What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.
Cell operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cell operator resumes:
- Work with QC on parts.
- Capture torque data for SPC charts.
- Read and implement PC (product criteria).
- Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
- Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
- Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
- Set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with establish procedures and guidelines and customer requirements.
- Load multiple parts onto jig in several weld cells.
- Position and clamp work pieces together or assemble them in a jig fixture.
- Operate a manufacturing line that produces medical products in accordance with ISO specifications.
- Operate a cell line producing batteries while striving for top quality (ISO 9000/9001) 2.
- Supply valuable information in weekly production, safety, and quality management meetings to plant and general managers
- Consult with engineering and upper management on product improvement to produce the most cost effective product without compromising quality.
- Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.
Cell operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Cell Operators are proficient in Hand Tools, Math, and Quality Standards. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Cell Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 12%
Operate overhead cranes-Used various hand tools to produce aluminum-Worked in extreme environmental conditions
- Math, 10%
Produced and maintained accurate documentation for production reports using math and computer skills.
- Quality Standards, 8%
Ensured customer quality standards are achieved.
- CNC, 8%
Serve as an Interior Doors Special Assemblies Builder, CNC Operator, Door Finisher and Packaging Specialist.
- Calipers, 7%
Check parts with various calipers and other measuring tools as they came out of machine.
- Micrometers, 6%
Used Calipers/Micrometers to gauge parts Preformed set ups and tear downs of machines
Most cell operators use their skills in "hand tools," "math," and "quality standards" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential cell operator responsibilities here:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a cell operator to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Additionally, a cell operator resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "ensured highest quality product through constant observation and communication with the extrusion operators, quality staff, and management. "
Coordination. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling cell operator duties is coordination. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." According to a cell operator resume, here's how cell operators can utilize coordination in their job responsibilities: "meet productivity goals & quality standards- communicate in english, both verbal and written- good hand-eye coordination- attention to detail"
Mechanical skills. This is an important skill for cell operators to perform their duties. For an example of how cell operator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a cell operator: "removed and packaged parts off press line quality inspection removal and input of mechanical arms".
Visual ability. cell operator responsibilities often require "visual ability." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." This resume example shows what cell operators do with visual ability on a typical day: "perform buffing operations to remove visual imperfections beyond customer specifications. "
The three companies that hire the most cell operators are:
- HNI14 cell operators jobs
- Raytheon Technologies13 cell operators jobs
- Acuity Brands11 cell operators jobs
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Cell operator vs. Manufacturing operator
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between cell operators and manufacturing operator. For instance, cell operator responsibilities require skills such as "calipers," "micrometers," "light fixtures," and "safety regulations." Whereas a manufacturing operator is skilled in "basic math," "safety rules," "quality products," and "fda." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Manufacturing operators earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $37,500. On the other hand, cell operators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $41,770.manufacturing operators tend to reach similar levels of education than cell operators. In fact, manufacturing operators are 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Cell operator vs. Lining machine operator
A handle machine operator is responsible for operating production machines, conducting preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal performance to prevent delays in orders or project deliverables. Handle machine operators analyze schematics and blueprints, inspect components for inconsistencies, replace defective parts, and upgrade systems as needed for higher operational efficiency. They also create resolution records for reference and manage maintenance standards to prevent downtimes. A handle machine operator must have excellent mechanical skills, especially on identifying machine problems and following specifications.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, cell operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "math," "calipers," and "micrometers." Meanwhile, a lining machine operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "basic math," "safety rules," "pallet jack," and "production schedules." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Lining machine operators may earn a lower salary than cell operators, but lining machine operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $39,210. On the other hand, cell operators receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $41,770.lining machine operators earn similar levels of education than cell operators in general. They're 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cell operator vs. Handle machine operator
A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use. Should there be any issues or concerns regarding safety, it is essential to notify a supervisor right away.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from cell operator resumes include skills like "hand tools," "math," "calipers," and "micrometers," whereas a handle machine operator is more likely to list skills in "forklifts," "cranes," "production lines," and "customer orders. "
Handle machine operators earn the best pay in the manufacturing industry, where they command an average salary of $34,314. Cell operators earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $41,770.Most handle machine operators achieve a similar degree level compared to cell operators. For example, they're 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cell operator vs. Production operator
Even though a few skill sets overlap between cell operators and production operators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a cell operator might have more use for skills like "calipers," "micrometers," "light fixtures," and "cell culture." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of production operators require skills like "basic math," "safety rules," "customer service," and "data entry. "
The manufacturing industry tends to pay the highest salaries for production operators, with average annual pay of $37,865. Comparatively, the highest cell operator annual salary comes from the technology industry.The average resume of production operators showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to cell operators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.Types of cell operator
Updated January 8, 2025











