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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Gerdau

Production/Manufacturing Associate

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

As a Manufacturing Associate, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining equipment operations, safety standards, and overall quality. Plus, with our competitive compensation package, you'll enjoy an ...

Gerdau

Production/Manufacturing Associate

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

As a Manufacturing Associate, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining equipment operations, safety standards, and overall quality. Plus, with our competitive compensation package, you'll enjoy an ...

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All JobsManufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs in Virginia

Manufacturing Associate information

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$12

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$33

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Virginia is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Manufacturing Associates?

Manufacturing Associates are workers who assist in the production of goods within a manufacturing facility. They are typically responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, performing quality checks, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Manufacturing Associates play a key role in ensuring that production goals are met efficiently and that products meet quality standards. This position often requires attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, and sometimes physical stamina for repetitive tasks.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate is a worker involved in the production process within a factory or plant. They typically operate machinery, assemble products, and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient manufacturing operations. This role often requires attention to detail and may involve working with tools or quality control procedures.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Manufacturing Associate roles may decline by 2030 due to automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies reducing the need for manual labor. Jobs involving repetitive tasks are increasingly replaced by machines, emphasizing the importance of skills in technology operation and maintenance. However, some roles will evolve rather than disappear, requiring adaptability and new technical competencies.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

In manufacturing, high-paying roles such as experienced supervisors, specialized technicians, or quality control managers can earn around $700 a day, especially with overtime or in high-demand industries. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience and may involve working in a fast-paced environment or requiring shift work.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Manufacturing associates typically do not earn $4,000 weekly without specialized skills or advanced experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level often include sales, real estate, or skilled trades like electricians or plumbers, which may require certifications but not necessarily a college degree. Some independent contractors or entrepreneurs in manufacturing-related fields can also achieve this income with the right business model and experience.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What Is a Manufacturing Associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are some common challenges Manufacturing Associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.
More about Manufacturing Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Associate jobs in Virginia? For Manufacturing Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,970 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Production/Manufacturing Associate

Production/Manufacturing Associate

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Gerdau rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

392nd of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Elevate Your Career with Us!

Are you ready to join a dynamic team and contribute to the success of our state-of-the-art rolling mill? As a Manufacturing Associate, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining equipment operations, safety standards, and overall quality. Plus, with our competitive compensation package, you'll enjoy an impressive earning potential!

Why Choose Us:

  • Competitive Compensation: $68000 to $72000 / year which includes hourly rate of $21.16 hr and after 90 days $22.66 hr, biweekly production bonus, shift premiums, and 354 annual hours of scheduled overtime.
  • Growth Opportunities: We value your desire to learn and grow. Take on new roles and advance within the company.
  • Work-Life Balance: Our rotating shift schedule ensures flexibility.
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with heavy mobile equipment, overhead cranes, and torches.
  • Supportive Environment: Join a team that values safety, teamwork, and excellence.

Your Qualifications: 

  • Successful completion of an entrance exam.
  • 3 years manufacturing or industrial experience.
  • The ability to work a 12 hr rotating schedule, days, nights, and two consecutive weekends a month.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Experience with heavy mobile equipment, overhead cranes, cab crane and torches a plus. 
  • General math skills, advanced problem solving, ability to multi-task.
  • The ability to use charts, schedules, and touchscreens when applicable.
  • The ability to interpret instructions and use adjustable controls, HMI's, measuring instruments, and gauges.

Your Purpose:

You will maintain equipment operations, safety standards, housekeeping, and bar quality inspections.

Your Work:

  • Ensure all buckets are emptied as needed to allow continued operations.
  • Ensure 5S area is to the standard at all times during the shift while observing safety at all times.
  • Maintain cleaning schedule.
  • Assist maintenance as needed.
  • Assist in saw blade changes, roll changes, inspections.

Physical Requirements:

  •  Ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing or walking, balance, bend, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, and push and pull objects.
  • Ability to reach, squat, and tolerate prolonged sitting.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to operate hand controls with both hands and foot pedals with both feet.
  • Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching.
  • Ability to work in extreme ambient temperatures up to 160F.
  • Ability to work in cramped quarters and at heights up to 160 ft.
  • Ability to tolerate working in areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels

Join us in shaping the future of Gerdau! Apply today and be part of our success story.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

 

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com

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