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Process Operator Trainee Jobs in Pontiac, MI (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Press Operator

Royal Oak, MI ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

While not required, prior experience in forging, metal forming processes, machine repair ... As a Heavy Press Operator trainee, you'll gain hands-on experience in various aspects of heavy ...

Adjust process, within specifications, to ensure uniformity of product. * Perform operator quality ... Minimum 1 year at Coater/Mixer Trainee or equivalent experience. * High School Diploma or GED ...

Manager Trainee

Pontiac, MI ยท On-site

$55 - $85/hr

Pontiac, MIFerrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors ... operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manualsAbility to calculate figures and ...

Management Trainee

Eastpointe, MI ยท On-site

$51K/yr

... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ... begin the interview process up to two semester before graduation * Must have a valid driver ...

Management Trainee

Eastpointe, MI ยท On-site

$51K/yr

... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ... begin the interview process up to two semester before graduation * Must have a valid driver ...

... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ... begin the interview process up to two semester before graduation * Must have a valid driver ...

Management Trainee

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$51K/yr

... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ... begin the interview process up to two semesters before graduation. * Must have a valid driver ...

Showing results 21-40

Process Operator Trainee information

See Pontiac, MI salary details

$25.3K

$43.2K

$63.1K

How much do process operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for process operator trainee in Pontiac, MI is $43,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,800.00 and $50,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process operator trainee?

Process Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn how to monitor, control, and maintain equipment and systems in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, or energy production. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to gain hands-on experience with safety protocols, machinery operation, and troubleshooting. The goal is to prepare them for full Process Operator roles, where they ensure the smooth and safe running of industrial processes.

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

To thrive as a Process Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a relevant field. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and equipment monitoring tools is important, often gained through on-the-job training or programs like OSHA certification. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help trainees excel and adapt to dynamic plant environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial facilities.

What are some common challenges process operator trainees may encounter during their training period?

Process Operator Trainees often face challenges such as adapting to shift work schedules, learning complex control systems, and understanding safety protocols in industrial environments. The steep learning curve can be daunting, especially when troubleshooting equipment or responding to unexpected process deviations. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced mentors and structured training programs to help them build confidence and competence over time.

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

AspectProcess Operator TraineeProcess Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull-time, operational environment, responsible for daily processes
Employer UsageEntry-level position for training purposesFull-fledged role managing production processes

The Process Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Process Operator is a fully responsible role managing daily operations. Trainees typically undergo training before becoming Process Operators, making the roles sequential in career development.

What cities near Pontiac, MI are hiring for Process Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Pontiac, MI with the most Process Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Process Operator Trainee job openings in Pontiac, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,232 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Heavy Press Operator

Aampower

Royal Oak, MI โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform quality inspections of manufactured parts.

  • Change and adjust tools within the machine for quality improvements or production changeovers.

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


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.