Machine Operator / General Labor

Quick Snapshot

Pay: Starting at $18.00/hour | Negotiable with Experience
1st Shift: Monday–Thursday | 6:00 AM–4:30 PM
2nd Shift: Monday–Thursday | 4:00 PM–3:00 AM
Location: Traverse City, MI
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Entry-Level to Experienced
Industry: Precision Manufacturing | CNC Machining | Industrial Production

Build Hands-On Skills in Precision Manufacturing

Ambient Recruiting is partnering with a long-established Northern Michigan precision manufacturer to hire Machine Operators / Production Associates for both 1st and 2nd shift opportunities in Traverse City.
This company has decades of experience producing precision-machined components using CNC machining, turning, milling, grinding, honing, automated welding, and other manufacturing processes. Its products support a variety of demanding industrial applications where quality, consistency, and accuracy matter.
This is a strong opportunity for someone looking to get their foot in the door of precision manufacturing or for an experienced production employee ready to bring existing skills to a machining environment.
Starting pay is $18.00/hour, with higher wages negotiable based on relevant experience.

What You'll Be Doing

Depending on your experience and assigned production area, responsibilities may include:

• Operate or assist with production machinery and equipment
• Support CNC machining and other manufacturing operations
• Load and unload parts, materials, and components
• Monitor parts throughout the production process
• Perform visual and basic quality inspections
• Identify defects, inconsistencies, or production concerns
• Accurately record production and quality information
• Follow work instructions and established manufacturing procedures
• Move materials and finished products throughout production areas
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas
• Follow company quality and safety standards
• Assist operators and other production departments as needed
• Work independently and as part of a manufacturing team to meet production goals

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates typically have:

• Manufacturing, machining, production, warehouse, or industrial experience helpful but not necessarily required
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning manufacturing processes
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Commitment to producing accurate, quality work
• Reliable attendance and dependable work habits
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment
• Willingness to learn new equipment, processes, and production responsibilities
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic

Candidates with previous CNC machining, machine operation, inspection, manufacturing, or precision-measurement experience are especially encouraged to apply, as starting pay may be negotiable based on experience.

Benefits May Include

Benefits vary by employer and eligibility status but may include:

• Competitive starting pay
• Higher starting wage based on relevant experience
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities to develop machining and manufacturing skills
• Long-term employment opportunities

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Starting at $18.00/hour
• Pay negotiable with experience
• 1st and 2nd shift opportunities available
• Full-time, year-round manufacturing work
• Opportunity to learn precision manufacturing processes
• Exposure to CNC machining and modern production equipment
• Build skills that can lead to more advanced manufacturing positions
• Work with products requiring accuracy and attention to detail
• Established Northern Michigan manufacturing environment
• Opportunity for both newer manufacturing candidates and experienced operators

Real Talk

This is a production machining environment, so you'll be expected to stay active, pay attention to details, and maintain consistent quality throughout your shift.
Some work may be repetitive, and production priorities can change depending on customer needs. Accuracy matters because you're working around precision-machined components where even small differences can affect the finished product.
You don't necessarily need to walk in as an experienced CNC machinist. A dependable candidate with mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic may have an opportunity to build valuable manufacturing experience here.
If you already have machining, CNC, inspection, or production experience, make sure we know. The employer has specifically indicated that starting pay may be negotiable based on experience.