1

Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Sioux City, IA

Machine Operator Days

North Sioux City, SD

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Machine Operator Shift: Days; Monday - Thursday 5:30am - 6pm Location: Royal Canin (North Sioux ... Effectively communicate with the team to prevent downtime and quality issues. * Assist in operating ...

Tortilla Operator

North Sioux City, SD · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Key Responsibilities: - Operate tortilla production machinery efficiently and safely to ensure ... work area - Assist in the setup and shutdown of equipment as needed - Report any equipment ...

Tortilla Operator

North Sioux City, SD · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Key Responsibilities: - Operate tortilla production machinery efficiently and safely to ensure ... work area - Assist in the setup and shutdown of equipment as needed - Report any equipment ...

Tortilla Operator

North Sioux City, SD · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Key Responsibilities: - Operate tortilla production machinery efficiently and safely to ensure ... work area - Assist in the setup and shutdown of equipment as needed - Report any equipment ...

Grinder Operator (Second Shift)

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Monitor cooling tunnel and make minor adjustments as needed * Assist maintenance with preventative maintenance and minor repairs * Ensure product quality requirements are met * Records appropriate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Sioux City, IA salary details

$13

$18

$22

How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Sioux City, IA is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $19.04 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 Sioux City, IA?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Sioux City, IA are:

What cities near Sioux City, IA are hiring for Machine Operator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Sioux City, IA with the most Machine Operator Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Sioux City, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,039 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Machine Operator Days

North Sioux City, SD


Mars

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

125th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Job Description

Job: Machine Operator

Shift: Days; Monday - Thursday 5:30am - 6pm

Location: Royal Canin (North Sioux City, SD)

Royal Canin is seeking a Filler Operator to join our exciting pet food business located in North Sioux City, ND. We focus on the unique needs of cats and dogs. Our obsession with detail allows us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Royal Canin offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 12 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

Responsibilities:

  • The ability to maintain safety standards by using LOTO and confined space entry procedures when working in the primary area of the factory.

  • The ability to load production materials into the primary piece of equipment, meeting corporate quality and safety standards in pet food manufacturing.

  • Assist product changeovers on a primary piece of equipment.

  • Effectively communicate with the team to prevent downtime and quality issues.

  • Assist in operating equipment for breaks and lunches or as needed.

  • Comply with Mars Petcare Quality and Food Safety Practices, GMPs, and other Food Safety and Regulatory Standards to ensure we manufacture a quality product.

  • Document quality attributes and provides production data for shift reports on a computer or IPad.

  • This position and all site associates are responsible for quality and food safety.

  • Able to lift and use 150-200, 40 pound bags of ingredients per day

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge:

  • Good knowledge of production processes, Good Manufacturing Practices, and other Food Safety and Regulatory Standards.

  • General understanding of Start Up, Operation, Shut Down, & Cleaning equipment

  • The ability to assist and troubleshoot equipment.

  • The ability to assist with quality checks and document results using a database collection system using a computer or IPad.

  • Food Manufacturing experience

  • Knowledge or Familiar with Nexus

  • Familiar with the MSDS database

  • Knowledge of Near Miss Reporting

  • Familiar with Adams Bradley Systems or other displays

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.

  • 1+ years of manufacturing experience.

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.

  • Ability to quickly respond.

  • Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time on hard surfaces

  • Computer / IPad literate with the ability to enter, record, maintain, and retrieve data.

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

  • An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Mars Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom