Machine Operator Jobs in Ames, IA
A Machine Operator in the manufacturing industry is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining complex machinery. Their tasks often include checking equipment for proper functioning, performing basic maintenance, ensuring the quality of production outputs, and troubleshooting machines if they break down or malfunction. They also report any issues to the supervisors and work closely with other team members to meet production goals. They may also be tasked with reading blueprints, sketches, or machine parts to determine machining operations.
A prospective Machine Operator should possess technical skills, a strong understanding of machines and tools, and good attention to detail. They should also have the physical stamina to stand for long periods and lift heavy items. Certifications such as a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Operator certification may be beneficial. Prior to becoming a Machine Operator, an individual might have roles like a Production Worker, Assembly Line Worker, or a Machine Operator Assistant, where they would gain valuable hands-on experience in a manufacturing setting.
- Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
- 15 hours ago
- Ankeny, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
- 15 hours ago
Machine Operator 2 - Requirements and Qualifications: + Assist management with procedures to ensure quality product while seeking cost cutting ideas. + Practices HAACP and Good Manufacturing Practices...
- Bondurant, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
- 3 days ago
- Bondurant, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
- 3 days ago
Batch Plant Operator Bondurant, IA 50035 Posted: 06/26/2025 Job Number: 764107 Pay Rate: 21.00 Industry: Construction JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Batch Plant Operator Wage: $21.00/hour Shift:...
- Bondurant, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
- 4 days ago
- Bondurant, IA (21 miles from Ames, IA)
- 4 days ago
Batch Plant Operator Job Description The Batch Plant Operator will control and oversee the daily operations of the wet and dry cast concrete production processes. Responsibilities Efficiently...
Responsibilities Perform repetitive manufacturing tasks such as assembling, operating equipment, and setting up machines. Coordinate parts, assembly, testing, painting, packaging, and shipping of...
94Y Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator
- Johnston, IA (22 miles from Ames, IA)
- 6 days ago
- Johnston, IA (22 miles from Ames, IA)
- 6 days ago
It takes highly trained and skilled individuals to keep the Army National Guard's sophisticated weapons operating at top performance. The Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE)...
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 10 days ago
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 10 days ago
Utility Operator Job Description This role involves ensuring a continuous flow of quality energy for optimal plant operations. The technician will control energy systems and maintain steam...
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 10 days ago
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 10 days ago
Press Operator 2 Story City, IA ( Description SUMMARY:Assist operator in operation of the press. SHIFT: 12 hr Nights, 7pm-7am ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following: + Support...
Production Operator - Weekend Night Shift - Proliant Health and Biologicals
- Boone, IA (14 miles from Ames, IA)
- 10 days ago
- Boone, IA (14 miles from Ames, IA)
- 10 days ago
We are seeking great candidates for our Weekend Night shift team. Hours are 7pm-7am Saturday-Monday and every other Friday. The purpose of this job is to assist in the efficient fractionation of...
Packaging Assembler - Night Shift
- Huxley, IA (10 miles from Ames, IA)
- 11 days ago
- Huxley, IA (10 miles from Ames, IA)
- 11 days ago
Ability to operate production line machinery. Other Skills and Abilities We're Looking For: Strong attention to detail. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Basic math skills....
GRS Light Industrial Worker (onsite)
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 12 days ago
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 12 days ago
13956 - GRS Light Industrial Worker (onsite) - Story City, IA Start Date : ASAP Type: Temporary Project Estimated Duration : 12 months with possible extensions Work Setting: 100% of the time at...
Must be able to work a long shift standing. 2+ years of Production/Warehouse/Machine Operator experience. Forklift experience preferred. Have excellent attendance....
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 13 days ago
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 13 days ago
Generic job title used for sourcing individual contributor jobs that NEE does not typically hire full time equivalents for such as maids, landscapers, drivers, etc. ***Use the "Additional Job...
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 14 days ago
- Story City, IA (11 miles from Ames, IA)
- 14 days ago
Light Industrial Worker I- 1-Year Contract Story City, Iowa Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouses mission to provide clean energy solutions? At WECTEC...
Must be able to work a 12 hour shift standing. 2+ years of Production/Warehouse/Machine Operator experience. Forklift experience preferred....
Ability to learn machine operations and perform data entry tasks. What's in it for me? Weekly pay. Opportunity to contribute to ensuring water quality for people around the world....
Demographic Data for Ames, IA
Moving to Ames, IA? Find some basic demographic data about Ames, IA below.
Machine Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title
Salary for Machine Operator Jobs in Ames, IA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Machine Operator positions.
Highest Education Level
Machine Operators in Ames, IA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Machine Operator position
- Excavate
- Motor Grader Operator
- Packaging Equipment
- Production Line
- Deburring
- Machine Operation
- CNC Mill
- Precision Measurement
- Milling Machines
- Manual Lathe
- CNC Machining
- Computer Numeric Control
- Machining
- Lathe
- Mechanical Assembly
- Gauges
- Calipers
- Grinding
- Dump Truck
- Raw Materials
- Micrometers
- 5S
- Milling
- Good Manufacturing Practices
- Assembly
- Order Fulfillment
- Hand Tools
- Excavation
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Blueprints
- Crane Operator
- Blueprint Reading
- Preventive Maintenance
- Loading & Unloading
- Short-Term Disability
- Quality Control Inspection
- Shipping
- Packaging
- Inspections
- Forklift
- Supply Chain
- General Repair
- Specifications
- Housekeeping
- Reading
- Reimbursement
- Engineering
- Troubleshooting
- Math
- Military Background
- High School Diploma
- Documentation
- Education Experience
- Regulations
- English
- Policy Development
- Teamwork
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Machine Operator Related Career Advice Articles

5 Manufacturing Sectors That Will Improve Your Job Security
Manufacturing jobs have decreased in the US, but you can improve your job security just by knowing where to look. Here are 5 promising sectors to consider.
Read article »