1

Machine Operator Jobs in Greenbelt, MD (NOW HIRING)

Laminator Machine Operator I

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$18 - $21.50/hr

We are seeking a Laminator Machine Operator 1 in our Beltsville factory Position Summary District Photo is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Laminator Machine Operator to join our Production team ...

Eaton's IS AER FED division is currently seeking a Machine Operator - 1st Shift to join our team in Beltsville, MD. The core hours are 7 am - 3 pm, Monday - Friday. The hourly rate for this position ...

Eaton's IS AER FED division is currently seeking a Machine Operator - 1st Shift to join our team in Beltsville, MD! The core hours are 7 am - 3 pm, Monday - Friday. The hourly rate for this position ...

Mail Machine Operator II

Hanover, MD · On-site

$17 - $19.25/hr

Operate manufacturing or processing machinery in accordance with safety and quality standards. * Requires knowledge and skills gained through formal training or considerable work experience * Works ...

Operate manufacturing or processing machinery in accordance with safety and quality standards. * Requires knowledge and skills gained through formal training or considerable work experience * Works ...

Showing results 41-60

Machine Operator information

See Greenbelt, MD salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Greenbelt, MD is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a machine operator?

Machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, monitor machine output, and perform routine inspections or minor repairs as needed. Machine operators often work with specialized equipment and are trained to follow safety protocols and quality standards. Their role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and meeting production targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or CNC machinery are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient machine operation and minimizing production downtime.

What do machine operators do?

Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

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

Machine operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues usually involves diligent machine maintenance, following safety protocols, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Many companies provide ongoing training to help operators stay up to date with new machinery and processes, fostering a supportive environment for troubleshooting and skill development.

What is the difference between Machine Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, production linesConstruction sites, mining, heavy machinery operation
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, assemblyConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating specific machinery like presses, lathes, or CNC machinesOperating heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or excavators

While both roles involve operating machinery, Machine Operators typically work with manufacturing equipment in factories, focusing on production machinery. Equipment Operators usually handle heavy construction or earth-moving equipment in outdoor environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the work settings and machinery types differ significantly.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator?

The average salary for a machine operator in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $25,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn over $60,000 annually. Many machine operators work full-time, often with shifts that include nights and weekends.

What is the work of a machine operator?

A machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial machinery to produce goods or components. They monitor equipment for proper functioning, follow safety protocols, and may perform quality checks during production. Proficiency with tools, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards are essential in this role.

What cities near Greenbelt, MD are hiring for Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Greenbelt, MD with the most Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Greenbelt, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,118 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Machine Operator I (Conversion)

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc.

Laurel, MD • On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Are you looking to catapult your career by driving high-impact transformation with household brands? Do you crave an entrepreneurial, fast paced, and engaging growth assignment working with incredible people from across the globe?
At Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, we are excited to start a new chapter of accelerated growth as part of Froneri - a global pure-play ice cream leader. Come help us transform DGIC into the #1 ice cream brand! With nearly 100 years of winning experience in the U.S, a robust portfolio of powerhouse brands that consumers know and love such as Häagen-Dazs, Drumstick, Dreyer's & Edy's, and the backing and coaching of European-based ice cream experts, we know we have the winning recipe.
Headquartered in Walnut Creek, the Bay Area's hub for up-and-coming food trends, our teams across our offices and factories are raising the bar on all things ice cream. We are investing in significant capital expansions to grow our Operations and Supply chain and are transforming how we work at every level to become agile, accelerate growth and elevate our quality. With a renewed focus on frozen treats, our tight-knit team of ambitious innovators are fully immersed in the business and encouraged to flex and make decisions quickly. We are committed to pursuing every great idea and delivering the best ice cream experience for our consumers, when and where they want it.
Unleash your potential at Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream and discover what a sweet career we have in store for you.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Effective and consistent running of the line you are assigned to. Always working to achieve production targets through effective interaction with the processes. A good understanding of the machinery & ensuring you achieve the desired results in terms of Quality, Safety, Hygiene and Waste. This will be achieved through having the knowledge and understanding of the assigned machines on the line, process, and products. Attention to detail and always operating within the required parameters of your machines.
Job Description
ROLE AND ACTIVITY
  • To ensure your machines are clean but not damaged by excess water, always organized and operating under discipline
  • Operate to standard operating procedures
  • Have basic ice cream knowledge, understanding the "WHY", not just the HOW
  • Ensure limited water is used when cleaning with "clean as you go" principle
  • Correct use, storage and set up of all equipment
  • Ensure effective hand over with Maintenance and next shift, all faults and issues reported
  • To drive the production process to ensure that the products produced meet customer specification, quality and food safety.
  • To ensure production meets targeted outputs through effective control of the manufacturing process
  • To communicate effectively with the entire team
  • Ensure health and safety requirements are fully met and a positive safety culture is maintained throughout the line
  • Ensure you walk the talk always using the looking eyes, attend to the issues as and when they happen
  • Following the principle of "will I do this to my home?"
  • Represent The Froneri Way of working through the behaviors and characteristics in our Operating Model and Core Values
  • Coordination of local work team's day to day efforts - controlling breaks, lunches and rotations.
  • Other duties as assigned

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES
  • Reducing trends of rejections from food safety and quality issues
  • Hygiene, GMP and safety audits improving week over week
  • Daily, weekly, monthly production targets are fully met
  • Effective interaction with the team
  • Quality and improvement initiatives being implemented
  • Reduction in accidents and incidents on a YOY basis.
  • De-kitting the line and making sure all packaging is returned to the warehouse.
  • Ensuring line is checked after being cleaned and all tools are stored in the correct places.
  • No stagnant water left in any equipment.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Aptitude for automated mechanical processes with good troubleshooting and diagnostic skills
  • Excellent interpersonal communication, math and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work multiple shifts and/or schedules.
  • High School diploma or GED or equivalent experience
  • One-year related experience (preferred).

LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY
  • Quality and technical system adherence
  • Completion of the required production to plan
  • Health and Safety
  • Impeccable hygiene standards always
  • Clean as you go; use proper cleaning techniques (i.e. limited water hose usage)
  • Number of direct reports (if applicable):

BEHAVIORS AND CORE VALUES: Must consistently showcase the desired behaviors that represent our Core Values.
We Take Ownership
  • Stay committed to responsibilities from start to finish
  • Make sound decisions and get into the right level of detail
  • Apply resources to initiatives that add growth, improve efficiencies, or reduce waste

We Do What Is Right
  • Choose transparency over convenience, even if it means difficult conversations
  • Set clear roles and responsibilities, enabling everyone to exercise appropriate initiative and judgment
  • Speak up when you see something that does not align to our values and policies

We Seek to Improve
  • Strive to continuously improve and innovate to exceed expectations
  • Value feedback from others and encourage open dialogue to understand how we can improve
  • Learn from both successes and failures

We Are Better Together
  • Ensure decisions are based on what's best for the whole business
  • Practice inclusion by seeking diverse perspectives
  • Treat everyone with fairness and respect

WORK ENVIRONMENT
In this position, the employee will regularly work with and around others; in a wet and/or humid environment; in areas of high noise level; and around mechanical, electrical, and pressurized equipment. The work is fast paced.
  • Cold Temperatures: Parts of the facility, such as storage and production areas, may be kept at low temperatures.
    • Requires use of cold-protective PPE.
    • May involve standing, lifting, and walking in refrigerated zones for extended periods.
  • Fast-Paced: Workers often operate under strict timelines to meet production quotas.
    • High-speed manufacturing floor with frequent movement, line assignment changes, and tight production timelines.
  • Standing for Long Hours: Many roles require prolonged standing and repetitive tasks.
    • Repetitive hand and arm movements required.
    • Must be able to stand for hours with frequent bending, reaching, and lifting.
  • Food Safety Regulations: Employees must follow hygiene and safety guidelines, including wearing protective gear (gloves, hairnets, etc.).
  • Team-Oriented: Workers collaborate to ensure smooth production and packaging.

The position involves frequent exposure to nuts and other potential allergens.
The pay scale for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The pay range for prospective employees is $28.30 per year, with opportunities for overtime, shift differential, cold premium pay and annual bonuses (variable depending on company performance).
We offer a comprehensive group benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, 401K plan with employer match and annual contribution available.
Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan and H-1B lottery registration) for this position.
Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom