Small Craft Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This role operates production machinery in a small, hands‑on manufacturing environment, ensuring high‑quality output, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to safety and cleanliness standards. The Machine Operator supports daily production goals, maintains equipment, and performs physical, fast‑paced work as part of a collaborative team.

• Operate production and assembly machinery safely and efficiently
• Maintain a clean, organized work area following manufacturing and housekeeping standards
• Perform routine machine adjustments to ensure smooth operation and consistent product quality
• Complete all assigned tasks within scheduled timeframes
• Follow safe manufacturing practices when operating machinery and handling materials
• Document daily production using paper forms and basic tools like Microsoft Excel
• Conduct routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting to minimize downtime
• Assist with additional tasks assigned by supervisors to support production needs
• Lift 50+ lbs throughout the day to move materials and finished products
• Stand up to 10 hours while maintaining a fast work pace
• Inspect molding materials and components, cut materials to size, perform touch‑ups, and join components
• Use measurement tools (rulers, tape measures) to ensure accurate dimensions
• Climb ladders safely to access materials or equipment
• Consistently meet daily production goals to support workflow efficiency

• Ability to read a ruler accurately and pass a measurement test
• Experience operating machinery in a production or assembly environment
• Familiarity with general production processes, including operation, assembly, and inspection
• Ability to use cutting tools and measurement tools to achieve precise dimensions
• Capability to document production data using paper forms and basic computer applications
• Physical ability to lift 50+ lbs and stand for long periods
• Comfort with climbing ladders as needed
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Willingness to perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting

• Prior experience in general production, machine operation, or assembly
• Experience with component inspection and quality checks
• Experience working on a production line or small manufacturing team
• Comfort using measurement tools and applying basic math
• Flexibility to work overtime based on production needs

This organization has a long history of handcrafting premium, custom‑embossed diploma and certificate frames for thousands of institutions worldwide. It maintains respected industry memberships and follows internationally recognized framing standards, reflecting a deep commitment to craftsmanship and quality. As part of a larger achievement‑focused brand, the company helps individuals and institutions celebrate accomplishments. It also prioritizes environmental stewardship, investing in eco‑friendly facility design, sustainable materials, and long‑term responsibility.

You’ll work on a small production floor with a close‑knit team in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:45 PM, with overtime as needed. The role involves operating machinery, using cutting and measurement tools, inspecting materials, lifting 50+ lbs, standing for extended periods, and occasionally climbing ladders. The facility emphasizes safe manufacturing practices, organized workspaces, and consistent adherence to established procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Norfolk, VA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $18.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Norfolk,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.