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Production Associate Jobs in Princeton, MN (NOW HIRING)

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate - Night Shift to join our team located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. In this role, performing assigned production functions in a manner that will consistently ...

Production Associate

Elk River, MN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working with glue.  You will be balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and doing repetitive ...

Quanex is looking for a  Production Associate to join our team located in  Foreston, Minnesota .    In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working ...

Quanex is looking for a  Production Associate to join our team located in  Foreston, Minnesota .    In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working ...

Quanex is looking for a  Production Associate to join our team located in  Foreston, Minnesota .    In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working ...

Quanex is looking for a  Production Associate to join our team located in  Foreston, Minnesota .    In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working ...

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate to join our team located in Foreston, Minnesota . In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working with glue. Any ...

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate to join our team located in Foreston, Minnesota . In this role, you will assemble components, feed sanders, work with machines, working with glue. You ...

Showing results 21-40

Production Associate information

See Princeton, MN salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Princeton, MN is $15.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production associate?

Production Associates are entry-level workers who assist in the manufacturing process within factories or production facilities. Their responsibilities typically include assembling products, operating machinery, monitoring production lines, and ensuring quality standards are met. They may also be responsible for packaging, labeling, and basic maintenance of equipment. Production Associates play a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and supporting higher-level technicians or supervisors. The role often requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety protocols.

What does a production associate do?

A production associate’s job duties depend on the industry in which they work. If you’re a manufacturing production associate, then your responsibilities include maintaining production equipment and assemblies, ensuring quality control, overseeing manufacturing personnel, ordering materials, monitoring packaging and shipping of the product, and handling clerical tasks like work orders and documentation. As a production associate in the film and TV industry, your duties include hiring and scheduling actors and technical staff, resolving technical challenges such as equipment failure, and maintaining relationships with suppliers and vendors.

What are some typical challenges production associates face when adjusting to fast-paced manufacturing environments?

Production Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, maintaining high attention to detail while working efficiently, and learning to operate various machinery safely. Additionally, they must quickly become familiar with strict quality standards and safety protocols. Collaborating effectively with team members and supervisors is essential to ensure smooth workflow and meet production targets.

What is the difference between Production Associate vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectProduction AssociateManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, assembly lines, production floorsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, assembly, packaging industriesManufacturing, industrial production, equipment maintenance sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level manufacturing rolesTechnical skills and equipment operation in manufacturing

The main difference between a Production Associate and a Manufacturing Technician lies in their responsibilities and skill requirements. Production Associates typically perform basic assembly and packaging tasks with minimal technical training, while Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and more technical duties. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Manufacturing Technicians usually require additional technical certifications or vocational training.

What is an entry-level production associate?

An entry-level production associate is a worker who performs basic tasks on a manufacturing or production line, often requiring minimal prior experience. They typically handle tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and maintaining a clean work environment, with opportunities to learn skills and advance within the company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Princeton, MN?

The most popular types of Production jobs in Princeton, MN are:

What cities near Princeton, MN are hiring for Production Associate jobs?

Cities near Princeton, MN with the most Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Princeton, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,229 per year, or $16 per hour.

Production Associate I - Night Shift

Quanex

Saint Cloud, MN

$20.16 - $23.52/hr

Full-time, Other

Re-posted 23 days ago


Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Quanex is looking for a Production Associate – Night Shift to join our team located in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

In this role, performing assigned production functions in a manner that will consistently meet production standards and quality requirements.

The level for each Production Associate is determined by management based on the ability to train others and number of machines the operator can run while meeting production standards and quality requirements.

Salary: $20.16-$23.52 per hour (rate includes 12% shift differential), pay based on experience

New Hire Bonus: $1,000, payout increments at 30-days, 60-days and 6-months of employment!

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 4:30pm-3:00am

Call or text 320-363-9164 to apply!

We Offer You!

  • Medical, dental & vision start the 1st of the month after hire
  • Medical insurance with opportunities to earn premium discounts through healthy living programs
  • PTO, paid holidays & paid training — starts right away
  • 401(k) with company match & vesting
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Life insurance provided
  • Tuition assistance
  • Wellness resources & onsite physical therapist
  • Safety-toe shoes at no cost
  • Free fountain drinks and coffee during shifts
  • Referral bonuses
  • 90-day performance review for pay adjustment
  • Supportive, people-first culture

What’s attractive about the Production Associate?

  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented environment
  • Growth opportunity
  • Community engagement

What Success Looks Like:

  • Follow all safety procedures, rules, and guidelines.
  • Monitors product to ensure that quality standards are being met.
  • Accurately, thoroughly, and legibly completes all documentation related to the position.
  • Promotes teamwork by cooperating and supporting co-workers.

What You Bring:

  • High School or equivalent education, required.
  • 6 months+ of manufacturing experience, preferred.
  • Ability to perform detailed work that requires high levels of concentration.
  • Bringing a positive attitude and team-oriented mentality.

Quanex is a Second Chance employer committed to providing individuals with opportunities to grow, recognizing full-time employment as a meaningful path to success after hardship.

About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.

NOTE: For individuals with nut allergies, please be advised that there is the potential to be exposed to nut products when working in our facilities.


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