$12

$16

$20

How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Lafayette, TN is $16.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.31 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 are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Lafayette, TN?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Lafayette, TN are:

What cities near Lafayette, TN are hiring for Machine Operator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Lafayette, TN with the most Machine Operator Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Lafayette, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,589 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

3rd Shift Heat Treat Operator

Gallatin, TN

Illinois Tool Works Inc
Machinery Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$16 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Illinois Tool Works rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

182nd of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:
Job Summary
Tends to multiple heat treat furnace machines on the front and/or lower end, to harden the manufactured product to specifications on production basis by performing the following duties. Ability to work in extreme heat while ensuring quality.
Company Overview
ITW Description:
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a global Fortune 200 diversified manufacturing company that delivers specialized expertise, innovative thinking, and value-added products to meet critical customer needs in a variety of industries. ITW, with approximately 14.1 billion dollars in global revenues, operates 7 major segments with businesses in 57 countries that employ approximately 45,000 women and men. These talented individuals, many of whom have specialized engineering or scientific expertise, contribute to our global leadership in innovation. We are proud of our broad portfolio of more than 16,000 active patents.
StampTech Fasteners TM Division Description:
The ITW StampTech Fastener TM Division serves the major OEMs and Tier suppliers in the North American automotive market. The division supplies stamped metal fasteners and engineered fastener assemblies that leverage our deep-draw stamping technologies. The annual revenue for the division is approximately $160M. Locations include Gallatin, TN, Lexington, KY & Naugatuck, CT.
The Division drives profitability by leveraging its innovative solutions and application engineering. In addition to ITW's industry leading research and development capabilities, StampTech Fasteners TM enhances our customers' competitive advantage by maintaining advanced engineering and manufacturing facilities in North America, exchanging product, process, and benchmarking information with sister units worldwide and ccontinually improving processes, material, and designs to ensure every product provides value and meets customer expectations.
Primary Key Responsibilities
  • Ability to run both sides of Heat Treat
  • Maneuver barrels with metal product manually or using barrel dollies and barrel dumpers. Secures barrels and loads automatic feeding device.
  • Weighing totes and creating and scanning labels.
  • Keep barrels and totes free of parts, foreign material and oil
  • Starts machine, engages feed and keeps probes clean to maintain an even consistent product load on furnace hearth tray and observes operation.
  • Maintain machine controls and guides to consistently adjust machine to remain in compliance with product specifications.
  • Obtains samples and completes testing, such as hardness, soap concentration (upper), light oil concentration and titration (lower), as specified.
  • Operates overhead crane
  • Perform or assist in the Salt reclaim process.
  • Daily 5S duties and LPA completion.
  • Adjusts flow of chemicals to machine reservoir and turns valve to start flow of soaps, phosphate coating, and light oil.
  • Maintains process documentation consistently and accurately.
  • Replace or repair worn machine accessories such as tightening bolts, swapping motors, changing steam coils as well as assisting maintenance when needed.
  • Knowledge of chemical inventory.
  • Maintains a safe, clean, and organized work environment at all times.
  • Performance to comply with all company Procedures, Policies, Work Instructions, knowledge of internal and external requirements as well as TS16949 requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 year preferred of industrial experience
  • Experience with operating a forklift
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Ability to work in hot environments for long periods of time
  • Great organizational and time management abilities.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Effectively communicate in a professional demeanor when dealing with the public or any level of employees.
  • Ability to safely work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
  • Ability to work in a team environment or independently
  • Ability to work overtime

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • The physical demand described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel, talk or hear; and smell. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee could be exposed to extreme heat and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues' unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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About Illinois Tool Works

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ITW is a global industrial company built around a differentiated and proprietary business model. The company’s seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. From state-of-the-art dishwashers, ovens and refrigerators in restaurants and hotels, to automobile components inside vehicles all over the world ... the products we manufacture and the solutions we design are all around us. The buildings where we live and work are built with ITW construction and welding products, and our ITW test & measurement solutions help to ensure the quality and safety of millions of products. ITW’s dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company’s decentralized and entrepreneurial culture. Our leaders have deep expertise in the ITW Business Model and leverage it to deliver superior performance and value to our customers.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Glenview, IL, US

Year founded

1912