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.

1-15 of 31 Jobs

2nd Shift Production Operator

  • 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...

Batch Plant Operator

  • 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:...

Batch Plant Operator

  • 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...

Assembly Line Worker

  • Ames, IA
  • 4 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 4 days ago

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)...

Utility Operator

  • 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...

Press Operator 2

  • 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...

Production Operator

  • Ames, IA
  • 13 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 13 days ago

Must be able to work a long shift standing. 2+ years of Production/Warehouse/Machine Operator experience. Forklift experience preferred. Have excellent attendance....

Light Industrial Worker I

  • 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...

Light Industrial Worker I

  • 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...

General Laborer/PIV Operator - 3RD SHIFT WEEKENDS ONLY

  • Ames, IA
  • 15 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 15 days ago

Must be able to work a 12 hour shift standing. 2+ years of Production/Warehouse/Machine Operator experience. Forklift experience preferred....

Production Operator -2nd Shift

  • Ames, IA
  • 15 days ago
  • Ames, IA
  • 15 days ago

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.


Local
National
70,648
1,560
Medium

Machine Operator Online Courses and Training Opportunities

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"Basics of Machine Learning" introduces participants to the fundamental concepts and tools of machine learning, including probability density estimation, linear regression, classification...
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Are you keen to design a vehicle suspension using MATLAB? In this course, you will start at the very beginning of dynamic modelling, simulation and analysis of a technical system using different...

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Salary for Machine Operator Jobs in Ames, IA

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireManufacturing research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Machine Operator positions.



Highest Education Level

Machine Operators in Ames, IA offer the following education background
High School or GED
41.8%
Bachelor's Degree
18.3%
Vocational Degree or Certification
16.8%
Associate's Degree
12.8%
Master's Degree
6.2%
Some College
2.2%
Some High School
1.3%
Doctorate Degree
0.5%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Machine Operators in Ames, IA
None
41.5%
Less than 1 year
22.5%
2-4 years
21.2%
4-6 years
7.6%
1-2 years
7.2%



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