ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Aampower

Heavy Press Operator

Royal Oak, MI

$15.50 - $20/hr

As a Heavy Press Operator trainee, you'll gain hands-on experience in various aspects of heavy ... Completing machine maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure manufacturing efficiency and ...

AK Steel

Manager Trainee

Pontiac, MI

Exposure to heavy equipment, machinery, dust, noise, and changing weather conditions * Ability to ... Ability to read an interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions ...

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Manager Trainee

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Exposure to heavy equipment, machinery, dust, noise, and changing weather conditions * Ability to ... Ability to read an interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Trainee JobsMachine Operator Trainee Jobs in Detroit, MI

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Detroit, MI is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 mechanical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with tools, safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in safety or equipment operation.

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 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.

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 a machine operator trainee?

A machine operator trainee is an entry-level worker learning to operate manufacturing or industrial machinery under supervision. The role involves gaining skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and maintenance, often requiring on-the-job training and sometimes certifications. Trainees typically work in manufacturing environments and develop technical proficiency for full machine operator positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:
Machine Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,447 per year, or $18 per hour.

Heavy Press Operator

Aampower

Royal Oak, MI

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Posting Title

Heavy Press Operator

Job Description Summary

Dauch's Royal Oak Manufacturing Facility is seeking candidates for our Heavy Press Operator training program. This 33-month program offers comprehensive training, combining hands-on experience working with our highly-skilled heavy press operators and foundational manufacturing coursework at Macomb Community College. Candidates will take classes while working full-time on the manufacturing floor. Tuition and class time are fully covered.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be placed as a fully-titled Heavy Press Operator at our Royal Oak manufacturing facility.
While not required, prior experience in forging, metal forming processes, machine repair/maintenance, or cold heading is preferred. Candidates must be able to manage a fast paced schedule that includes full-time plant floor work and classes at Macomb Community College.

Job Description:

As a Heavy Press Operator trainee, you'll gain hands-on experience in various aspects of heavy press operation. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Performing quality inspections of manufactured parts.

  • Changing and adjusting tools within the machine for quality improvements or production changeovers.

  • Using hand tools and pneumatic tools for machine operation and maintenance tasks.

  • Completing machine maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Reading and interpreting blueprints to understand part specifications and adjusting machine setup as necessary.

  • Occasionally operating an overhead crane for heavy tooling changeover.

  • Completing additional tasks as required to support manufacturing operations

Required Skills and Education

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment, ideally as a press operator.

  • Availability to work rotating first and second shift.


About Dauch:

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.


Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Apply