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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Strong hires can quickly move from trainee to team member and then up to manager. We provide a ... Operating as a team, our members are each individually and collectively working hard to perform ...

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Machine Operator Trainee information

See Madison, WI salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Madison, WI is $18.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,115 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

2nd Shift Material Handler Trainee (Dept. 530)

Milwaukee Valve

Prairie Du Sac, WI • On-site

$19.78/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Milwaukee Valve Company is looking for a 2nd Shift Material Handler Trainee to join our Prairie Du Sac, WI team in Department 530. This position has a starting hourly wage of $19.78, plus an additional 3.5% shift premium.
*This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. The first half ($1,000) is payable after successful completion of the orientation period and the second half ($1,000) is payable after one year of employment.*
The regularly scheduled hours for this position are 2:30PM-11:00PM, Monday through Friday. Overtime may become a possibility or even required. When working overtime, the regularly scheduled shift is adjusted by 1-2 hours at either the beginning or end of the regularly scheduled shift. Overtime may also be requested or mandatory on Saturday as well.
All offers of employment made by Milwaukee Valve are contingent upon successfully completing our required drug screen and physical capabilities tests.
Established in 1901, Milwaukee Valve manufactures valves for a variety of industries including Industrial, Commercial, Fire Protection, Marine and the dry bulk hauling industries. Our products have been installed on every U.S. Navy ship built for the last 50 years.
Our heritage, our people, and our passion is to be the best, and Milwaukee Valve is proud of its engineering excellence and its employees who take pride and dedication in their work. In return, Milwaukee Valve offers an excellent benefit package, competitive wages, and promotional opportunities including Health, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance options, Flex Spending, 401K with employer match, tuition assistance, paid time off, and shift premiums. For more information please visit:
Our Homepage
Job Opportunities Video
Modern Machining Center Tour
Employee Testimonial Commercial
Summary - The Material Handler Trainee will be responsible for learning the safe operation of material handling equipment, the transporting of various materials and containers that will be in a variety of sizes, shapes, weights, conditions and degree of difficulty for transporting. Individual will demonstrate accuracy in work and record keeping. Other primary responsibilities may include but not limited to the operation of: Parts Washers, Chip Processing, Production Saw, Floor Scrubber/Sweeper and other processing equipment. Use of mobile stairs, scales, hoist and working at heights may be required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities to which competency will be measured include the following and are required for possible advancement:

  • Demonstrates safe operation of material handling equipment.
  • Ability to comprehend verbal/written instructions.
  • Demonstrates accuracy in work and record keeping.
  • Demonstrates attention to detail.
  • Demonstrates good organizational skills.
  • Must be able to adapt to changing work conditions.
  • Maintaining cleanliness of work area and equipment in a prescribed manner.
  • Required to work scheduled annual inventory days.
  • All work subject to final inspection.
  • These skill sets will be assessed on or before 90 days for advancement or release.

Other duties may be assigned.
Additional Requirements - To perform the job successfully, an individual will demonstrate the following requirements and competencies.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in allotted time; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and ready to begin working at his/her workstation at their scheduled time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions.
Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience - High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. The ability to communicate effectively.
Mathematical Skills - Basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Reasoning Ability - Ability to understand and carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. The ability to deal with problems that arise in standard situations.
Physical Demands - The physical demands 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 essential functions.
Stand or walk 100% of the shift. Frequent bending and lifting 30-40 lb. unassisted and up to 70lbs occasionally with or without assistance.
Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is maybe exposed to moving mechanical parts; heights, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.