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Entry Level Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Celanese

Production Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

In this entry-level role into our production area, the successful candidate will: * Monitor and operate equipment and facilities ensuring quality and conformance with standard operating procedures

Celanese Corporation

Production Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$26.64/hr

In this entry-level role into our production area, the successful candidate will: * Monitor and operate equipment and facilities ensuring quality and conformance with standard operating procedures

Town of Front Royal

WWTP Operator

Front Royal, VA

$17.22/hr

The entry level hiring rate for this position (no experience required) is $17.22/hourly with training and support to obtain a Class IV Operators Certification within second year of employment. The ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

NRE Operator

Radford, VA · On-site

$26.80/hr

This full-time position is the entry level production position across New River Energetics (NRE) in Radford, VA. Once an employee has completed new hire training. Operators take direction from ...

Northrop Grumman

NRE Operator

Radford, VA · On-site

$26.80/hr

This full-time position is the entry level production position across New River Energetics (NRE) in Radford, VA. Once an employee has completed new hire training. Operators take direction from ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

NRE Operator

Radford, VA

$26.80/hr

This full-time position is the entry level production position across New River Energetics (NRE) in Radford, VA. Once an employee has completed new hire training. Operators take direction from ...

Town of Front Royal

WWTP Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$17.22/hr

The entry level hiring rate for this position (no experience required) is $17.22/hourly with training and support to obtain a Class IV Operators Certification within second year of employment. The ...

TOPS Staffing

Laser Table Machine Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

This is NOT an entry-level machine operator position. Candidates must have previous experience operating metal fabrication or industrial manufacturing equipment. Experience running CNC equipment ...

Town of Front Royal, VA

WWTP Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$17.22/hr

The entry level hiring rate for this position (no experience required) is $17.22/hourly with training and support to obtain a Class IV Operators Certification within second year of employment. The ...

Town of Front Royal

WWTP Operator

Front Royal, VA

$17.22/hr

The entry level hiring rate for this position (no experience required) is $17.22/hourly with training and support to obtain a Class IV Operators Certification within second year of employment. The ...

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Entry Level Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Virginia is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level operator?

Entry level operators are employees who typically work in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings and are responsible for running machinery, monitoring equipment, and ensuring products meet quality standards. They are usually new to the field and receive on-the-job training to learn how to operate specific machines or processes. Their duties may include starting and stopping equipment, doing basic maintenance, reporting malfunctions, and keeping work areas clean and safe. Entry level operators play a key role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level operator?

To thrive as an Entry Level Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn safety and operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required or highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level operators and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Operators often face challenges such as mastering complex machinery, adapting to shift work, and maintaining consistent productivity in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to take advantage of on-the-job training, ask questions, and seek guidance from experienced team members. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about safety procedures can also help new operators quickly become effective and confident in their roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectEntry Level OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing lines, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles across manufacturing and industrial sectorsOperational roles in manufacturing, processing, and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Operator and a Machine Operator lies in their experience and specialization. Entry Level Operators typically have basic training and perform general operational tasks, while Machine Operators often have specific technical skills and certifications to handle particular machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments and share similar work settings, but Machine Operators usually require more technical expertise.

How to become an entry level operator with no experience?

To become an entry level operator with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through online courses or vocational training, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training if applicable. Many employers also consider candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Operator job openings:

Entry Level Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,015 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Production Operator

Chester, VA • On-site

Celanese
Chemical Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Celaneseexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Celanese rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


The Mylar Specialty Films site in Hopewell, Virginia is seeking qualified Material Handlers. In this entry-level role into our production area, the successful candidate will:

  • Monitor and operate equipment and facilities ensuring quality and conformance with standard operating procedures
  • Perform minor maintenance functions within their operating area and within their level of expertise.
  • Maintain safety standards at all times
  • Initiate and follow emergency procedures when necessary.

In this role, the successful candidate will have opportunity for growth through additional training and responsibility in the operations area.
 
This position will be responsible for, but not limited to:
 
  • Obtain all materials necessary for the area to operate smoothly (packing supplies, stores items, etc.)
  • Provide overall assistance in slitting, stenter, and recovery areas; feeding cutters with cut-offs, splits, wrap rolls in slitting, pack DHO rolls, doff slit rolls, operate hoists, etc.
  • Transport reclaim and finished goods safely
  • Perform roll changes as well as general help during pack and die changes
  • Ensure proper film types, gauges and treated side when making roll tickets/labels
  • Visually inspect rolls (mill roll, DHO, and slit) for surface defects
  • Contribute to the team effort - attendance, punctuality, dependable, works well with others, and contribute to meeting business metrics - flexible to float to where needed
  • Develop and maintain skill set to upgrade to assistant stenter operator and/or slitting operator

The following are required:
 
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Valid driver's license
  • Willing and able to wear required PPE (personal protective equipment) such as steel toes, hardhat, Nomex, protective eyewear, face shields, arc protective clothing, and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
  • Willing and able to work a rotating shift schedule
  • Willing and able to work overtime, including holidays, weekends, and on short notice call in as required
  • Willing and able to frequently lift and move objects weighing up to 50lbs
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and learning new computer software systems

Successful candidate will need to be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
The site prefers the following skill sets:
 
  • Associate’s degree in a science related field or Process Technology
  • Vocational Certificate or Technical Trade Certificate 
  • Minimum of 6 months experience working in a manufacturing facility
  • Experience in a maintenance related field
  • Experience in the Polyester Film production processes
  • Experience with SAP or equivalent Manufacturing Operations software
  • MT1 certification
  • Experience operating powered industrial vehicles (I.E. fork trucks, pallet trucks, tow devices, etc.)
 

This Virginia position pays $26.64/hour and annual bonus eligibility. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, and market factors.


Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We support sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create and growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese Corporation employs more than 11,000 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com.
Celanese is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Celanese does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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About Celanese

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We produce products that make our lives a little easier, by helping customers to bring their inspired ideas and innovations to life. From the global production network of our Acetyl Chain, we provide materials that are critical to the global chemicals and paints and coatings industries. From our broad portfolio of Materials Solutions, we advance automotive and consumer electronic designs and enable life-improving medical, food and beverage products – we offer solutions to our customers to help them succeed.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1912

Social media

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