What does a lead operator/machine operator do?

A Lead Operator or an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is responsible for creating, installing, and repairing different types of machinery. This person does the adjustment and maintenance of machines as well as the industrial production and distribution of types of equipment and other systems. They also identify the causes of the problem and determines the valued solutions. Other duties include maintaining the routine monitoring of equipment to ensure quality standards and examines the production equipment to evaluate the performance and if there are changes.
Lead operator/machine operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead operator/machine operator resumes:
- Manage and troubleshoot a variety of different heavy machinery.
- Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
- Follow proper GMP practices, OSHA standards, and other company policies.
- Assure accordance with ISO, OSHA, and FDA regulations.
- Work closely with QA to insure all bottle measurements are correct.
- Insure that all associates have proper PPE, and correct tools.
- Addressed safety and environmental issues to maintain compliance to OSHA regulations.
- Obtain daily QA concerns, dealing with packaging concerns, part specifications.
- Identify all safety hazards and using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for each task.
- Perform mechanical work orders, assist with PLC issues and keep detailed records of all work perform.
- Monitor the quality audit system to ensure the process are in control and in compliance with GMP's.
- Machine military parts to specifications; blueprint reading and quality assurance of the end product (ISO regulations )
- Oversee the daily management of billing cycles all the way through to daily, weekly, and monthly metrics KPI reporting.
- Disassemble and assemble extrusion machines.
- Operate multi-million dollar machinery that uses PLC technology.
Lead operator/machine operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Lead Operator/Machine Operators are proficient in Safety Procedures, Machine Operators, and Quality Standards.
We break down the percentage of Lead Operator/Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Safety Procedures, 13%
Conducted employee training in warehouse operations, assembly line process, equipment operation and safety procedures.
- Machine Operators, 8%
Trained machine operators for production and forklift operators for safe driving practices in warehouse conditions.
- Quality Standards, 8%
Conducted quality checks and inspections of parts during assembly and fabrication, ensuring adherence to specifications and quality standards.
- Preventative Maintenance, 6%
Interpreted operation manuals for all related equipment to include the implementation of a preventative maintenance program.
- CNC, 6%
Operate NC and CNC equipment including vertical and horizontal mills, Swiss type lathes to produce high quality orthopedic medical devices.
- Safety Rules, 5%
Follow all safety rules & ensure everyone else is also working safe & aware of their surroundings.
Common skills that a lead operator/machine operator uses to do their job include "safety procedures," "machine operators," and "quality standards." You can find details on the most important lead operator/machine operator responsibilities below.
The three companies that hire the most lead operator/machine operators are:
Choose from 10+ customizable lead operator/machine operator resume templates
Build a professional lead operator/machine operator resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lead operator/machine operator resume.Compare different lead operator/machine operators
Lead operator/machine operator vs. Production leader
A production leader usually works at a manufacturing plant or a similar setting. They are primarily responsible for overseeing all processing operations and workforce performance, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They are also responsible for coordinating with personnel, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, delegating tasks, setting the budget and goals, evaluating performances, and even training new members of the workforce. Furthermore, as a leader, it is essential to implement all policies and regulations set by the company to maintain a productive and safe work environment for everyone.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, lead operator/machine operator responsibilities require skills like "preventative maintenance," "product quality," "quality control checks," and "production machines." Meanwhile a typical production leader has skills in areas such as "customer service," "continuous improvement," "excellent time management," and "lean manufacturing." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Production leaders earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $48,398. On the other hand, lead operator/machine operators are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $45,342.On average, production leaders reach similar levels of education than lead operator/machine operators. Production leaders are 2.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead operator/machine operator vs. Production 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead operator/machine operator resumes. While lead operator/machine operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "machine operators," "product quality," "quality issues," and "quality control checks," production operators use skills like "basic math," "math," "quality checks," and "hand tools."
Production operators earn a lower average salary than lead operator/machine operators. But production operators earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $37,865. Additionally, lead operator/machine operators earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $45,342 annually.production operators earn similar levels of education than lead operator/machine operators in general. They're 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead operator/machine operator vs. Packaging operator
The primary job of a packaging operator is to take the finished product and ensure that it is packaged based on the company and industry standards. You will be responsible for operating the machinery used in packaging and conducting routine inspection and preventative equipment maintenance. Other duties include product labeling, troubleshooting equipment issues on time to prevent delays, and completing packaging orders on time. As a packaging operator, you are also responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational policies.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead operator/machine operator is likely to be skilled in "machine operators," "cnc," "product quality," and "production floor," while a typical packaging operator is skilled in "basic math," "math," "quality checks," and "pallets."
Packaging operators earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $39,011. Comparatively, lead operator/machine operators have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $45,342.When it comes to education, packaging operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to lead operator/machine operators. In fact, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead operator/machine operator vs. 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. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Types of lead operator/machine operator
Updated January 8, 2025











