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Entry Level Machine Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

GPS Dozer Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$24 - $38/hr

Start engine, push levers to move machine forward or reverse. Use hands to raise or lower blade ... Less than high school education required; entry level experience. Ability to apply commonsense ...

Equipment Operator I

Potomac, MD · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

The Equipment Operator I is an entry-level position and is to operate equipment and/or to perform ... Inspect all machines and report any deficiencies to the Equipment Technician or Equipment ...

The Equipment Operator I is an entry-level position and is to operate equipment and/or to perform ... Inspect all machines and report any deficiencies to the Equipment Technician or Equipment ...

Equipment Operator I

Potomac, MD · On-site

$18 - $19.25/hr

The Equipment Operator I is an entry-level position and is to operate equipment and/or to perform ... Inspect all machines and report any deficiencies to the Equipment Technician or Equipment ...

Equipment Operator I

Potomac, MD · On-site

$18 - $19.25/hr

The Equipment Operator I is an entry-level position and is to operate equipment and/or to perform ... Inspect all machines and report any deficiencies to the Equipment Technician or Equipment ...

Bucket Operator Union CDL Required

Herndon, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred. * Entry-level position, no experience required ... Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, gas drills, and other equipment with ...

This role is an entry level position and involves a variety of responsibilities including managing ... Operating machinery and/or power tools: Rarely * Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment:

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Entry Level Machine Operator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$18

$22

How much do entry level machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level machine operator in Reston, VA is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level machine operator do?

An entry level machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring manufacturing machinery to produce parts or products. They perform routine inspections, follow safety protocols, and may need basic technical skills or certifications to ensure efficient and safe operation in a manufacturing environment.

What is an Entry Level Machine Operator job?

An Entry Level Machine Operator is responsible for running and monitoring machinery in a manufacturing or production setting. They ensure machines operate efficiently, perform basic maintenance, and inspect products for quality. Training is typically provided on-site, and the role requires attention to detail and the ability to follow safety guidelines. This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in a technical or industrial field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Machine Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Machine Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes basic computer or measurement tools, such as calipers, is often required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to learn are important soft skills that help you adapt and excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure the operator can safely and efficiently produce quality products while minimizing downtime or errors.

What does a typical workday look like for an entry level machine operator?

A typical day for an entry level machine operator involves setting up and monitoring machines, inspecting products for quality, and troubleshooting minor issues that may arise during production. You’ll likely work alongside a team of operators and supervisors, following established schedules and safety procedures to ensure smooth operations on the manufacturing floor. Collaboration is often necessary for resolving problems or improving workflow, and you may be cross-trained on different equipment over time. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for future advancement into specialized or supervisory roles.

How to get started as a machine operator?

To start as a machine operator, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent, and gain basic technical skills. Completing on-the-job training or certification programs can improve job prospects, and familiarity with machinery and safety procedures is essential for success in this role.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level machine operator jobs typically require some training or certification but may not require prior experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training and look for basic skills, safety awareness, and the ability to learn equipment operation. Gaining relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training or equipment-specific licenses, can improve chances of employment without experience.

What job pays the most at entry level?

Entry-level machine operator positions typically offer moderate wages compared to other entry-level roles. Higher-paying entry-level jobs often include roles in technology, sales, or specialized trades that may require certifications or technical skills. Wages vary by industry, location, and company, but technical roles generally tend to pay more initially than general labor positions.
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Machine Operator job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,793 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Production Operator (II/III) / Sr. Operator

NS IT Solutions

Chantilly, VA

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Details:
Role: Production Operator (II/III) / Sr. Operator (Compression, Coating,
Granulation, Encapsulation)
Production Operator II - III (Skilled Operators)- must have OSD
Manufacturing experience.
Experience: 03 - 20 Years
Domain: Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology/Clinical Research
Location: Chantilly, Virginia
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: USD 47000 – 76000.
Position Description:
Job Summary:
- The Manufacturing/Production Operator performs functions relating to
the processing of drug products, ensuring product compliance to
established current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), customer
requirements and in conjunction with all Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs).
- Follows standard procedures to complete tasks, some of which may
vary in scope, sequence, complexity, and timing.
- Applies skills and knowledge to recognize issues and to increase
efficiency, throughput, and quality.
- Understands and runs processes to meet the assigned
standards/routers and fulfils the assigned schedule; when these are
not achieved, participates in the debrief to understand the reasons
why and what needs to be corrected moving forward.
- Assists in troubleshooting process issues. Responsible for the safe
and efficient execution of job duties.
Principle Accountabilities:
- Entry Level & Highly Skilled Pharmaceutical Production/Manufacturing
Operators.
Key Accountabilities:
- Operates pharmaceutical production machinery and follows the
procedures for manufacturing such as weighing, blending, dispensing,
mixing, pellet coating, granulating, drying, milling, blending,
compressing, Encapsulating, Coating, potent compound, etc.
- Meets the requirements for use of manufacturing equipment and other
commonly used equipment per SOPs.
- Executes written SOPs to ensure the purity of materials involved in
the manufacturing process.
- Properly uses all scales, including printouts, zeroing, setting
tares, and daily calibration verification per SOPs.
- Examines manufacturer Product ID Labels, Quality Control release
tags, and Batch Production Record to verify issued/staged raw
materials can be released for production.
- Cleans manufacturing equipment and facilities according to
established SOPs.
- Executes machine changeovers from batch to batch.
- May sample batches for quality testing. Executes required in-process
product quality checks and documents accurately.
- Understands and runs processes to meet the assigned schedule and
standards/routers; when this is not achieved, participates in the
debrief to understand the reasons why and what needs to be corrected
moving forward.
Documentation:
- Completes documentation associated with manufacturing processes
(e.g. batch record, protocols, and logbooks) with detail and
accuracy.
- Meets requirements for entries on all applicable Batch Production
pages, completion and attachment of all dispensary and weight
verification tickets.
- Verifies the manufacturing process on BPR in an accurate and timely
manner.
- Provides status updates and operational challenges on status boards.
Continuous Improvement:
- Assists in troubleshooting process issues; refers deviations from
standard procedure to the supervisor.
- Typically participates in at least one continuous improvement
project of a moderate scope and complexity.
Safety & Compliance:
- Adheres to all cGMP compliance/regulatory mandates and quality
requirements.
- Participates in safety teams, start-up discussions, incident
debriefing sessions, etc.
- Ensures compliance with SOPs, policies and procedures as required by
the Company and regulatory agencies.
- Maintain a clean, organized, work area.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and other regulatory requirements
- Standard Operating Procedures for process rooms and manufacturing
area.
- GMP compliance in a regulated work environment
- Manufacturing processes and equipment procedures.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Often referred to as "competencies", leadership attributes, skills,
abilities or behaviours that may be enterprise, functional or job
specific e.g. coaching, negotiation, calibration, technical writing
etc.
- Proficient in running machinery.
- Proficient in (Master Clean/Surface clean) equipment cleaning.
- Proficient in sampling batches.
- Proficient in doing basic set-ups.
- Ability to participate in Continuous Improvement projects.
- Qualified in any of the following manufacturing processes:
- Weighing
- Blending
- Granulation
- Compression
- Coating
- Encapsulation
- Potent Compound.
Experience & Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent experience
- Any production or retail store experience
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
- Looking for Pharmaceutical Glatt, Compression and Pan coating
experience.
Level II Operator:
- HS diploma, GED or College Associate Degree
- Minimum of 2-5 years of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience and
certification in assigned area, as required or proficiency
demonstrated in competencies as required.
- Forklift certification may be required for certain jobs.
Level III Operator:
- HS Diploma, GED or College Associate Degree
- Minimum of 5+ years of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience and
certification in assigned area, as required or proficiency
demonstrated in competencies as required.
- Forklift certification may be required for certain jobs.
Knowledge:
- Strong background in solid dose manufacturing specific to
Compression OR Encapsulation OR Coating OR Wurster Coating
- Experience in Pharmaceutical Granulation and Blending experience a
potential plus. Capable of cleaning, setting-up and operating state
of the art equipment including but not limited to : tablet presses
and encapsulation, i.e., Fette 3200i; Fette P 3030; MG2 planeta;
Korsch XM 12.
- Knowledgeable of FDA regulations, GMP, Lean Manufacturing,
Six-Sigma, etc.
- Solid working knowledge and skills in procedures, techniques, tools,
materials and/or equipment needed for the position.
- Basic math, reading, legible writing skills, and problem-solving
abilities.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time (up to 12-hour
shifts), maneuver at least 50 pounds, climb ladders, wear a
respirator and pass associated respirator tests and/or requirements,
and be able to wear all required PPE, including safety glasses, ear
plugs, and safety shoes.
Experience:
- Minimum of 3-7 years OSD/Solid Dose Manufacturing experience is
mandatory (no soft-gels will be considered).
- Candidates from hard candies manufacturing (cough drops,
nutraceuticals) can also be considered.
- Experience in 1 or more of the following areas: Compression
(Tri-Layer Press), Granulation, Encapsulation, Ackley Laser Drill or
"Tablet Printing.
- Wurster Coating, Coating, Fluid Bed Dryers, Bead Tower.
- Capable of cleaning, setting up, dismantling, and operating state of
the art tablet presses and encapsulation, i.e., Fette 3200i; Fette P
3030; MG2 planeta; Korsch XM 12.
- Knowledgeable of FDA regulations, GMP, Lean Manufacturing,
Six-Sigma, etc.
- Level II Operator: Minimum of 3-7 years of OSD pharmaceutical
manufacturing (cGMP) experience
- Level III Operator: Minimum 7+ years of pharmaceutical manufacturing
(cGMP) experience.