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

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Machine Operator Trainee information

See Reading, PA salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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 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 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.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

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 technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

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 55% Full Time, 43% 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.

Pipeline System Controller Trainee I

Buckeye Partners

Allentown, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Buckeye Partners rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Buckeye is the premier infrastructure and logistics provider for the world’s energy needs, both today and tomorrow. Since 1886, we have successfully navigated transitions in the way energy has been distributed to continually meet the needs of an evolving market and industry environment. Our people are a critical element to the success and longevity of our operational history and our future as we seek to thrive through the energy transition.

We own and operate a diversified global network of integrated assets providing midstream logistic solutions, primarily consisting of the transportation, storage, processing, and marketing of liquid petroleum products. We are committed to safely and responsibly providing world-class service to meet the continually evolving energy needs of our customers and the communities we serve. As part of this commitment to our customers, we are continually diversifying our platform and service offerings to enable less carbon intensive energy solutions, and undertaking decarbonization efforts on our operations.

Buckeye Partners is currently seeking a Pipeline System Controller I with strong MS Office computer skills, knowledge in basic accounting or inventory functions, or any previous pipeline to join our team!

Role Summary:

The Pipeline System Controller Trainee I role is responsible for monitoring and controlling daily operations of product pipeline facilities. This includes scheduling and coordinating product movement between plants, storage and pipeline facilities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting the timely deliveries of product and optimize the scheduling process by coordinating with customers and other Buckeye support personnel.
    SCADA Software.
  • Monitoring and controlling system operations via SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) software.
  • Performing basic accounting functions such as preparing daily throughput reports and weekly volume statements for all business centers.
  • Leak Detection. Analyzing the leak detection system and react to abnormal situations in a proper manner.
  • Monitoring and Analyzing Trends. Monitoring quality instruments and trends to react to abnormalities as required.
  • Concise Documentation. Documenting situations and events throughout the shift using checklists, operating sheets and handoff sheets to include what was done, what may occur and what future actions may be required. Pass this information along to the subsequent shift personnel.
  • And other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Experience in pipeline, terminal or plant operations is a plus.
  • Ability to navigate basic computer systems (i.e. Windows).
  • Basic knowledge of SCADA applications and MS Office applications is a plus.

Certificates & Licenses:

  • Valid driver’s license

Other Skills, Attributes and Abilities:

  • Must be able to visually monitor several computer screens in a control room environment for twelve (12) hour shifts. Must maintain a high level of mental alertness and be capable of quickly processing and reacting to incoming information from the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System. Response time is very critical.
  • Must possess good communication (both written and verbal) skills.
  • Must have the ability to work in a fast paced environment, process work rapidly, set priorities, work under pressure, and follow through with assigned tasks with limited supervision.
  • The person should be dependable and flexible to accommodate unscheduled changes in work routine. This person must be capable of working 12-hour shifts. Working overtime, weekends, and holidays is required. The person should have good visual acuity, good color perception, good verbal communication skills, and the ability to remain seated for 95% of the 12-hour shift.
  • Opportunities to stand and walk away from the console are limited.
  • May need to rely on advanced level Controllers for direction and guidance.

 

Essential Functions:

  • This position requires the ability to safely and successfully perform essential job functions consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and or/quantitative productivity standards.
  • This role requires the ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
  • This position requires compliance with all personnel policies.

Physical & Safety Requirements:

  • The person in this position needs to occasionally move inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.
  • This role continuously operates a computer and other office productivity equipment (i.e. a calculator, copy machine and computer printer).

About You:

To be successful in the Buckeye culture, our employees must possess a demonstrated commitment to environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance. Excellent communication, both written and verbal, as well as strong organizational skills are paramount. You must work independently and be able to exercise tact, discretion, and professionalism when dealing with internal and external customers, and when handling sensitive and confidential information.

Buckeye wants to create and reward an organizational focus that stimulates the creative and entrepreneurial actions of its employees that result in innovative ways of reducing costs, generating revenues, improving productivity, or improving processes.

People First Culture:

From managing over 5,000 miles of pipeline to commercializing clean energy projects, our people collaborate to provide world-class service and meet the changing energy needs of our customers. Our employee-first culture means that we invest in our employees and equip them to be fully contributing members of high performing teams. We are focused on collaboration, inclusion, empowerment, accountability, and professional development. We want the best in you to bring out the best in us.

Join us as we work together to build a business that is responsive to the needs of the future while continuing to serve the energy needs of communities today.


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