what is a machine operator?
As a machine operator, you ensure smooth production processes across various sectors of the industry. You operate state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging equipment. This could involve filling beverages, producing components, or packaging medicines. It’s your responsibility to keep the machinery running without issues and to maintain quality standards. You also adhere to all safety regulations and hygiene requirements. You identify and fix minor faults on the equipment yourself, while any major malfunctions are reported to the technical service team. By carrying out regular cleaning and maintenance, you help minimise downtime. Find out more about the role of a machine operator and discover attractive job opportunities.
machine operator jobsworking as an operator
Machines and systems are your world. Thanks to your efforts, they run smoothly. Want to work as a machine operator? Still need information on what to expect? Then keep reading.
-
your scope of work
- Operate production machinery: Machines and systems are your domain as an operator. Whether for food production, pharmaceuticals, components, or packaging, you know your way around. You always maintain full control.
- Plan production processes: As a machine operator, you are responsible for the production quality and optimal utilization of the facility. You ensure that the results meet customer needs and regulations. You set up everything expertly. Thanks to your expertise, the facility is exceptionally productive.
- Identify and resolve issues: Ensuring flawless production is your task as an equipment operator. If a malfunction occurs, you act swiftly and purposefully. You identify the source of the problem and fix it immediately. If it turns out to be a major outage, you notify the technical service. You always know exactly what to do.
- Conduct maintenance and cleaning: Prevention is better than cure or repair. Therefore, as a machine operator, you regularly perform cleaning and maintenance tasks. This way, you try to avoid errors from the outset.
- Adhere to regulations: As an operator, you comply with all safety, health, and environmental regulations. Especially in the food sector, hygiene is crucial. Here, you follow hygiene conditions such as work attire, gloves, hood, and face mask. This way, you are always on the safe side.
- Monitor and document: You oversee production processes. Additionally, you document all quality controls, cleaning operations, and incidents. This is to improve work processes based on the notes. As an operator, you keep an eye on everything.
-
who are your colleagues?
Leading and monitoring facilities is teamwork. In many production companies, machines run 24/7, seven days a week. Therefore, as a machine operator, you often work in shifts and alternate with your colleagues. However, you not only deal with equipment operators. If there are major malfunctions, you depend on technicians. You also interact with the company's quality management. Employees review your records and your contribution to quality assurance.
types of machine operators
Machine operators control and monitor production processes in the industrial sector. You operate various systems for:
- manufacturing of food
- bottling of beverages
- packaging of pharmaceuticals
- production of tools or components
- printing of books or newspapers
salary as a machine operator
As a machine operator, you can expect an average starting salary of around CHF 65,500 per year. This equates to a monthly gross salary of about CHF 5,400. As a part-time employee with a weekly working hours of 30, your median salary is approximately CHF 5,200 per month. Your salary also depends on your work experience and additional benefits. As an operator, you work in shifts with corresponding allowances.
-
how much do I earn as an operator in a permanent position?
In a permanent position, you work as an operator for 42 hours per week. Your average annual gross salary ranges between CHF 42,000 and CHF 91,000. Converted to 12 monthly salaries, this is between CHF 3,500 and CHF 7,500. You can expect an average salary of about CHF 63,000, making it approximately CHF 5,200 per month.
Machine operators are in demand, and companies entice them with additional benefits. These include shift allowances exceeding legal requirements, a 13th-month salary, performance bonuses, free meals during shifts, or discounts in company shops. Additionally, some companies offer opportunities for career development, which also positively affects your earnings. If you value a high quality of life and a good salary, you should look for job opportunities in Appenzell and Graubünden. You might earn slightly less in Lucerne, but you still have an attractive environment.
-
in which industry do I earn the most as a machine operator?
Traditionally, the pharmaceutical industry pays machine operators the best. The metal industry follows closely behind, and somewhat behind is the food and watchmaking industry. However, this applies to the base salary. In the pharmaceutical industry, you practically receive no fringe benefits. This is where the food industry plays its cards. Especially large corporations attract you as an operator with extensive benefits. The actual amount of your annual gross salary depends on the base salary and fringe benefits. So, don't be dazzled by a high base salary. Definitely take a look at what else the company offers.
training and further education as an equipment operator
As an operator, you need training as an equipment operator. During your training, your trainers in the company will impart practical knowledge to you. In vocational school, you learn the theory. You complete the three-year training with the Federal Vocational Education Diploma (EFZ). After that, you have the opportunity to work in industrial companies. The training as an equipment operator can also be a stepping stone for your further career. Large corporations often offer you internal opportunities for career development and personal growth. With outstanding performance and the necessary ambition, you can even pursue a degree. The entire world of technology is then open to you. How about a degree as a qualified technician, engineer, or Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, for example?
positions as a machine operator
As a machine operator, you typically work in production halls in various industries. You are in demand in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, as well as in the food and watchmaking industry. However, production companies in biotechnology, energy, technology, and packaging also appreciate you as a trained professional. Thanks to your broad education, companies can use you in a variety of ways. Whichever industry you prefer, you will find top employers through Randstad. Are you looking for an attractive position in a corporation? You can find such and other job offers here.
jobs for career changers as an operator
A basic education with a federal vocational diploma is usually a requirement for your work as a machine operator. Nevertheless, a career change from related professions is possible. If you have technical understanding, you can quickly get up to speed. Therefore, career changers like production mechanics with a federal VET diploma, as well as plant and apparatus engineers with a federal VET diploma, are in demand. In the food industry, food technologists or cooks with a completed VET education and years of experience as equipment operators also have good prospects. However, in that case, you should be able to demonstrate extensive experience as an equipment operator.
career opportunities as a machine operator
With your basic education as an equipment operator, you are versatile. Even with a change of industry, you are fully operational after a short period of familiarization. Thanks to your technical understanding, you have excellent advancement opportunities. All you need for this is further training. Leadership qualities are essential for a managerial position such as operations or shift manager. If you are already a master of your trade, you can acquire missing competencies through courses. Make use of the offerings of vocational schools and professional associations for this purpose. If you aspire to a career in upper management, a degree in diploma engineering or a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering is an option. With the academic title and specializations like production technology, systems engineering, energy, and the environment, there is nothing standing in the way of your managerial career.
competencies as a machine operator
In your profession as a machine operator, technical understanding is enormously important. This includes a basic understanding of technical devices and mechanical processes. Without these technical skills, you cannot improve production processes. Other important characteristics are:
- Manual dexterity: If issues arise with the system, it is your job to fix them. You search almost detective-like through the individual components. You fix minor errors yourself, thanks to your manual dexterity.
- Precision and thoroughness: Especially under time pressure, it is important to work conscientiously. You adhere to all regulations to keep machines, products, and people safe from harm. The devil is sometimes in the details. However, you keep everything in view and prevent worse.
- Reliability: You work independently and reliably, even when under stress. As an equipment operator, you ensure consistent work quality of the systems. You are dependable.
- Responsibility: You are responsible for your system as an operator. There are no problems for you, only solutions. This attitude ensures that your machine runs like clockwork.
- Flexibility and resilience: With your team, you ensure that your system runs 24/7, seven days a week. This means irregular working hours. Whether at night, on weekends, or on holidays, you are there when the company and your system rely on you.
advantages as a machine operator at randstad
There are many good reasons to work as a machine operator at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well-known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need them, personal advice counts
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ Further training courses and personal development opportunities
✓ Clear information in the myRandstad app
do you have a temporary position?
There is often the chance of a permanent follow-up contract. Many popular companies also recruit their employees directly via Randstad.
your training budget as a machine operator at Randstad.
If you work as a machine operator for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. You can attend training courses as part of swissstaffing's TempTraining program. If you pass the course exam, you will be reimbursed the course fee. Your Randstad consultant will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. For example, you can acquire additional language or job-specific knowledge. And all this during your working hours as a machine operator.
application tips for machine operator at randstad
Have you found your dream job as a machine operator? It's not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your application. Careful, error-free and personal documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimize your chances:
-
1. find a job as a machine operator
Search the Randstad job listings. If you don't find a job that suits you, you can still contact us personally without obligation or create a Randstad profile.
-
2. apply as a machine operator
The job advertisement is the next step: apply online, call us or send us an e-mail.
Make sure your documents are complete:
✓ CV with photo
✓ Job references & diplomasDon't have a CV yet or just an outdated version? Create a new layout with a free online template.
-
3. prepare for a job interview as a machine operator
Good preparation will help you to stay calm during your interview as a machine operator.
Here you will find tips for the job interview.
frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the job as a machine operator.
-
what does a machine operator do?
As a machine operator, you ensure flawless production in the industrial sector. You operate both tried-and-true systems and innovative technologies. Your task is to ensure that the machines work flawlessly with optimal utilization. If something isn't going right, you readjust them. Your field of application is very versatile. In particular, you fill liquids, produce spare parts and components, manufacture watch components, package medicines, or food. As an operator, you also ensure that the quality is right. You comply with safety regulations and hygiene conditions. Your regular cleaning and maintenance ensure minimal downtime. Learn more about your tasks as a machine operator here.
-
how much do I earn as an operator?
Your annual gross salary as an operator ranges between CHF 42,000 and CHF 91,000, with a median salary of about CHF 63,000. That's approximately between CHF 3,500 and CHF 7,500 monthly or CHF 5,200 as the monthly median salary. For this, you work 42 hours a week at irregular hours. Your advantage is that you receive substantial shift allowances. In some companies, the shift allowances even exceed legal requirements. Large companies provide you with additional fringe benefits such as a 13th-month salary, performance bonuses, discounts, and free shift meals. This significantly increases your base salary. Read more about it on this page.
-
is being a machine operator a good profession?
If you are technically inclined, enjoy solving tricky tasks, and always strive for improvement, you will enjoy the profession of a machine operator. Additionally, you play a significant role in the production process. After all, flawless production at a predetermined quality lies in your hands. With manual dexterity, reliability, and flexibility, you ensure that everything runs smoothly. Would you like to learn more about what to expect? Then continue reading here.
-
is being a machine operator difficult?
Being a machine operator is a challenging and responsible profession. To achieve excellent results in your work, you must work carefully, precisely, and reliably. You must also document everything and adhere to safety regulations and hygiene conditions. Your profession as an operator is exciting precisely because it is so diverse, and each day brings something new. With your enthusiasm for everything technical, you will love this task. Learn what you need to know about the profession of a machine operator here.
-
do I need experience to become an operator?
During your training as an equipment operator EFZ, you already gain practical experience in industrial companies. This prepares you optimally for what you might encounter in your work. However, even as a career changer from a related profession, extensive experience as an equipment operator will help you. In many companies, it is even a requirement. Through Randstad, you can start your training as an equipment operator BFZ at any time. You learn, work, and even get paid for it. Doesn't that sound tempting? Learn more about the training on this page.
-
what requirements do I have to meet to become a machine operator?
To become a machine operator, you need to have completed basic training as an equipment operator EFZ. Career changers should come from a related field. For example, production mechanics with an EFZ or plant and apparatus builders with an EFZ have good prospects. Technical understanding and manual dexterity are crucial for the profession. Equipped with these skills, you understand technical systems and mechanical processes. As an operator, you are in high demand in industrial companies and find many opportunities. Discover our job openings for machine operators here.
-
how do I apply for a vacant position as a machine operator?
Applying for a position as a machine operator is quite simple: at Randstad, you create a profile and search our job board for open positions near you. Have you found a suitable job offer? Then send us your application with your cover letter, CV, and certificates. Do you need help with your application? Then take a look at our application tips in peace.
