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Machine Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Dish Machine Operator

Franconia, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

As a Dish Machine Operator, you are a key part of our Back of House team-ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization so the kitchen can operate at its highest level. Your work supports every plate ...

Dish Machine Operator

Franconia, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

As a Dish Machine Operator, you are a key part of our Back of House team-ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization so the kitchen can operate at its highest level. Your work supports every plate ...

Dish Machine Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

As a Dish Machine Operator, you are a key part of our Back of House team-ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization so the kitchen can operate at its highest level. Your work supports every plate ...

Dish Machine Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

As a Dish Machine Operator, you are a key part of our Back of House team--ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization so the kitchen can operate at its highest level. Your work supports every ...

Dish Machine Operator

Franconia, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $14.50/hr

As a Dish Machine Operator, you are a key part of our Back of House team--ensuring cleanliness, safety, and organization so the kitchen can operate at its highest level. Your work supports every ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Operator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Reston, VA is $18.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $20.24 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 are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Reston, VA 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 $39,353 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Machine Operator-Washington, District of Columbia

Alexandria, VA

Crane Company
Software Development • 11 - 50 employees

$24.35 - $30.42/hr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Machine Operator (Contract-to-Hire) at our Lynnwood, WA location.
About Crane:
Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You'll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Located in the epicenter of United States aviation manufacturing, our Crane Aerospace & Electronics Lynnwood, Wash., facility delivers industry-leading aerospace & defense power and fluid solutions. Our products are rugged enough to fly 5 billion miles from Earth on NASA's New Horizons spacecraft and innovative enough to be featured on Eviation's Alice all-electric aircraft. You'll join a group of aerospace professionals committed to engineering excellence and work in a community tucked between the idyllic Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!
Job Summary:
The Machine Operator works with computer controlled equipment or more mechanically-based machines to ensure they are set-up properly, working well, and producing high quality products. The Machine Operator performs recurring assignments proficiently and independently and normally works under minimal supervision in accordance with established procedures and practices.
Essential Functions:
  • Setup, adjust and operate any or all of the following machines used in circuit card assembly: surface mount technology pick and place, conformal coating and selective solder
  • Make manual adjustments to the machine interface and controls, as required, to optimize performance, ensure proper operation, and validate product compliance
  • Support Crane Business System (CBS) initiatives including 5S, KPI's, Standard Work, Problem Solving, and other initiatives as they arise
  • Meet and establish lead times to support customers' needs
  • Perform routine maintenance of equipment in respective area of responsibility Manage consumables in the respective machines
  • Practice safe work habits as established by OSHA and Crane policy
  • Any other task assigned by supervisor or management

Non-Essential Functions:
  • Generates Non Conformance Reports (NCR) for quality related issues as required
  • Create a status report for coworkers on following shift
  • Use company intranet and Learning Management System as needed

Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: 0-5 years of experience in a related field
Knowledge: Competent in interpreting applicable specifications and understand operating principles of the machinery; Understand general shop computations
Skills/Abilities: Problem solving, troubleshooting, and simple machine maintenance skills; Ability to understand oral and written instructions pertaining to work related matter, and to maintain routine records; Accurate color vision and depth perception (other vision capability may be required by area of assignment); Ability to work satisfactorily on a sustained basis within any physical and environmental requirements applicable to area of assignment, e.g., highly repetitive work, hot tools or materials, epoxy or other chemical agents, fumes, noise, oily or similar conditions; Ability to flex work schedule to maintain processes and work flow as needed; Ability to read and understand production or engineering prints, production planning information and assembly aids, such as illustrations
Education/Certification: High School diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance; knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
  • Aerospace experience or manufacturing experience in regulated field

Working Conditions:
  • Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment
  • Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE
  • May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes
  • Flexible and willing to work overtime if necessary

Standing: 75% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Sitting: 25% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Lifting (in pounds): up to 25 pounds
Pushing (in pounds): up to 25 pounds
Mental/Visual: Workspace (line, cube, etc): use of computer workstation
Crane Co. reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of accountability and responsibility. These descriptions should not be considered to be all-inclusive listings of work requirements.
Crane Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expression, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, or U.S. military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law, in recruiting, hiring, training and promoting.
Salary range: $ 24.35-30.42
Several factors contribute to actual salary, including experience in a similar role or performing comparable job responsibilities, skills, training, and other qualifications. Some roles may be eligible for participation in performance-based bonus programs.
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Crane AI logo

About Crane AI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2017