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3Rd Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Washington, DC

Laminator Machine Operator I

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

We are seeking a Laminator Machine Operator 1 in our Beltsville factory Position Summary District ... Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift. * Frequently lift, push, pull ...

3rd Shift General Laborer

Rockville, MD

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

... safely operating power tools, assisting with equipment maintenance and minor mechanical or ... machinery in a demanding outdoor environment. Seeking a dependable, safety-focused individual with ...

The Forklift Operator will perform shipping & receiving duties; break down freight and categorize by location; read and document pack-slips and Bills of Lading (BOL's); load and unload freight by ...

3rd Shift General Laborer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

... safely operating power tools, assisting with equipment maintenance and minor mechanical or ... machinery in a demanding outdoor environment. Seeking a dependable, safety-focused individual with ...

Feed product into a machine or onto packing table * Clean work area and keep it free of water and ... Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays SCHEDULE: 3rd Shift - Sun - Thurs 10:30 pm until finish ...

Feed product into a machine or onto packing table * Clean work area and keep it free of water and ... Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Holidays SCHEDULE: 3rd Shift - Sun - Thurs 10:30 pm until finish ...

Showing results 41-60

3Rd Shift Machine Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$14

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$27

How much do 3rd shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift machine operator in Washington, DC is $20.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3rd shift machine operator?

3rd Shift Machine Operators are employees who operate and monitor machinery during the overnight or late-night shift, typically from late evening to early morning. Their responsibilities include setting up machines, performing routine maintenance, ensuring quality control, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Working the third shift often requires attention to safety protocols, the ability to work independently, and adaptability to a nighttime work schedule. These roles are common in manufacturing, warehouse, and production environments where operations run 24/7.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd shift machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with prior manufacturing experience. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and often basic computer systems or machine interface panels is expected. Reliability, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently during overnight hours are important soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of equipment, minimal downtime, and consistent production quality during less supervised shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by 3rd shift machine operators and how can they be managed?

3rd Shift Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during overnight hours, managing fatigue, and adapting to a quieter or less supervised work environment. To overcome these, it’s important to establish a consistent sleep schedule, stay hydrated, and take advantage of scheduled breaks to prevent burnout. Operators are encouraged to communicate regularly with team members across shifts to ensure seamless handovers and address any issues that arise. Many companies offer shift differentials and support programs to help 3rd shift workers manage these challenges effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various 3Rd Shift Machine Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,127 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Laminator Machine Operator I

District Photo Inc

Beltsville, MD • On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

At District Photo, our employees are the heart of our company. We are seeking a Laminator Machine Operator 1 in our Beltsville factory
Position Summary
District Photo is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Laminator Machine Operator to join our Production team in Beltsville, Maryland. This position is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining industrial laminating and finishing equipment to produce high-quality printed products that meet customer specifications.
The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and is committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Experience operating laminators, printing, converting, bindery, or other automated manufacturing equipment is preferred but not required-we are willing to train the right individual.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Efficiently perform machine setup, startups, changeovers, operation, and shutdowns following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and production schedules.
  • Review job tickets and verify customer specifications before beginning production.
  • Load rolls of laminating material and other production supplies onto equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Monitor machine performance and make adjustments to maintain quality, productivity, and efficiency.
  • Perform routine quality inspections throughout production to identify defects and ensure finished products meet customer specifications.
  • Monitor hourly throughput, waste, and other key production metrics; prepare accurate production reports and operator logs.
  • Complete all required documentation, including production logs, efficiency reports, waste reports, and quality records.
  • Review hourly productivity and quality performance with supervisors and communicate any quality, safety, or production concerns promptly.
  • Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and work with Maintenance to resolve mechanical problems.
  • Perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance to keep equipment operating safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain compliance with ISO quality procedures, customer specifications, and all company safety standards.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment using 5S and good housekeeping practices.
  • Cross-train on additional production equipment and assist other departments as production needs require.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
  • Assist in training new operators when requested.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits
401K, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick and safe leave, life insurance, medical, dental, vision, and short/long term disability benefits.
Culture
At DPI, our success is powered by our people and its client's satisfaction ratings. Our culture allows employees to be engaged, empowered, and rewarded. We are a diverse and inclusive company who seeks to expand our brand by hiring collaborative individuals who think outside of the box. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all of our employees and visitors. Check Us Out
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • HighSchool Diploma or GED.
  • Basic reading, writing, and math skills.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing or production processes.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Comfortable using computers to enter production information and complete reports.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Preferred Qualifications
  • One or more years of experience operating manufacturing, printing, laminating, converting, packaging, bindery, or finishing equipment.
  • Experience with machine setup, changeovers, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to diagnose routine equipment issues.
  • Experience working in a Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement environment.
  • Forklift certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
  • Strong ownership and accountability.
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Willingness to learn new equipment and production processes.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing production priorities.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
  • Frequently lift, push, pull, or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, and repetitive hand movements.
  • Ability to safely operate automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and flexible schedules during peak production periods.

District Photo Inc.
Founded in 1949 by Melvin Cohen as a small black & white photo lab, the business grew during the last half of the 20th century into a large wholesale photofinishing lab serving mid-Atlantic retailers and a national mail order film business. In the late 1990's under Neil Cohen's leadership, DPI acquired a photo business in the UK and has transitioned from a mid-Atlantic film developing lab to multiple state-of-the-art digital labs shipping millions of photos worldwide every day.
Today, District is one of the largest variable data printing companies in the world as their facilities comprise over a million square feet of manufacturing space with a global reach that sets them apart in the digital printing market. With 7 production fulfillment facilities located in the United States (MD, PA, KY, AZ), England, the Czech Republic & Australia, District Photo is the leader in creating photo-based products as they deliver millions of prints, greeting cards, books, calendars, blankets, mugs, and other gift items yearly.
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