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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Manhattan, KS (NOW HIRING)

FERGUSON

Warehouse Associate - Entry Level

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Warehouse Associate Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies since 1953, building better infrastructure, homes, and businesses. We exist to make our customers' complex projects simple ...

SUPPLY.com

Warehouse Associate - Entry Level

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.

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All JobsManufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs in Manhattan, KS

Manufacturing Associate information

See Manhattan, KS salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Manhattan, KS is $18.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $20.62 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 Manhattan, KS?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Manhattan, KS are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Manhattan, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Manhattan, KS are:

What cities near Manhattan, KS are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities near Manhattan, KS with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Manhattan, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,375 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Equipment Technician - Manufacturing

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Wamego, KS • On-site

$19.21 - $28.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Role Definition
Employees in this position will be expected to perform up to expectations in two to three of the primary work cells by performing the following duties.
- Unloads trucks and/or rail cars loaded with steel plate and ensures accurate inventory
- Move materials through blasting operation to storage by operating forklift, plate de-scaling (blasting) machine, and overhead cranes
- Reviews manufacturing order checking for cutting operations and material requirements
- Nests required part profiles onto appropriate material type, move cutting machine to material, and square on plate
- Operates Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting machine using plasma or oxy-fuel as appropriate to cut part, making adjustments to the machine settings as needed to achieve a quality part
- Removes parts from the cutting table with the overhead crane, jib crane, hand magnet or by hand.
- Cleans cut parts and places them on the correct cart for delivery to the next cell.
- Cut-to-shape steel parts using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining center, fitting parts together using a fixture, tack welding, operating a robot welding system, and finish welding sub-assemblies; all to given print tolerances.
- Selects, aligns, and secures holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on vertical milling machine.
- Calculates and sets controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media
- Starts and observes milling or drilling operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjusts machine controls as required.
- Follows set-up guidelines and procedures to assemble and tack weld unit by using various tools and fixtures available
- Places part into holding fixture for robot welding. Starts and observes robot welding operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance welding, and adjusts controls and/or program as required.
- Sets the weld machine to correct setting for the weld application. Finish welds unit to print specifications following guidelines and procedure
- Uses air arc and grinder to remove or repair unacceptable welds in order to meet quality guidelines
- Inspects welds and checks critical measurements upon completion to ensure they meet specifications and criteria. Verifies conformance of finished work piece to specifications
Required Qualifications
  • 1 year certificate from college or technical school; and 1 to 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Read and understand manufacturing prints
  • Safely use overhead lifting devices
  • Operate forklifts
  • Knowledge of quality standards and tolerances
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
  • Ability to write simple correspondence
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
  • Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
  • Regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Frequently required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance
  • The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous manufacturing experience

Summary Pay Range:
$19.21 - $28.81
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
August 17, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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