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Senior Machine Operator Jobs in Vinton, VA (NOW HIRING)

Wabtec

Senior Setup Operator

Salem, VA · On-site

$29 - $31/hr

You'll work alongside Machine Shop Operators and partner with professionals across multiple departments. How will you make a difference? As a member of the Machine Shop team, you will follow ...

Wabtec

Senior Setup Operator

Salem, VA

$29 - $31/hr

You'll work alongside Machine Shop Operators and partner with professionals across multiple departments. How will you make a difference? As a member of the Machine Shop team, you will follow ...

Shentel

Sr. Laborer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Laborer Sr The Laborer Sr is an experienced position to support all phases of utility construction ... Previous experience operating or working around heavy equipment and machinery is required. Job ...

Shentel

Sr. Laborer

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Laborer Sr The Laborer Sr is an experienced position to support all phases of utility construction ... Previous experience operating or working around heavy equipment and machinery is required. Job ...

Shentel

Sr. Laborer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

Laborer Sr The Laborer Sr is an experienced position to support all phases of utility construction ... Previous experience operating or working around heavy equipment and machinery is required. Job ...

Shentel

Sr. Laborer

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Laborer Sr The Laborer Sr is an experienced position to support all phases of utility construction ... Previous experience operating or working around heavy equipment and machinery is required. Job ...

BrightSpring

Pharmacy Technician

Christiansburg, VA

$20/hr

... and senior living clients. If you're passionate about delivering exceptional service and high ... Operating automated machines to prepack medications. * Mixing IV medications and sanitizing IV room ...

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsSenior Machine Operator JobsSenior Machine Operator Jobs in Vinton, VA

Senior Machine Operator information

See Vinton, VA salary details

$24.5K

$78.8K

$160.5K

How much do senior machine operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior machine operator in Vinton, VA is $78,818.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $101,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectSenior Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires more experience and sometimes certifications in specific machineryBasic machine operation certifications or training
Work EnvironmentOversees complex machinery, may supervise othersOperates machinery under supervision or standard procedures
ResponsibilitiesMaintains, troubleshoots, and optimizes equipment; mentors junior staffPerforms routine machine operation tasks

The main difference between a Senior Machine Operator and a Machine Operator lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Machine Operators handle more complex tasks, oversee equipment, and often mentor others, whereas Machine Operators focus on routine operation. Both roles require relevant certifications, but the senior position demands more expertise and experience.

What opportunities for career advancement are available to senior machine operators within manufacturing organizations?

Senior Machine Operators often have several pathways for career growth, including moving into supervisory or team lead roles, such as Production Supervisor or Shift Manager. Many organizations value the technical expertise and leadership skills developed in this position, making it possible to transition into roles that focus on process improvement, quality assurance, or training new operators. Additionally, pursuing certifications in advanced manufacturing technologies or equipment maintenance can open doors to specialized roles, such as Maintenance Technician or Process Engineer. Demonstrating initiative and strong problem-solving abilities can further increase advancement prospects within the company.

What is a senior machine operator?

Senior Machine Operators are experienced professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial machinery in manufacturing or production settings. They oversee machine performance, ensure safety standards are met, and may supervise junior operators. Their role often includes setting up machines, performing quality checks, and making adjustments to optimize efficiency and product quality. Senior Machine Operators typically have several years of hands-on experience and a strong understanding of mechanical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior machine operator?

To thrive as a Senior Machine Operator, you need advanced mechanical aptitude, experience with manufacturing equipment, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with additional technical training. Familiarity with CNC machines, PLC systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient production, minimize errors, and maintain a safe and productive work environment.
What cities near Vinton, VA are hiring for Senior Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Vinton, VA with the most Senior Machine Operator job openings:
Senior Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Machine Operator job openings in Vinton, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,818 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Senior Setup Operator

Wabtec

Salem, VA • On-site

$29 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Job Description
Who will you be working with?
You will work with a broad range of talented individuals to deliver quality products in a timely manner. You'll work alongside Machine Shop Operators and partner with professionals across multiple departments.
How will you make a difference?
As a member of the Machine Shop team, you will follow specified work instructions and/or engineering parts drawings to produce a wide variety of products. You will be responsible for the quality of your work, which includes accurate counts and meeting production standards. You will continually look for ways to improve our production processes.
What do we want to know about you?
  • Do you have 5 years of experience as a setup operator?
  • Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
  • Do you have proven math, reading, and computer skills?
  • Are you able to receive and execute written or verbal instruction?
  • Do you have general knowledge of machining techniques and methods?
  • Are you able to set up and operate CNC machining equipment?
  • Are you able to interpret engineering part drawings, use precision measuring equipment, and follow process sheets?

What will your typical day look like?
  • Sets up and operates conventional and numerical control machines to fabricate metallic and nonmetallic parts by applying knowledge of machine shop theory, procedures, and shop mathematics and layout techniques.
  • Confer with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve machining or assembly problems.
  • Studies manufacturing prints, sketches, manual specifications, or sample part to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work piece, then determines sequence of operations.
  • Selects, aligns and secures fixturing, which may consist of machining jaws or work holding jigs, selects tooling according to material specifications.
  • Calculates feed and speeds of tools, depth of cuts, then may write G code program for machine.
  • Produces first run of product, verifies conformance of finished work piece to specifications with the use of appropriate precision measuring instruments.
  • Will load work programs, take offsets, find zero and may manually program machining operations for jobs without prepared programs.
  • Looks for ways to improve the manufacturing process (new fixtures, tooling, combining operations etc.)
  • Checks cycle times, keeps work area clean and in order, follows all company safety procedures and guidelines.
  • Assists other team members as needed.

What about the physical demands of the job?
  • Frequent standing, walking, handling, reaching outward, lifting up to 20lbs. Frequent exposure to dust or vapors within OSHA limits and loud noises
  • Occasional sitting, reaching up/over shoulder, climbing, squatting or kneeling, bending, lifting up to 50lbs. Occasional exposure to heat/humidity

You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
The hourly rate for this role is in the range of $29.00 - $31.00 per hour
The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on benefits offered, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com.
Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).
Qualifications
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $29-31 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We're building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we've got you.

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