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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

jtekt

Manufacturing Engineer

Blythewood, SC · On-site

$58K - $75K/yr

... or training, or Associate's degree in science or engineering from two/four year college or ... The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which ...

jtekt

Machine Operator A

Blythewood, SC

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking dependable, motivated, and safety-conscious individuals to join our team as Entry-Level Manufacturing Associates. No prior manufacturing experience is required -- just a ...

JTEKT North America

Machine Operator A

Blythewood, SC · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking dependable, motivated, and safety-conscious individuals to join our team as Entry-Level Manufacturing Associates. No prior manufacturing experience is required - just a ...

jtekt

Machine Operator A

Blythewood, SC

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

Job Summary We are seeking dependable, motivated, and safety-conscious individuals to join our team as Entry-Level Manufacturing Associates. No prior manufacturing experience is required -- just a ...

Kroger

MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN MFG Rotation

Elgin, SC · On-site

$24.25 - $31/hr

Ability to communicate effectively with others, including associates, vendors, and contractors. * Ability to work independently or as part of a team. * Ability to work in a fast paced manufacturing ...

Watsontown Brick

Thin Brick Production Associate

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Thin Brick Production Associate Columbia, SC Watsontown Brick, a trusted leader in the brick manufacturing industry, is seeking a Thin Brick Production Associate for our Columbia, South Carolina ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC

Manufacturing Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Columbia, SC is $19.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

More about Manufacturing Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,097 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

MFG PLANT SENIOR OPERATIONS LEADER

Kroger Manufacturing

Elgin, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Supervise and control all planning, coordination and direction of production activities, ensuring maximum operating efficiency and product quality. Develop operations resource leaders to maintain and improve plant performance. Perform all jobs safely, efficiently and accurately to maintain and improve the performance of the entire plant in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability (SQR) and our Customer 1st strategy. Provide leadership that embodies our 7 Kroger Manufacturing High Performance Work System principles. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Minimum

  • B
    • achelor's Degree a related field supporting food manufacturing operations, or equivalent experience  
  • 7
    • + years of experience in manufacturing operations
  • P
    • roven leadership ability
  • F
    • unctional knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • E
    • ssential math skills
  • M
    • ust be highly organized and systematic in approach
  • A
    • bility to comprehend complex oral and written instructions
  • S
    • trong oral and written communication skills
  • S
    • trong attention to detail, with a high degree of accuracy and precision
  • T
    • horough knowledge of plant operations and procedures 
    Desired
  • P
    • revious experience as superintendent or other mid-level management position in food manufacturing plant
  • W
    • orking knowledge of Total Process Control (TPC) or lean manufacturing practices
     

    - Maintain and communicate awareness of industry trends, including new developments in equipment, ingredients and customer needs
  • S
    • upport and participate in the plant safety process
  • A
    • pply analysis and knowledge of plant processing and operations to develop and maintain department structure to satisfy production needs and objectives
  • A
    • dvance recommendations on policies, procedures, techniques, facilities, production planning and all other matters related to effective plant and department operations
  • P
    • repare production portion of operating budgets; implement and control approved budgets
  • C
    • ommunicate effectively with plant leadership to ensure efficient and timely policy implementation
  • C
    • ommunicate and coordinate responsibilities with all plant supervisory staff, including maintenance, sanitation, quality control and the plant office
  • M
    • aintain close contact with sales and marketing activity, keeping abreast of all sales and marketing activities that may affect production distribution
  • D
    • evelop and implement methods for enabling all employees to achieve plant production goals
  • D
    • evelop department managers and associates to the fullest extent of their ability, while maintaining positive engagement
  • F
    • ollow established programs, policies and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet regulatory and company requirements
  • A
    • ccountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles
  • S
    • upervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports
  • M
    • ust be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation
  • M
    • ust be able to work around ingredients and/or finished products known to contain food allergens

    Apply