How to hire an automation machine operator

How to hire an automation machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step automation machine operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an automation machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new automation machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your automation machine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an automation machine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An automation machine operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, automation machine operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents automation machine operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Automation Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Automation Machine Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$12-19
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Set-Up Operator	A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Machine Operation
   • Hand Tools
   • Quality Checks
   • Production Schedules
   • Safety Procedures
   • Product Specifications
   • Trouble Shoot
   • GMP
   • Quality Products
   • CNC
   • Quality Specifications
   • SPC
   • RAN
   • Production Machines

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Set up and operate machine, run sample tests to insure conformance to specification.
   • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
   • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your automation machine operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An automation machine operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, automation machine operators' average salary in georgia is 37% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level automation machine operators 37% less than senior-level automation machine operators.
   • Certifications. An automation machine operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an automation machine operator's salary.

   Average automation machine operator salary

   $15.82hourly

   $32,911 yearly

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   Entry-level automation machine operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated February 1, 2026

4. Writing an automation machine operator job description

   An automation machine operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an automation machine operator job description:

   Automation machine operator job description example

   We are constantly looking to add to our core talent. If you are seeking a career that is challenging and rewarding, a work environment that is diverse and dynamic, look no further - Haemonetics is your employer of choice.
   Job Details
   Principal Responsibilities:
   Responds to machines faults by observing potential fault causes, reacting to faults, and recovering machine if fault occurs;Performs high volume production of automation equipment/machines - daily;Multi-tasks between operating equipment;Monitors materials levels and replenishes as required to ensure effective operation of automated equipment;Meets daily production schedules and quality standards by following work and safety instructions;May be required to perform other tasks as requested by group leader or supervisor Accurately completes all necessary Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) paperwork in order to track, log and monitor production activity;Starts machines after faults by following correct procedures and sequence of steps according to SOPs (refers to light tower to determine status of machine);Visually inspects component parts to insure all are built in compliance with all current quality standard documentation;Works safely to prevent on-the-job injuries by following safety procedures and observing potentially hazardous situations;Wipes down production equipment by using proper techniques and personal protection equipment to ensure effective and efficient operation;Assists in training and/or helping other Machine Operators;Follows all Good Manufacturing Practices and Quality Assurance standards
   Candidate Education:
   Required High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
   
   Candidate Experience:
   Preferred 1+(minimum) related experience in a manufacturing environment Preferred machine operating experience Preferred knowledge of MS Office data entry
   
   Candidate Skills Needed:
   Problem SolvingSelf-MotivatedTeam Oriented
   
   EEO Policy Statement
   
   Conditions of Employment: Haemonetics' policy requires COVID-19 vaccination for all U.S. employees, unless approved for a medical, religious or business exemption. While we recognize employees have their own individual beliefs and perspectives regarding vaccination, we believe it is an important step as part of our obligation to protect our colleagues, our customers and our communities as we continue to make health and safety our top priority.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right automation machine operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your automation machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit automation machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit automation machine operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new automation machine operator

   Once you've selected the best automation machine operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new automation machine operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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