How to hire an ending machine operator

How to hire an ending machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step ending 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 ending machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new ending machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an ending machine operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an ending machine operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an ending machine operator that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of ending machine operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Ending Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Ending Machine Operator	Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.	$12-20
   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
   Planer Operator	Planner operators are individuals tasked to set up and operate power-fed planer or facer machines to size and surface woodstock used in the production of furniture. The operators turn handwheels to make adjustments to table level, feed rolls, and pressure bars based on stock thickness and cut... Show more	$15-31

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Machine Operators
   • CNC

   Responsibilities:

   • Possess all knowledge of GMP's.
   • Complete production runs in a JIT environment.
   • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
   • Examine samples visually and by hand to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness and texture.
   • 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 ending machine operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An ending machine operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, ending machine operators' average salary in florida is 48% less than in colorado.
   • Seniority. Entry-level ending machine operators earn 42% less than senior-level ending machine operators.
   • Certifications. An ending machine operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an ending machine operator's salary.

   Average ending machine operator salary

   $15.99hourly

   $33,268 yearly

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   Entry-level ending machine operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an ending machine operator job description

   An ending 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 ending machine operator job description:

   Ending machine operator job description example

   Morgan Advanced Materials is a world leader in advanced materials science and engineering of ceramics, carbon and composites. We operate in a series of well-defined markets where our applications expertise offers our customers a valuable differentiator, engineering high-specification materials, components and sub-assembly parts that solve their challenging technical problems.
   
   The Thermal Ceramics division designs, manufactures and installs a broad range of thermal insulation products that significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions in a variety of high temperature processing applications. Our product offering is extensive and covers application needs from Industrial to Commercial markets.
   
   Group Key Figures: Revenue £950m (2021), ~7,500 employees, manufacturing in 30+ countries, and customers in 100+ countries. A UK PLC with head office located in Windsor, Berkshire UK. Listed on London Stock Exchange; Member of the FTSE 250 Index.
   Responsibilities
   
   Machine Operator - End Cone
   
   Under direct supervision during training period, learn to operate the Endcone and related equipment to produce endcones in accordance with quality specifications and production schedules. Lead the activities of subordinates on shift and enforce plant safety regulations. Keep records on operating data from the control stations and other instruments; perform necessary quality control tests and check SPC. Perform related duties as required.
   
   Essential Functions
   
   Ensure the safety of all team members on the crew that they are supporting. Operate and assist in the operating end cone machines as well as support equipment required. Direct the work of the production personnel performing the batching, inspection, and packing. Oversee the production line area and make sure all items to run production are available. Request assistance of the maintenance services group whenever a non-conforming function or status of a machine is observed. Keep end cone machine operating with good efficiency by adjusting vacuum time, dewater time, and oven temp. Inspect parts being produced using calibrated equipment and make necessary adjustments to ensure specifications. Make minor mechanical adjustments. Record operating data per procedure from the control stations and other related instruments. Help maintain good relations within the unit and be familiar with company policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.
   
   Qualifications
   
   Additional Requirements:
   
   * Ability to learn/use E1/JD Edwards software for work order entry. Ability to learn/use data acquisition software for production reporting.
   * Demonstrate adequate communication skills to address both technical and non-technical issues with production workers, supervisors, maintenance, engineering and management in either group settings or one on one.
   * Help maintain good relations within the unit and enforce company policies and procedures.
   * Maintain good housekeeping practices in work area, responsible for keeping work area clean and organized.
   * Enforce good health, safety, and environmental practices. Be aware of safety rules and environmental regulations and put them into practice in the plant.
   * Occasionally perform tasks not described in this position description in order to meet requirements of this position.
   * Assist in Continuous Improvement Activities.
   
   Minimum Qualifications: Associate degree or advanced manufacturing training equivalent to two years, or equivalent manufacturing experience. More than 6 months on-the-job training experience, previous manufacturing/supervisory experience required.
   
   Physical Requirements: Ability to maneuverer around equipment on various platforms within the production area. Ability to climb ladders to inspect process equipment. There is continuous or frequent exposure to heat, cold and noise. Ability to lift 70 pounds.
   
   Morgan Advanced Materials is an EEO/AA/M/W/D/V Employer Ind-1
   
   Responsibilities Machine Operator - End Cone Under direct supervision during training period, learn to operate the Endcone and related equipment to produce endcones in accordance with quality specifications and production schedules. Lead the activities of subordinates on shift and enforce plant safety regulations. Keep records on operating data from the control stations and other instruments; perform necessary quality control tests and check SPC. Perform related duties as required. Essential Functions - Ensure the safety of all team members on the crew that they are supporting. - Operate and assist in the operating end cone machines as well as support equipment required. - Direct the work of the production personnel performing the batching, inspection, and packing. - Oversee the production line area and make sure all items to run production are available. - Request assistance of the maintenance services group whenever a non-conforming function or status of a machine is observed. - Keep end cone machine operating with good efficiency by adjusting vacuum time, dewater time, and oven temp. - Inspect parts being produced using calibrated equipment and make necessary adjustments to ensure specifications. - Make minor mechanical adjustments. - Record operating data per procedure from the control stations and other related instruments. - Help maintain good relations within the unit and be familiar with company policies and procedures. - Perform other duties as assigned.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find ending machine operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit ending machine operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates 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 ending machine operator

   Once you've found the ending machine operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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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