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Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Aampower

Heavy Press Operator

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Candidates must be able to manage a fast paced schedule that includes full-time plant floor work and classes at Macomb Community College. As a Heavy Press Operator trainee, you'll gain hands-on ...

Schaeffler

Quality Mgmt. Profess.

Troy, MI

... plant quality, customer quality, supplier quality, etc.). * Lead launch activities from qaulity ... Support and train the new engineers and trainees within quality team. * Lead all launch relevant ...

All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Trainee JobsPlant Operator Trainee Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Plant Operator Trainee information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$28.1K

$48.7K

$78.7K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Rochester Hills, MI is $48,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $54,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plant operator trainee?

Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn to operate, monitor, and maintain machinery and equipment at facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety procedures, equipment operation, and facility protocols under the supervision of experienced operators. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to eventually become fully qualified Plant Operators. This role typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operator trainee?

To thrive as a Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a willingness to learn plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, safety protocols, and basic hand tools is often required, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant certifications like OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help trainees adapt quickly and contribute to safe, efficient plant operations. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, minimizing downtime, and supporting the smooth functioning of the facility.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operator trainees during their initial training period?

Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shift schedules, learning to monitor complex machinery, and quickly troubleshooting minor operational issues. Trainees must also become familiar with strict safety protocols and environmental regulations, which can be overwhelming at first. However, with mentorship from experienced operators and structured hands-on training, most trainees are able to develop the necessary confidence and skills to handle these responsibilities effectively.

What is the difference between Plant Operator Trainee vs Plant Operator?

AspectPlant Operator TraineePlant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be preferredTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state-issued operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning on the jobFull responsibility for operating equipment, more autonomous
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning under supervisionOperating machinery, monitoring systems, troubleshooting

In summary, a Plant Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining skills and certifications needed to become a fully qualified Plant Operator. The trainee role involves supervision and assistance, while the Plant Operator role involves independent operation and responsibility.

How to get hired as a plant operator trainee?

To get hired as a plant operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or certification, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Employers often look for basic mechanical skills, the ability to follow safety procedures, and willingness to learn on the job. Prior experience in related roles or with operating machinery can be advantageous.

Is it hard to become a plant operator trainee?

Becoming a plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, technical training, and sometimes a relevant certification. The process involves passing written exams and gaining on-the-job experience, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation and training. Skills in mechanical systems, safety procedures, and attention to detail are important for success in this role.

What degree do I need to become a plant operator trainee?

A plant operator trainee typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education such as an associate degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding of mechanical systems and safety procedures, and obtaining certifications like a commercial driver's license or plant-specific training can be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Rochester Hills, MI?

For Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Rochester Hills, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,749 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Heavy Press Operator

Aampower

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Posting Title

Heavy Press Operator

Job Description Summary

Dauch's Royal Oak Manufacturing Facility is seeking candidates for our Heavy Press Operator training program. This 33-month program offers comprehensive training, combining hands-on experience working with our highly-skilled heavy press operators and foundational manufacturing coursework at Macomb Community College. Candidates will take classes while working full-time on the manufacturing floor. Tuition and class time are fully covered.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be placed as a fully-titled Heavy Press Operator at our Royal Oak manufacturing facility.
While not required, prior experience in forging, metal forming processes, machine repair/maintenance, or cold heading is preferred. Candidates must be able to manage a fast paced schedule that includes full-time plant floor work and classes at Macomb Community College.

Job Description:

As a Heavy Press Operator trainee, you'll gain hands-on experience in various aspects of heavy press operation. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Performing quality inspections of manufactured parts.

  • Changing and adjusting tools within the machine for quality improvements or production changeovers.

  • Using hand tools and pneumatic tools for machine operation and maintenance tasks.

  • Completing machine maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Reading and interpreting blueprints to understand part specifications and adjusting machine setup as necessary.

  • Occasionally operating an overhead crane for heavy tooling changeover.

  • Completing additional tasks as required to support manufacturing operations

Required Skills and Education

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment, ideally as a press operator.

  • Availability to work rotating first and second shift.


About Dauch:

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.


Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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