Demo

Entry-Level Manufacturing Associate

PDS Tech Commercial
Charlotte, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 6/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/30/2026

Looking for a way to break into advanced manufacturing and build a long-term skilled career? PDS Tech is hiring in Charlotte, NC for a hands-on Light Industrial Manufacturing Operator—an excellent entry point into the industry for motivated individuals ready to learn, grow, and gain real production experience.


Light Industrial Manufacturing Operator – 4x10 Day Shift
???? Location

Onsite – Charlotte, North Carolina 28273


???? Shift

4x10 Day Shift
Monday – Thursday
5:30 AM – 4:00 PM


???? Pay Rate

$15.86 per hour


???? Job Summary

This is a great entry-level pathway into advanced manufacturing. The Manufacturing Operator will support a variety of automated and manual production processes, gaining hands-on experience with robotic systems, furnaces, presses, machining equipment, and precision measurement tools used to produce high-quality components.


⚙️ Key Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate automated and manual manufacturing equipment

  • Work with robotic systems, furnaces, laser cutters, presses, and milling machines

  • Learn to interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions

  • Use precision measuring tools such as calipers and micrometers

  • Load and unload materials using forklifts and cranes (certification support provided where applicable)

  • Perform in-process quality checks and document production data

  • Assist with basic machine adjustments and preventative maintenance

  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment

  • Follow all safety procedures and PPE requirements


???? Required Qualifications
  • 2–4 years of manufacturing or machine operation experience (or strong willingness to learn in a hands-on environment)

  • Ability to read and follow work instructions

  • Strong attention to detail and safety mindset

  • Ability to lift 25–50 lbs as needed

  • Basic computer skills

  • Ability to obtain forklift and crane certifications if required

  • U.S. or Canadian citizenship required


⭐ Preferred Skills (Not Required)
  • CNC, machining, welding, or fabrication experience

  • Exposure to blueprint reading or inspection tools

  • Interest in mechanical or industrial work


???? Work Environment

This role is in a manufacturing plant environment with exposure to noise, oils, and machinery. PPE is required at all times, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and protective clothing.


???? Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to get your foot in the door with advanced manufacturing, build real technical skills, and grow into higher-level production or skilled trades roles over time.

Looking for a role where your skills directly support advanced manufacturing innovation? PDS Tech is hiring in Charlotte, NC for a hands-on Light Industrial Manufacturing Operator position.

Light Industrial Manufacturing Operator – 4x10 Day Shift


???? Location

Onsite – Charlotte, North Carolina 28273


???? Shift

4x10 Day Shift
Monday – Thursday
5:30 AM – 4:00 PM


???? Pay Rate

$15.86 per hour


???? Job Summary

The Manufacturing Operator will set up and operate a variety of automated and manual equipment used in transition manufacturing processes. This includes working with robotic systems, furnaces, presses, machining equipment, and precision measurement tools to produce high-quality components.


⚙️ Key Responsibilities

  • Set up and operate automated and manual manufacturing equipment

  • Work with robotic systems, furnaces, laser cutters, presses, milling machines, and coating equipment

  • Interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and work instructions

  • Use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, etc.)

  • Load/unload materials using forklifts and cranes (certification required or ability to obtain)

  • Perform in-process quality checks and record production data

  • Conduct minor equipment adjustments and preventative maintenance tasks

  • Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas

  • Follow all safety guidelines and PPE requirements


???? Required Qualifications

  • 2–4 years of manufacturing or machine operation experience

  • Experience working with blueprints and technical drawings

  • Familiarity with precision measuring tools

  • Ability to lift 25–50 lbs as needed

  • Strong attention to detail and safety compliance

  • Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting

  • Ability to obtain forklift and crane certifications (if not already certified)

  • U.S. or Canadian citizenship required


⭐ Preferred Skills

  • Experience with CNC or automated manufacturing systems

  • Welding, machining, or fabrication background

  • Knowledge of metrology and visual inspection techniques

  • Electrical schematic familiarity


???? Work Environment

This role is performed in a manufacturing/plant environment with exposure to noise, oils, fumes, and moving machinery. PPE is required at all times, including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and protective clothing.

Join a team where safety, craftsmanship, and reliability are valued. Apply today and put your fabrication and welding skills to work in a role that makes an impact.



Pay Details: $15.86 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance


Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.


Salary : $16

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Entry-Level Manufacturing Associate?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Entry-Level Manufacturing Associate career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$42,380 - $52,498
Income Estimation: 
$51,459 - $63,267
Income Estimation: 
$104,811 - $138,039
Income Estimation: 
$111,237 - $142,180
Income Estimation: 
$36,440 - $47,548
Income Estimation: 
$53,120 - $69,174
Income Estimation: 
$50,113 - $64,377
Income Estimation: 
$61,656 - $78,069
Income Estimation: 
$59,875 - $77,824
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at PDS Tech Commercial

  • PDS Tech Commercial Everett, WA
  • Be the First Impression of Aviation Excellence — Join as an Administrative Assistant (Front Desk) PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading aviation... more
  • Just Posted

  • PDS Tech Commercial Charlotte, NC
  • Spark a Career in Manufacturing and Shape the Future with PDS Tech Commercial! Location: Charlotte, NC Pay Rate: $29.35/hour Schedule: 2nd Shift: Mon-Sat (... more
  • Just Posted

  • PDS Tech Commercial Miami, FL
  • Senior Field Technician – PDS Tech Commercial Miami, FL| $45–$55/hr | Monday–Friday, 7am–4pm Power the Future of Connectivity. Build the Networks That Move... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • PDS Tech Commercial Dallas, TX
  • Keep Aerospace Moving—Join as a Shipping & Receiving Clerk PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading aerospace company to hire a dependable Shipping... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Entry-Level Manufacturing Associate jobs in the Charlotte, NC area that may be a better fit.

  • CoMark Charlotte, NC
  • CoMark is an innovative and fast-growing company known for providing top-tier sales and marketing solutions. We pride ourselves on a results-driven approac... more
  • 6 Days Ago

  • Seronda Network Charlotte, NC
  • Join Our Team as a Entry Level Marketing Associate at Think Tell Junction Think Tell Junction We are seeking a highly motivated and professional Front Offi... more
  • 19 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!