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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Machine Operator

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Now hiring Operator Trainees also! Machine Operator available shifts: Nights 7PM - 7AM (2-2-3 schedule) Responsibilities: As a Machine Operator, your role is critical to the success of the line and ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Mooresville, NC

$16 - $19.25/hr

Now hiring Operator Trainees also! Machine Operator available shifts: Nights 7PM - 7AM (2-2-3 schedule) Responsibilities: As a Machine Operator, your role is critical to the success of the line and ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Now hiring Operator Trainees also! Machine Operator available shifts: Nights 7PM - 7AM (2-2-3 schedule) Responsibilities: As a Machine Operator, your role is critical to the success of the line and ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Now hiring Operator Trainees also! Machine Operator available shifts: Nights 7PM - 7AM (2-2-3 schedule) Responsibilities: As a Machine Operator, your role is critical to the success of the line and ...

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry

Pipe Operator Trainee

Monroe, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, located in Monroe, NC, is looking for an Extrusion Operator Trainee. We ... Investment in the latest tooling and machinery make it possible for us to meet increasing demand ...

Westrock

Folder Operator Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR64956 Posting Job Title Folder Operator Trainee Locations NC Raleigh ... Performs all required preventative machine maintenance * Performs all make readies and minor ...

Smurfit Westrock

Folder Operator Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR64956 Posting Job Title Folder Operator Trainee Locations NC Raleigh ... Performs all required preventative machine maintenance * Performs all make readies and minor ...

Morris-Jenkins

Excavation Operator Trainee

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$28/hr

As an Excavation Operator Trainee * You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional ... Everyone on the team works together like gears in a machine. Every role matters! * You'll learn how ...

New

Morris-Jenkins

Excavation Operator Trainee

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$28/hr

As an Excavation Operator Trainee * You'll learn to operate excavators, trenchers, and additional ... Everyone on the team works together like gears in a machine. Every role matters! * You'll learn how ...

New

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... You'll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... You'll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... You'll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... You'll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Trainee JobsMachine Operator Trainee Jobs in North Carolina

Machine Operator Trainee information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator trainee?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

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

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Machine Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Machine Operator

Novolex

Mooresville, NC • On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Novolex rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Why Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.


Machine Operator |Mooresville, NC | HIRING IMMEDIATELY

Immediately Hiring Experienced Machine Operators! Pay range $22.39 to $39.98 (based on experience) paid weekly (additional $1 per hour night shift differential).

Now hiring Operator Trainees also!

 

Machine Operator available shifts: Nights 7PM - 7AM (2-2-3 schedule)

Responsibilities:

As a Machine Operator, your role is critical to the success of the line and the team. Each line has a target goal and achievement of these targets ensures we cover our planned costs and help us to achieve profitability each year. A successful business allows for reinvestment in our people, our site, and our business. 

Operators are responsible for learning how to operate multiple lines. Our Operators will collaborate with packers, Leads, Supervisors, Maintenance, Quality, etc. to ensure the end product meets or exceeds customer expectations and our internal targets are met. Operators are expected to ensure focus on safety first, quality second, and productivity and teamwork subsequently. Ideally, we are achieving all three each day!   

Safety 

  • Seek to understand and support a safety culture and workplace 
  • Remain aware of surroundings and obtain knowledge of all required PPE for the job 
  • Responsible for following all required safety procedures are for each task you do 
  • Keep work area clean and organized  
  • Report any safety concern, risk, hazard, near miss, or injury immediately to the appropriate supervision on shift 

Quality 

  • Will inspect product for defects and packing finished goods into correct configuration 
  • Validating parts for quality (weight, diameter, color, clarity) 
  • Report any concerns on quality of product immediately to appropriate supervision on shift 

Your Role 

  • Startup/shut down and basic troubleshooting of extruders, thermoformers, automation and auxiliary equipment.  
  • Perform color changes and job changes according to the production schedule. 
  • Ensure that all the assigned equipment runs to standard. 
  • Complete PM duties assigned as part of the TPM program 
  • Completes all of the necessary paperwork associated with running the line in a timely and accurate manner. 
  • Participate in continues improvement projects. 
  • Works with minimal supervision in the assigned work cell and communicates with the team to escalate problems if needed according to the existing procedures.
  • Work each day to meet or exceed line targets, while ensuring the safety and quality of the team and the product
  • Operators should remain focused on work; cell phones use is not permitted unless the line is down, or it is break time 
  • Operators will support team members who may need assistance or additional training as the need arises…we are one team with team results
  • Other tasks to support the overall team as needed 

Requirements:

  • High school diploma preferred. 
  • Experience in the plastics industry highly preferred

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