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Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Onawa, IA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$106K - $137K/yr

Review and approve new operational procedures and equipment operating limits. Develop and conduct ... machine learning technologies, to assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing candidates ...

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$106K - $137K/yr

Review and approve new operational procedures and equipment operating limits. Develop and conduct ... machine learning technologies, to assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing candidates ...

Shipping Technician

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

In addition, the shipping technician must possess expertise in operating the switch engine to move ... machine learning technologies, to assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing candidates ...

... operating the support equipment that keeps aviation operations moving. With experience, some ... assist with aircraft handling, movement, spotting, and securing of aircraft and equipment on ...

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Onawa, IA salary details

$12

$16

$20

How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Onawa, IA is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $17.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator assistant?

The average hourly wage for a machine operator assistant typically ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials may also increase total compensation.

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 cities near Onawa, IA are hiring for Machine Operator Assistant jobs? Cities near Onawa, IA with the most Machine Operator Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Onawa, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,015 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

CF Industries

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


CF Industries rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. Our employees are focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship, and disciplined capital and corporate management. By joining CF, you will be part of a team that brings their varied experiences, wide-ranging knowledge and diverse talents together to deliver important work and you'll be able to pursue complex, exciting opportunities that help you continue to grow and achieve your potential in different areas. You'll take pride in working for a company that lives its values and where you can be yourself at work, as part of an authentic team that encourages you to share your views and opinions. Our eight manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America, and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin our strategy to leverage our unique capabilities to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy.
Function:
Engineering and Engineering Services
Job Summary:
Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly operations of the nitrogen fertilizer plants. As the process technical expert, works with other engineering disciplines as well as operations, maintenance, and EHS to ensure solutions meet overall business objectives.
Job Description:
Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly operations of the nitrogen fertilizer plants. As the process technical expert, works with other engineering disciplines as well as operations, maintenance, and EHS to ensure solutions meet overall business objectives.
Key Job Elements:
  • As holistic system thinkers, monitor and report on operational performance process units and key variables impacting plant efficiency, capacity, catalyst performance, emissions, and process safety.
  • Proactively evaluate process and equipment performance to reduce plant upsets and generate solutions to resolve problems with process chemistry and equipment including pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, absorbers, strippers, boilers, combustion equipment, reactors, and high pressure steam systems.
  • Optimize process performance through troubleshooting, process modeling, data analysis, process tests, and technical support to the operations organization.
  • Complete process engineering studies and provide comprehensive process engineering support during collaborative design of new installations and processes.
  • Help prioritize the development of projects to increase production capacity, improve energy efficiency, and enhance EHS performance.
  • Prepare and review documents including PFDs, P&IDs, scopes of work, and equipment specifications to support the capital process.
  • Review and approve new operational procedures and equipment operating limits. Develop and conduct training for operations and other groups to address significant changes and for annual refresher training.
  • Participate in MOCs, PHAs, LOPA studies, and incident investigations to identify and implement process safety and other EHS solutions.
  • Assist Maintenance and Operations during turnarounds by providing pre-turnaround process engineering recommendations, assisting in planning specialty work, performing equipment inspections related to process issues, coordinating catalyst replacements, and participating in plant restarts.
  • Maintain excellent communication and a professional working relationships with all departments and plant personnel.

Position Requirements:
  • BS degree in Chemical Engineering from an ABET or IchemE accredited university is required.
  • A minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience is required. Experience required working for an operating company in the chemical manufacturing, refining, or oil and gas industry.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal) required. Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with personnel throughout the organization.
  • Ability and willingness to collect field data, enter process equipment for inspections, and otherwise perform routine field engineering work in an operating chemical facility environment.
  • Ability and willingness to work alternative schedules on a short term basis to support 24 hour/7 day per week operations, particularly during process unit startups, shutdowns, upsets, and catalyst reductions.

FMLA:
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
  • Employees in Canada can learn more about their rights by viewing the "Canadian Human Rights Act".

Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Recruitment Process
As part of our recruitment process, CF Industries may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence ("AI") and machine learning technologies, to assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing candidates whose qualifications align with job-related criteria, including information provided during the application process such as resumes, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions. These tools support but do not replace human decision-making, and all final employment decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition team and/or hiring managers exercising independent judgment.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at CF Industries, need reasonable accommodation with the application process, or have questions about our use of AI, please call 847-405-2400 or contact us at talentacquisition@cfindustries.com .
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