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Head Machine Operator Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Kinetic Buried Drop Tech

Birdsboro, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Operate machinery including trenching and boring equipment for burying cable. * All other tasks as ... The ability to walk ½ mile + while operating a drop plow that places service cable. * Ability to ...

Kinetic Buried Drop Technician

Ephrata, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Operate machinery including trenching and boring equipment for burying cable. * All other tasks as ... The ability to walk ½ mile + while operating a drop plow that places service cable. * Ability to ...

Kinetic Buried Drop Technician

Ephrata, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Operate machinery including trenching and boring equipment for burying cable. * All other tasks as ... The ability to walk ½ mile + while operating a drop plow that places service cable. * Ability to ...

Kinetic Buried Drop Technician

Ephrata, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Operate machinery including trenching and boring equipment for burying cable. * All other tasks as ... The ability to walk ½ mile + while operating a drop plow that places service cable. * Ability to ...

Kinetic Buried Drop Tech

Birdsboro, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Operate machinery including trenching and boring equipment for burying cable. * All other tasks as ... The ability to walk ½ mile + while operating a drop plow that places service cable. * Ability to ...

3rd Shift Mixer/Cook

Reading, PA · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP). * Assure adherence to Food Safety Requirements and ... Noise > 85 dBA, Moving Machinery, Airborne Powders JOB PREREQUISITES: Normal/Corrected Normal ...

3rd Shift Mixer/Cook

Reading, PA · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP). * Assure adherence to Food Safety Requirements and ... Noise > 85 dBA, Moving Machinery, Airborne Powders JOB PREREQUISITES: Normal/Corrected Normal ...

Kinetic Buried Drop Tech

Birdsboro, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Operate machinery including trenching and boring equipment for burying cable. * All other tasks as ... The ability to walk ½ mile + while operating a drop plow that places service cable. * Ability to ...

Showing results 21-31

Head Machine Operator information

See Reading, PA salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do head machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for head machine operator in Reading, PA is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head machine operator?

To excel as a Head Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with manufacturing processes, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with CNC machines, PLC systems, and safety protocols is typically required, alongside certifications such as OSHA safety training. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supervising teams and ensuring smooth operations. These skills are vital for maximizing productivity, maintaining safety standards, and minimizing downtime in manufacturing environments.

What is a head machine operator?

Head Machine Operators are responsible for overseeing the operation of machinery in manufacturing or production environments. They lead teams of machine operators, ensure machines are running efficiently, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise. Their duties often include training new operators, maintaining safety standards, and coordinating maintenance schedules. Head Machine Operators play a critical role in maximizing productivity and ensuring product quality.

What is the difference between Head Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectHead Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in machinery operation and safetyUsually needs basic machinery operation certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises and manages machine operation in manufacturing or processing plantsOperates machinery under supervision in similar settings
ResponsibilitiesOversees machine setup, troubleshooting, and team coordinationPerforms routine machine operation tasks

The Head Machine Operator generally has additional responsibilities, including supervising other operators and ensuring safety standards, while Machine Operators focus on operating machinery efficiently. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in manufacturing environments, but the Head Machine Operator holds a more supervisory position.

What are some common challenges faced by a head machine operator, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Head Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, managing workflow disruptions, and ensuring team adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with maintenance staff and regular preventive maintenance can minimize equipment downtime. Additionally, fostering a collaborative environment helps resolve issues quickly and ensures production targets are met safely and efficiently. Continuous training and staying updated on new machinery technologies also support smoother operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Reading, PA? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Reading, PA are:

Maintenance Leader, Packaging (SAPB)

Boston Beer Corporation

Breinigsville, PA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

We are currently hiring a Maintenance Leader, Packaging at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Breinigsville, PA. 

The Maintenance Leader is accountable for the overall asset availability and reliability of his/her assigned production line(s). The maintenance leader will drive a reduction in unplanned downtime through the application of proactive maintenance strategies, a continuous improvement mindset, and empowering our production teams to support the early identification of defects before resulting in a failure.


What You'll Brew:

  • Owns the Breakdown Elimination, Defect Handling, and Maintenance Planning & Scheduling daily management systems for the line(s).
  • Drives the execution of maintenance work on the line by actively supporting maintenance planning and scheduling efforts with both technical knowledge of the equipment and a thorough understanding of the top losses impacting line reliability
  • Communicates and collaborates cross functionally in the prioritization and execution of planned and reactive maintenance to minimize production impact and improve reliability
  • Leads cross functional teams to complete root cause analysis on significant downtime events to the line and implements effective countermeasures to prevent re-occurrence
  • Supports the line team as needed during problem solving activities
  • Focuses on continuous improvement and uses data driven approach to identifying reliability opportunities for the line and driving an overall improvement in line availability
  • Works with other area owners and the maintenance group to develop standards and drive consistent execution utilizing the principles of TPM
  • Provides effective training and instruction to the team on the Principle of Operation of Machinery, identifying necessary training and supporting the development of training materials as needed
  • Supports both maintenance and production teams as a technical resource for the line
  • Tracks and supports maintenance metrics / KPIs and publishes on a routine basis
  • Supports the creation of and updates to maintenance strategies for the line, by identifying preventative and predictive maintenance plans necessary to understand and maintain the overall health of the equipment and the spare parts needed to prevent extended downtime events should a failure occur
  • Must be able to work in and promote a team oriented and "Safety First" environment
  • Must observe, practice and enforce all Department/Brewery Safety and Operating Procedures, including the use of proper PPE, LOTO, as well as, all GMP and Quality/Compliance Requirements
  • Fully autonomous decision making as it relates to vendors contacts.
  • Added complexity given size of business (2 bottle lines and 3 can lines, 1 keg line)

What Ingredients You'll Bring: 

Education: 4 year BA/BS degree in relevant area (production, manufacturing)

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 4+ years of demonstrated leadership experience in production/manufacturing
  • Direct experience leading process improvement of Maintenance and Operations teams (TPM / TPS)
  • Demonstrated ability to be successful in a collaborative team environment
  • Ability to impact and effect positive change with a flexible, open-minded, positive approach
  • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Suite, Minitab and other statistical software

Physical Requirements

  • All production roles are required to pass a pre-employment physical exam to comply with their specific role requirement(s)
  • Certain roles may require the use of a respirator and passing the associated fit test
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs, sometimes repeatedly
  • Regular walking and standing for long periods of time (up to 11 hours a day) on concrete, metal and grated surfaces
  • Responsibilities may require crouching, stepping over, crawling under, bending, twisting, climbing and reaching above head and shoulders repeatedly throughout the day
  • Responsibilities may require climbing flights of stairs, working from heights or on elevated platforms
  • Ability to wear assigned PPE (safety shoes, gloves, facemask, hearing protection and hard hat)
  • Established dexterity so you can handle materials, operate equipment and interface with computer systems with precision
  • Some roles (e.g., forklift operator) may be required to sit for a prolonged period of time and have strong peripheral vision and depth perception

Working Conditions

  • There is frequent exposure production environments:
  • Subject to loud and constant noise
  • Non-environmentally conditioned spaces which may lead to extreme hot and cold
  • Operating environment is complex and densely populated with production equipment and forklifts that necessitates high situational awareness
  • Work overtime as needed which may require 12-hour days, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced technical knowledge
  • Ability to flex schedule to reach all shifts and days (as needed)
  • Experience in Brewing or high-speed packaging operations and or utilities systems highly regarded
  • Familiarity with industrial controls and electrical systems including PLCs, instrumentation, VFDs, and motors
  • Knowledge of CMMS systems (SAP/AMMS preferred)

Level: 6IC

Salary: At the Boston Beer Company and in accordance with pay transparency laws, we are open about our salary ranges. For this role, the salary range is between $82,000 and $141,000. However, it's important to note that where the person hired starts in this range is dependent on their related experience, skillset and location. Additionally, this position qualifies for a discretionary annual bonus based on company and individual performance, and certain sales roles might include a car allowance.

Some Perks:

Our people are our most important "ingredient." We hire the best talent; and we reward, develop, and retain them too.

In addition to generous healthcare on day one, stock purchase plan, 401k and more, Full Time Boston Beer Coworkers have the following perks available*:

  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Fertility/adoption support
  • Free financial coaching
  • Health & wellness program and discounts
  • Professional development & training
  • Free beer!

*Talk to your recruiter about eligibility

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance and the CA Fair Chance Act.

Boston Beer Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to help ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who wish to request accommodation in the job application process can contact jobs@bostonbeer.com for assistance.

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