3Rd Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: 3rd Shift Machine Operator/Quality Tester

Job Description

The 3rd Shift Machine Operator/Quality Tester plays a key role in manufacturing mechanical units by safely operating hand and power tools, semi-automated equipment, and overhead cranes. This position focuses on loading and unloading metal plates, running production machinery according to work orders and Standard Operating Procedures, and supporting assembly, production support, and shipping/warehouse activities in a clean, climate-controlled facility.

Responsibilities

• Safely use hand and power tools, overhead cranes, and production equipment.
• Load and unload metal plates on and off machines throughout the manufacturing process, including ovens and other equipment.
• Operate touchscreen computer systems to access work orders and control overhead cranes and production equipment.
• Set up and run machines to correct operation in accordance with work orders and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Follow all SOPs, safety requirements, and quality standards at all times.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, and gloves.
• Report safety, quality, equipment, or material issues promptly to leadership.
• Participate in daily production meetings and continuous improvement activities.
• Support 5S initiatives and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area.
• Cross-train in multiple manufacturing processes and assist with process improvements as needed.
• Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, manufacturing orders, and related documentation.
• Communicate with support functions such as Quality, Maintenance, Order Planning, and Warehouse to resolve issues and coordinate work.
• Stop the production process in case of safety, quality, or environmental deviations and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Highlight problems and deviations and initiate problem resolution and improvement activities.
• Perform assembly work using hand and power tools to build heat exchangers and higher-level assemblies.
• Provide production support and assist with shipping and warehouse functions as operations require.
• Handle materials, including picking, stocking, and moving copper, piping, and metal assemblies.
• Work effectively on 3rd shift (Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 pm–6:30 am) in a team-oriented environment.
• Adhere to all workplace policies, including safety, quality, housekeeping, and attendance requirements.

Essential Skills

• 2–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment working with machines, equipment, and jigs.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and power tools in an assembly and production setting.
• Experience with assembly operations, including mechanical and higher-level assemblies.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and manufacturing orders.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic production and equipment issues.
• Intermediate computer skills, including use of touchscreen systems and basic data entry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as part of regular job duties.
• Comfort working with metal components, including copper, piping, brazing, and metal assemblies.
• Ability to follow SOPs, safety requirements, and quality standards consistently.
• Willingness and ability to work 3rd shift (Sunday–Thursday, 10:00 pm–6:30 am).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment involving semi-automated lines is preferred.
• Experience in electrical-mechanical work or higher-level assemblies is highly beneficial.
• Experience in quality assurance, maintenance, or related roles is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting production issues and supporting continuous improvement activities.
• Experience with outbound shipments and warehouse or shipping functions is preferred.
• Comfort working with material handling, picking, stocking, and machine operation.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Order Planning, and Warehouse teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized work area and supporting 5S initiatives.

Why Work Here?

You will join a climate-controlled, team-oriented facility that invests in employee growth and long-term careers. There are unlimited advancement opportunities, with many supervisors and leads having started in production and a significant number of employees building careers of more than 15 years. The organization is a global leader in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling technologies, with thousands of patents and a long history of innovation dating back to the 19th century. You will contribute to solutions that are vital to society today and in the future, while benefiting from a stable, growing production environment and a supportive culture focused on continuous improvement and professional development.

Work Environment

This is a 3rd shift role, working Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 pm to 6:30 am in a clean, climate-controlled production facility. The department is expanding operations with new equipment and an additional shift schedule, offering exposure to assembly, production support, and shipping/warehouse functions. The warehouse is located adjacent to the production area, enabling close collaboration between departments. Employees are required to wear steel-toe shoes, long pants, and a plain T-shirt, and safety glasses are provided. The facility supports a strong team-oriented culture and offers an onsite cafeteria/restaurant serving made-to-order breakfast and lunch, creating a comfortable and convenient work setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of RICHMOND, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.75 - $20.75/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in RICHMOND,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.