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

... Trainee, Manual Machine Operator, Grinder Operator, Casting Operator, Rubber Grinder, Lathe Operator, Industrial Equipment Operator, Mechanical Assembly, Light Electrical Assembly, Panel Assembly ...

Crew Leader Trainee

Auburn, PA · On-site

$30.85/hr

The Crew Leader Trainee is a development role designed to prepare the individual to lead a high ... Communicates with the Crew Leader and other machine operators any issues or concerns with equipment.

Crew Leader Trainee

Auburn, PA · On-site

$30.85/hr

The Crew Leader Trainee is a development role designed to prepare the individual to lead a high ... Communicates with the Crew Leader and other machine operators any issues or concerns with equipment.

Mentors Service Technician Trainees and Service Technicians * Conducts or supports customer clinics ... Experience operating vehicles, tools, and equipment for diagnostic purposes * Experience with basic ...

Mentors Service Technician Trainees and Service Technicians * Conducts or supports customer clinics ... Experience operating vehicles, tools, and equipment for diagnostic purposes * Experience with basic ...

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Reading, PA salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee 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.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic mechanical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with tools, safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in safety or equipment operation.

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

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

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

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

What is a machine operator trainee?

A machine operator trainee is an entry-level worker learning to operate manufacturing or industrial machinery under supervision. The role involves gaining skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and maintenance, often requiring on-the-job training and sometimes certifications. Trainees typically work in manufacturing environments and develop technical proficiency for full machine operator positions.
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:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Envelope Packer/Quality Operator

Tension Envelope Corporation

Saint Clair, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY
The Machine Operator is responsible for checking the quality of the envelopes being manufactured, packing finished product into boxes, and other support of envelope manufacturing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Duties may change or be added as needed.
• Checks production jacket and copy with envelopes being folded to confirm they are the same, places an approved sample on the machine.
• Checks the work of the previous shift for quality and correct packing.
• Checks boxes and cartons on the skid. Informs Lead Operator or Supervisor immediately if count does not comply with count on folding record.
• Notifies Lead Operator or Supervisor if any work from previous shift needs inspection.
• Removes folded envelopes from the delivery table, fans envelopes and visually inspects and packs in boxes or cartons. Places rejected envelopes in waste container or sets aside for final inspection. Replaces any rejected envelopes with extra envelopes placed on the delivery table for this purpose. Moves cartons from packing stand to conveyor or to skids or pallets.
• Performs quality checks on envelopes including, but not limited to seal, back and window gum to determine if there is proper adhesion to the paper, tears, hole at the corners, splits at the sides, and top and bottom folds, proper size, printing for correct color, copy and print.
• Actively participates and supports lean activities.
• Orders stock boxes, cartons and supplies.
• Labels and marks cartons according to instructions on the production jacket. Stamps every carton with date stamp including date, shift and operator number.
• Completes Machine Work Record and other required record keeping on a timely basis.
• May jog, fan and feed die cut blanks into a machine. Checks for missing or bad printing on printed stock.
• Checks machine counter at the beginning of the shift and again in the middle of the shift.
• Cleans machine area, removes paper waste and mops floor around machine.
• May provide training and monitor performance of Machine Operator Trainees.
• Prepares the machine for startup and supports the Envelope Folding Machine Adjuster by clearing simple jams, pulling blanks and monitoring portions of the machine while the Adjuster is troubleshooting and attempting to start the machine. Assists the Adjuster with machine changes by blowing down machines, wiping and assisting with press wash ups.
• Obtain information from previous shift Operator/Inspection and briefs oncoming Operator/Inspector about equipment status, order status and special operating conditions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Training will be done on an eight hour shift but shift assignment will be on a 12 hour rotating shift (2/2/3 style) with some work days on weekdays and others on weekends.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. They must have the ability to effectively communicate with fellow associates and customers. The associate must have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. The associate must also have the ability to read a ruler.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision. The employee must have good dexterity for all repetitive hand and wrist movements.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and three months manufacturing experience and/or training.