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Manufacturing Production Operative Jobs in Kentucky

Champion Petfoods

Production Operator Fresh

Auburn, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

The Fresh Mixing Production Operator has primary responsibility to operate the equipment safely and ... Minimum 2 years experience in a manufacturing environment and/or equivalent military experience, or ...

Aurora Material Solutions

Be Seen First

Production Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

... to manufacturers worldwide. We're serious about sustainability, too; we operate a huge 130,000 ... We are looking for a reliable and skilled Production Machine Operator to be a key player in our ...

Piramal Pharma Limited

Manufacturing Operator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Lexington Job Overview Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Manufacturing Operator performs production related activities, including component preparation, filling, capping, autoclaving ...

Dow

Production Operator - Represented/Tariff

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Previous experience working in a Chemical Manufacturing environment. * Previous experience as a Production Operator. * Previous experience in a Maintenance role. * Forklift experience. * Mechanically ...

Apex Systems

Production Operator/Bottle Opener

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Maintains records and production area to comply with regulatory requirements, good manufacturing practices, and standard operating procedures. May perform initial check of completed documents for ...

Valeo

Production Operator/Fork Truck Driver

Winchester, KY

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Must be able to work from complex and detailed manufacturing documentation and/or verbal and ... Production Operator Organization: Production - J Schedule: Full time Employee Status: Regular Job ...

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All JobsManufacturing Production Operative JobsManufacturing Production Operative Jobs in Kentucky

Manufacturing Production Operative information

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$19

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How much do manufacturing production operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing production operative in Kentucky is $19.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.24 and $21.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing production operatives, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Production Operatives often face challenges such as maintaining consistent quality during fast-paced production runs and adapting to new machinery or processes. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and communicating effectively with team members can help manage these challenges. Regular training sessions and a supportive team environment also play a key role in ensuring operatives can quickly adapt to changes and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing production operative?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Production Operative, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and quality control systems is typically required, and some positions may prefer candidates with forklift or OSHA certifications. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production processes, ensuring workplace safety, and delivering consistent product quality.

What is a manufacturing production operative?

A Manufacturing Production Operative is a worker responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring production processes run smoothly in a factory or manufacturing environment. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, following safety procedures, and maintaining quality standards. These operatives play a crucial role in keeping production lines efficient and meeting output targets. No formal qualifications are usually required, but attention to detail and the ability to work well in a team are important. Training is often provided on the job.

What do you do as a manufacturing production operative?

A manufacturing production operative is responsible for assembling, inspecting, and packaging products on a factory or production line. They operate machinery, follow safety procedures, and ensure quality standards are met, often working in shifts and using basic tools or equipment. Attention to detail and adherence to health and safety regulations are essential in this role.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Production Operative vs Manufacturing Assembly Worker?

AspectManufacturing Production OperativeManufacturing Assembly Worker
CredentialsBasic training, health & safety certificationsBasic training, health & safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, production linesFactory floor, assembly lines
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing plantsCommonly used in manufacturing plants
Job FocusOperating machinery, quality checksAssembling components, following instructions

Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often overlapping in work environment and required skills. The Manufacturing Production Operative typically involves operating machinery and quality control, while the Manufacturing Assembly Worker focuses on assembling parts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role suited to their skills and career goals.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Kentucky? For Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Manufacturing Production Operative job openings:
Manufacturing Production Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Production Operative job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,758 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly)

spidf

Lawrenceburg, KY

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  Engineer, Manufacturing (Assembly)                         FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Manager, Engineering (Manufacturing) 

SUMMARY

This is hands-on technical work involving the assembly of injection molded plastic parts for automotive interior trim, full center consoles, and kinetic parts including air conditioning outlets, cup holders, glove boxes and bins.  Provide technical support and leadership to manufacturing production teams with a focus on operational excellence each and every day.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Under general supervision is responsible for the following major tasks:

 

  • Responsible for all assembly machine activities associated with new product launches including:
    • Participating with the product development team and corporate manufacturing technical leaders to:
      • Ensure products are designed for manufacturability and quality.
      • Specify robust assembly machines that include effective error proofing, good ergonomics, and facilitate efficient standardized work.
      • Provide feedback to the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to improve assembly machine standards.
    • Working with the corporate manufacturing technical leaders to develop standardized work, machine quote specification sheets, capacity analysis, work balance tables, and assembly cell layouts from NBA thru end of program.
  • Participate in all machine design review meetings.
  • Monitor progress of assembly machine construction to ensure program and plant required timing is met.
    • Participate in machine review and validation runs of assembly equipment prior to shipment to manufacturing plant.
    • Working with corporate packaging engineers and packaging suppliers to develop exeternal packaging and internal work in process packaging that ensures safe, defect-free transportation to subsequent operations and the customer.
    • Work with the SLMS engineer (lean manufacturing) to develop flow racks for the assembly cell.
    • Write standardized work instructions so operators can perform work safely, with the proper quality, and in the proper time.
    • Lead and perform engineering changes to assembly machines from an electrical, pneumatic, servo motor controls, PLC, machining, and sensor & vision system perspective.
    • Assist maintenance with developing effective preventative maintenance schedule.
  • Responsible for supporting manufacturing for assembly machines and cells in production.
    • Support the production team in increasing efficiency, quality, and safety through use of standardardized work tools (element cycle time studies, standardized work charts and combination tables, work balance tables), practical problem solving methods and kaizen improvement opportunities.
    • Troubleshoot process or equipment-related problems and provide solutions in a timely manner.
    • Develop justifications for various process improvement projects.
    • Conduct process audits to ensure standardized work and quality system compliance in assembly.
  • Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar technical discipline OR 5 years of experience in an automotive manufacturing or assembly machine supplier environment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Proficiency in Omron PLC programming.
  • Basic machine shop skills and ability to fabricate simple components.
  • Ability to read electrical and pneumatic prints.
  • Ability to view assembly machines in software such as SolidWorks eDrawing, to cut sections & measure dimensions.
  • Knowledge of plastic welding processes for injection molded parts including – sonic welding, vibration welding, hot plate welding, IR welding.
  • Knowledge of secondary decoration process including – hot stamping, pad printing, laser etching, laser marking, etc.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use a variety of sensors and vision systems to create a robust assembly machine and process.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite – Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Independent thinking with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Flexible and able to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
  • Preferred experienced in:
    • SolidWorks
    • VisMockup
    • Six axis robot and cobot programming – Fanuc and UR

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.

  • A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional Score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does not require any travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.  Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

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