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Process Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Chemical Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22/hr

Chemical Process Operator The Chemical Process Operator will be responsible for tending equipment and managing semiautomatic processes for the formulation of chemical substances used in industrial ...

Sabert

Operator - Forming - Day

Richmond, VA

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Forming Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating process specific machines and equipment that convert WIP into finished product. Operator is responsible for running machines ...

Sabert Corporation

Operator - Forming - Night

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Forming Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating process specific machines and equipment that convert WIP into finished product. Operator is responsible for running machines ...

Sabert

Operator - Forming - Night

Richmond, VA

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Forming Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating process specific machines and equipment that convert WIP into finished product. Operator is responsible for running machines ...

Sabert Corporation

Operator - Forming - Day

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

The Forming Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating process specific machines and equipment that convert WIP into finished product. Operator is responsible for running machines ...

JM Huber Corporation

Process Engineer

Crystal Hill, VA · On-site

Lead Process Improvement meetings with operators in the area of responsibility on a predetermined schedule. Prioritize the noteworthy safety, quality, and production issues and develop projects to ...

Greystone of Lincoln

Process Engineer

Toano, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Measure process performance using KPIs and develop data collection systems to enhance performance ... Program PLCs and design HMIs to improve operator-machine interaction. * Troubleshoot automated ...

Lane Enterprises

Process Engineer

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$80K - $98K/yr

Develop standard operating procedures for key manufacturing processes. * Create technical work instructions for equipment. * Provide formal updates and reviews to HDPE Division Manager, on key ...

Titan America

Process Engineer

Troutville, VA

We have an excellent opportunity for a Process Engineer at the Roanoke Cement Plant located in ... Manage area personnel, evaluate operator's performance, develop training plans, train and assess ...

Bridgestone

Process Engineer

Williamsburg, VA

Plans sequence of operations and specifies procedures for preparing materials and operating equipment. Determines process design by balancing process cost, yield, and material waste considerations.

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All JobsProcess Operator JobsProcess Operator Jobs in Virginia

Process Operator information

See Virginia salary details

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$20

$30

How much do process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator in Virginia is $20.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Process Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectProcess OperatorMaintenance Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or trade licenses often required
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, or industrial facilities operating machinery and equipmentIndustrial or manufacturing settings focusing on equipment repair and maintenance
Job FocusMonitoring, controlling, and optimizing production processesMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting machinery and equipment

While both roles work in industrial environments, Process Operators focus on running and controlling production processes, whereas Maintenance Technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in manufacturing and industrial sectors.

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

To thrive as a Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with control systems like DCS/SCADA, equipment maintenance, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation of machinery, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity in industrial settings.

What Does a Process Operator Do?

A process operator is a skilled industrial professional who works as part of a team, or individually, to manage a safe and effective production process within a manufacturing plant, facility, or refinery. Process operators are charged with monitoring the equipment, machinery, and instruments within the facility and troubleshooting when issues arise. As a process operator, it is important to inspect equipment and maintain records of all updates, repairs, and replacements.

What are Process Operators?

Process Operators are professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the machinery and systems that produce goods in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and oil and gas. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls to maintain quality and safety, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. They play a critical role in ensuring production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely, often working as part of a larger operations team. Process Operators must adhere to strict safety protocols and may be required to document production data or perform routine maintenance.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Process Operators often work in rotating shifts to ensure continuous plant operation, which can present challenges such as adjusting to changing sleep schedules and managing fatigue. To address these issues, operators are encouraged to maintain healthy sleep habits, communicate openly with team members about workload distribution, and utilize scheduled breaks effectively. Many facilities also offer training on shift work management and provide support resources to help employees adapt, ensuring both safety and productivity are maintained.
More about Process Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Operator jobs in Virginia? For Process Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Process Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Process Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Process Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Process Operator jobs in VA? For Process Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,607 per year, or $21 per hour.

Operator, Mechanic

Celanese International Corporation

Richmond, VA

$51.71/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Process Expert is responsible for performing operations and maintenance tasks with the goal of safe and reliable process operations.  The Process Expert monitors the equipment and process conditions, identifies problems early, and takes action to prevent safety incidents, quality issues, or production losses. When something doesn’t look right, the Process Expert investigates, adjusts the process if needed, and raises concerns quickly. Working closely with the Team Captain and other support teams, the Process Expert helps keep the plant running reliably while continuously looking for ways to improve how work is done.

• $34.85 — starting pay rate

• $51.71 — top pay, based on our tiered system tied to verified skill development


The Process Expert delivers results through ownership of process standards, operational discipline, maintenance and technical rigor.

1. Safety, Quality, Reliability & Environmental

  • Conduct routine area patrols to proactively identify and address process, equipment, or behavioral risks
  • Stop unsafe acts and conditions immediately; initiate hazard recognition, preliminary and near-miss reporting
  • Execute work per operating procedures
  • Issue safe work permits, manage LOTO, and support safe return to service
  • Participate in emergency response and plant upset management

2. Process Monitoring & Control

  • Monitor operating conditions via DCS, field instrumentation, and direct observation
  • Adjust operating parameters within defined authority to maintain targets and in-spec production
  • Identify patterns, anomalies, and early warning signals in process behavior
  • Collect process samples and interpret results to guide actions
  • Execute startups, shutdowns, and transitions safely and effectively

3. Troubleshooting & Abnormal Situation Management

  • Investigate deviations, alarms, and abnormal operations
  • Apply structured troubleshooting and escalation when issues cannot be resolved locally
  • Initiate shutdown or delay startup when conditions are not safe or reliable
  • Support Root Cause Analysis (RCA), PHA, and MOC activities

4. Continuous Improvement & Learning

  • Identify and generate improvement ideas to reduce losses and improve performance
  • Provide input to and own SOPs, checklists, and operating standards
  • Share lessons learned and best practices across shifts
  • Continuously build process knowledge and technical capability
  • Take initiative for self-development and individual goal setting in alignment with site objectives

5. Partnership & Handover

  • Execute disciplined shift turnover
  • Escalate emerging risks early to the 24/7 Team Captain
  • Collaborate closely with Team Captains, Technology Experts, Maintenance, and peers
  • Provide technical input to enable effective decision-making

Required

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Two or more years of industrial/manufacturing experience
  • Willing and able to work a 12-hr. rotating shift schedule
  • Willing and able to work overtime, including holidays, weekends, and on short notice, call-in as required
  • Willing to train in multiple process areas as well as do maintenance work and perform administrative functions
  • Willing and able to wear required PPE (personal protective equipment) such as steel-toed boots, hardhat, protective eyewear, face shields, arc protective clothing, and SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
  • Willing and able to climb up and down several flights of stairs several times per shift; able to lift 55 lbs.; work inside and outside for extended periods of time. 

 

Preferred

  • Associate degree or higher, or 48+ college credit hours, technical education
  • Experience as an industrial electrician, millwright, pipe fitter, welder, or machinist
  • Demonstrated experience/competency in any of the following: Engineering, Electrical, Instrumentation or Mechanical, Computer Applications, Accounting, Planning & Scheduling or Training & Development, Manufacturing Operations, Control Systems, ISO Systems or Basic Science

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