How to hire a robot operator

How to hire a robot operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step robot operator hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The robot operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A robot operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, robot 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.

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

   Type of Robot Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Robot Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$15-23
   Press Brake Operator	A press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal... Show more	$13-21
   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... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Checks
   • Pallets
   • Basic Math
   • CNC
   • Safety Procedures
   • GMP
   • FANUC
   • PLC
   • MIG
   • Troubleshoot Problems
   • Robot Operation
   • Assembly Line
   • Trouble Shoot
   • Machine Operation

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage aluminum structural/pipe fabrication turnaround: cross-country CGIT/IPB megawatt electrical power conductors.
   • Place a series of parts on a series of jigs ultimately leading to a finish part i.e.
   • Make sure all GMP's and all company policies are follow in accordance with state and federal law.
   • Maintain functionality and quality of parts for medical devices and monitor robotic manufacturing machines.
   • Reconfigure robotic equipment to handle differing packaging and materials using both mechanical and electronic controls.
   • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, robot operators' average salary in illinois is 35% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level robot operators 35% less than senior-level robot operators.
   • Certifications. A robot 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 a robot operator's salary.

   Average robot operator salary

   $40,298yearly

   $19.37 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level robot operator salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a robot operator job description

   A robot 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 a robot operator job description:

   Robot operator job description example

   Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® is the leading supplier of value-added, glazing-focused, interior, and exterior products and services. We design, engineer, test, and manufacture solutions in engineered curtain walls, storefronts, and entrances, architectural glass, shower enclosures, glazing hardware, windows, railings, and more.
   We are seeking a Robotic Operator to join our glass manufacturing team, to operate a glass polishing system. We are a great company with a team environment, high compensation, opportunity for growth, and competitive benefits. The operator will report to production management and partner with the maintenance department on upkeep and PMs.
   
   Responsibilities:
   monitor the operating computer as the machine runs ability to make adjustments as required to meet quality standards understand errors & perform basic troubleshooting to maximize uptime perform operator level maintenance on equipment become a subject matter expert on operating the robots and polishers understand machine process capabilities to optimize the loading of material coordinate with glass handler to maximize run efficiency
   Qualifications:
   Two years of experience in a related field Have experience in problem-solving and planning with real-world robotic systems. Have software development experience or exposure. Have experience with robotics: control systems, machine vision, obstacle avoidance, SLAM, and/or other robotics algorithms and libraries. Experience with Kuka robots a plus Machine operator experience in a production environment Must at least be 18 years old Read and perform calculations and measurements with numbers, fractions, and decimals Detail-oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in a team environment Computer skills
   Physical Requirements
   Ability to lift, bend, twist, walk, push, pull, and reach frequently Ability to grasp and squeeze small parts and large items Able to walk/stand on a concrete floor for regular work shift (approx. 10-12 hrs. a day, 50 hours to 60 hours per week) Must have the ability to lift and/or move up to 75 lbs. frequently throughout the shift Ability to work in varied temperatures consistent with the same climate conditions of the region in a non-climate-controlled facility (Heat, Cold, humidity, etc.)
   Additional Information
   Only online applications will be accepted When applying, please provide full employment history Pre-employment background screening will be conducted on qualified applicants after acceptance of job offer
   What OBE Offers You
   Highly competitive base pay Comprehensive medical, dental, and disability benefits programs Group retirement savings program Health and wellness programs A culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion
   
   About OBE
   
   OBE has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of family businesses, regional companies, and large enterprises that together form the OBE family. OBE operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large organization.
   
   If you're up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!
   
   OBE is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
   
   EOE/Vet/DisabilityIf you want to know more, please click on thislink.
   
   Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope is an E-Verify Employer.
   
   #OBE
   
   Date Posted:Oct 1, 2022
   
   Nearest Major Market: Atlanta
   Job Segment: Facilities, Machinist, Testing, Design Engineer, Equipment Operator, Operations, Manufacturing, Technology, Engineering

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find robot operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any robot operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level robot operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting robot operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 robot operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the robot operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new robot operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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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