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Process Operator Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Orion Talent

Process Engineer

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$70K/yr

Description Process Engineer Location: Lebanon, PA Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt About the Role PRL Industries is seeking a Process Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations ...

Cannonball Recruiting

Process Engineer

Lebanon, PA

$72K - $95K/yr

Process Engineer Shift: 7AM - 3:30PM (Monday - Friday) Salary: $72K - $95K Job Summary: The Process Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality products ...

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Cannonball Recruiting LLC

Process Engineer

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Process Engineer Shift: 7AM - 3:30PM (Monday - Friday) Salary: $72K - $95K Job Summary: The Process Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes to ensure high-quality products ...

Apply Early

ATW Companies, Inc.

Process Engineer

Boyertown, PA

The Process Engineer is responsible for evaluating and improving manufacturing processes, tooling, machining methods, and equipment capabilities to support operational efficiency, quality, and cost ...

PRL Industries, Inc.

Process Engineer

Lebanon, PA · On-site

The Process Engineer Performs a variety of functions within PRL Industries, Inc. The Job function will touch on foundry engineering, machining, process engineering, and special projects. Job ...

PRL Industries, Inc.

Process Engineer

Lebanon, PA

The Process Engineer Performs a variety of functions within PRL Industries, Inc. The Job function will touch on foundry engineering, machining, process engineering, and special projects. Job ...

Cargill

Process Technician II

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$20/hr

Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which will Include operating all of the following: Short Mix Micro Hand Additives, Production Ingredient Mixers, Pellet Mills ...

Cargill

Process Technician II

Lebanon, PA

$20/hr

Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which will Include operating all of the following: Short Mix Micro Hand Additives, Production Ingredient Mixers, Pellet Mills ...

Cargill

Process Technician II

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$20/hr

Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which will Include operating all of the following: Short Mix Micro Hand Additives, Production Ingredient Mixers, Pellet Mills ...

Cargill

Process Technician II

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$20/hr

Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which will Include operating all of the following: Short Mix Micro Hand Additives, Production Ingredient Mixers, Pellet Mills ...

Custom Processing Inc

Machine Operator

East Greenville, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Company Description Custom Processing Services, Inc.(CPS) is a custom toll processing company ... The Machine Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining various types of machinery ...

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Dart Container

Plastic Process Technician

Leola, PA · On-site

Plastic Process Technician - Night Shift (Blue Nights) Shift: 8:00 PM - 8:15 AM (Rotating 3-4 day ... Previous experience coaching or supporting less experienced operators Physical & Work Environment

Dart Container

Plastic Process Technician

Leola, PA

Plastic Process Technician - Night Shift (Blue Nights) Shift: 8:00 PM - 8:15 AM (Rotating 3-4 day ... Previous experience coaching or supporting less experienced operators Physical & Work Environment

Dart Container

Plastic Process Technician

Leola, PA · On-site

Plastic Process Technician - Night Shift (Blue Nights) Shift: 8:00 PM - 8:15 AM (Rotating 3-4 day ... Previous experience coaching or supporting less experienced operators Physical & Work Environment

Envista

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Quakertown, PA · On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

... operator training. A key part of the position is driving continuous improvement by applying Lean, Kaizen, and value analysis and value engineering principles to enhance safety, quality, and cost ...

Envista

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Quakertown, PA · On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

... operator training. A key part of the position is driving continuous improvement by applying Lean, Kaizen, and value analysis and value engineering principles to enhance safety, quality, and cost ...

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All JobsProcess Operator JobsProcess Operator Jobs in Reading, PA

Process Operator information

See Reading, PA salary details

$13

$20

$29

How much do process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator in Reading, PA is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $22.16 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 cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Process Operator jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Process Operator job openings:
Process Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Operator job openings in Reading, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,240 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Process Engineer

Process Engineer

Orion Talent

Lebanon, PA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Process Engineer
Location: Lebanon, PA
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
About the Role
PRL Industries is seeking a Process Engineer to support and improve manufacturing operations across our foundry, machining, upgrade, and quality functions. This role plays a key part in ensuring high-quality castings, efficient manufacturing processes, and strong production performance across complex defense-related manufacturing programs.
This position is highly collaborative and hands-on, blending technical problem solving, process improvement, production support, and engineering analysis. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys being both on the production floor and involved in technical engineering work.
PRL supports critical defense and industrial manufacturing programs and is looking for someone eager to grow within a highly specialized manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do
  • Provide technical review, control, and documentation of manufacturing process parameters affecting product quality
  • Design pattern rigging and develop detailed shop travelers for casting patterns
  • Support foundry, machining, upgrade, and production operations through engineering analysis and troubleshooting
  • Conduct defect analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions
  • Maintain and improve manufacturing procedures, work instructions, forms, and process documentation
  • Develop solid models and assist with casting and process simulations
  • Support routing development and process flow optimization
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, machining, and leadership teams to resolve manufacturing challenges
  • Assist with continuous improvement and process optimization initiatives
  • Evaluate and support implementation of new manufacturing technologies
  • Participate in quoting activities for raw castings, machining work, heat treatment, and related services
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and quality standards
  • Support production teams with technical guidance and process improvements
Must-Have Skills and Experience
(These are required for consideration.)
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical field
  • Recent manufacturing experience within a heavy industrial or metals manufacturing environment
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical specifications
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working in both office and production floor environments
  • Ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Nice-to-Have Skills
(These are preferred but not required.)
  • Foundry or casting manufacturing experience
  • Experience with machining processes for ferrous and non-ferrous materials
  • Knowledge of pattern rigging, shrink factors, and feeding moduli
  • Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD/modeling platforms
  • Experience with laser scanning or solidification simulations
  • Exposure to continuous improvement or process optimization initiatives
  • Experience supporting quality systems and corrective action processes
Who You Are
  • A hands-on engineer who enjoys solving real-world manufacturing problems
  • Comfortable spending time both on the production floor and in analytical engineering work
  • Curious, adaptable, and eager to learn specialized manufacturing processes
  • Someone who thrives in collaborative environments and communicates well with production teams
  • Motivated to grow and develop within a highly technical manufacturing organization
  • Open to learning PRL's processes and manufacturing methods rather than relying solely on previous industry habits
Additional Details
  • Schedule: Primarily Monday-Friday, approximately 7:00 AM-3:30 PM.
  • Salary Range: Approximately $72,000-$95,000+, depending on experience and background
  • Travel: Occasional travel may be required
  • Certifications: None specifically required
  • Benefits:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Employer-paid short-term disability
    • Employer-paid long-term disability
    • Employer-paid life insurance
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • 401(k) with company match
    • PTO and paid holidays
    • Tuition reimbursement
Work Environment
This position supports operations across multiple manufacturing environments including foundry, machining, upgrade, and office settings. Employees should expect exposure to industrial noise, dust, heat, metal debris, and active manufacturing equipment. The role requires regular walking, standing, and interaction with production operations.

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