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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Forney, TX (NOW HIRING)

... Light machine shop experience is beneficial - Knowledge of basic electrical theory - Excellent ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Machine Operator - Shear

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Participate in team meetings focused on workflow, safety, and production goals. * Assist in ... Knowledge of basic shop math and measurement principles. * Strong attention to detail and ...

... Light machine shop experience is beneficial - Knowledge of basic electrical theory - Excellent ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

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Machine Shop Assistant information

See Forney, TX salary details

$12

$16

$20

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Forney, TX is $16.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop assistant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Machine Shop Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols while working around heavy machinery, managing multiple tasks like material handling and equipment cleaning, and adapting to varying production schedules. Effective time management and consistent communication with machinists and supervisors can help address these challenges. Additionally, staying organized and proactive in identifying potential hazards contributes to a safer and more efficient workplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop assistant?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Assistant, you need a basic understanding of machining processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers, and sometimes CNC machinery or safety certifications is typical. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help you excel in supporting machinists and maintaining workflow. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operations and contribute to producing high-quality machined parts.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Assistant vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop AssistantMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingTechnical training or apprenticeship; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in machine setup, cleaning, and material handling in machine shopsOperates and programs machines like lathes and mills in manufacturing settings
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machinists, prepares materials, maintains equipmentSets up, operates, and monitors machining equipment to produce parts

While both roles work in machine shops, the Machine Shop Assistant primarily supports machinists by handling preparatory and maintenance tasks, whereas the Machinist directly operates and programs machines to produce precise parts. The assistant role often requires less technical training, making it an entry point into the industry.

What are the main duties of a machine shop assistant?

A Machine Shop Assistant supports machinists and technicians by preparing materials, operating basic machinery, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and organizing the workspace. They often assist with loading and unloading materials, measuring parts, and ensuring that tools and machines are in good working order. These assistants play a vital role in keeping the shop running smoothly and efficiently, often performing routine tasks so skilled machinists can focus on more complex work.

What cities near Forney, TX are hiring for Machine Shop Assistant jobs?

Cities near Forney, TX with the most Machine Shop Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Forney, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,827 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Machine Assistant (Die Cutter)

Packaging Corporation of America

Carrollton, TX • On-site

$21.92/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers - large and small - package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence. We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.
People • Customers • Trust
Principle Accountabilities:
Work as part of a team in support of a manufacturing operation with a goal of increasing productivity, decreasing downtime and waste.
Assume active role in overall plant facilities-related work.
Position requires assisting all jobs on the plant floor.
Follow all company safety rules and lockout tag-out procedures.
Maintain shop and equipment per 5S standards.
May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. for a period of up to 12 hours.
Set-up and operate machine to produce product according to customer specifications.
Troubleshoot, perform minor repair, and preventative maintenance procedures on machine.
Trains Helper, as required.
Perform quality checks as required and take appropriate action when needed.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned or delegated.
Comfortable with computers and touch screens.
Cross-train on other machines and jobs.
Complete necessary reports in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to: Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, and Quality Data.
Input maintenance work orders into BPMS software. Be proactive in the maintenance of equipment.
Switch duties with Assistant Operator or Helper if necessary.
Comply with the facility's food packaging safety program processes and procedures.
Complete annual food packaging safety training.
Report any discovered food packaging safety risks/concerns to the food packaging safety management representative or direct supervisor.
Comply with all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to: Safety, GMP, FSSC, ISO, and maintaining good housekeeping.
Adhere to production schedule and make recommendations for optimizing the schedule to meet cost, quality, and service goals. Report any unusual scheduling issues to supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED.
Be passionate about maintaining a safe work environment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and possess problem-solving skills.
Able to pass pre-employment background check and drug test.
Must be able to sit, stoop, and bend.
Ability to work any shift, including overtime and weekends as needed.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Ability to work in manufacturing environment, with varying temperatures based on season, around machinery, and heavy forklift traffic.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a packaging or other manufacturing environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must be willing to work closely on a day-to-day basis with other production personnel.
Excellent communication skills.
Work with a sense of urgency to reduce downtime of machines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • Starting salary for position: $21.92 per hour.
  • Bonus: Annual - Based upon achievement of plant performance metrics.
  • Paid Vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision - and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
  • Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions
  • Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA's good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

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