Production Operator Jobs in Virginia
Production Operator jobs in Virginia are concentrated in the Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Northern Virginia corridors, where food and beverage processing, defense manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production drive consistent demand across entry-level to senior operator roles. Employers like Altria, Smithfield Foods, and Northrop Grumman maintain large Virginia operations with ongoing needs for line operators, process technicians, and quality-focused production staff. The most in-demand specialties are pharmaceutical packaging, food processing, and defense-related assembly. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 26+ Production Operator jobs
Mercury Paper – An employer of Choice!
Mercury Paper is a tissue converting company with affiliated plant and warehouses in Virginia. Since 2010, we have steadily grown in the away from home (AFH), retail private label (PL) and retail branded (FIORA) sales channels.
Mercury Paper has career opportunities available for qualified candidates. We offer competitive wages, good benefits and great people to work with. We look for team players and leaders who share our customer dedication, business values and positive culture. If you share this vision and meet the relevant qualification requirements, we want to hear from you.
Job Purpose
To achieve production output targets in an efficient and safe manner while maintaining quality levels in line with Company standards and Customer requirements by operating, maintaining, trouble-shooting, monitoring and cleaning highly-automated, state of the art technology paper converting equipment. Supports the Line Leader at the winder and operates other machines/equipment, as needed. Also to ensure maximum operational time for machine output is obtained.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: From $18.50 per hour
Reliability Incentive: Additional $3.00/hr
PLUS Volunteer Overtime Incentive up to $2.00/hr
Schedule:
- 12 hour shift
- 2-2-3 Schedule
- Monthly Rotation 7a-7pm/7pm-7am
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilizes computer to set up equipment and troubleshoot
- Assists with web breaks, auto/manual splice sequence, equipment speed
- Clears jams, change perf and anvil blades as needed
- Sets up lamination
- Ensure finished product meets all quality specifications
- Ensure applicable quality checks are completed as required
- Possess ability to operate the winder, wrapper and case-packer and help or perform grade change
- Run machines at Centerline specifications
- Complete all safety, quality and mechanical breakdown prevention checks as required
- Possess detailed knowledge of all SKU’s
- Possess a working knowledge of all systems
- Perform mechanical adjustments for correct operation of machinery
- Inspect condition of the line at beginning, middle and end of shift, to ensure safe and efficient operation
- Participate in changeovers and PMs when required
- Ensure all process nuisances and equipment issues are identified
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience Background:
- High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading/writing English.
- Basic computer skills
- 1-3 years of technical experience with machine operation in a manufacturing environment
- Tissue / paper conversion or industry experience is a plus
Skills and Knowledge:
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to operate and understand principles of machinery
Essential Job Functions:
- Must be flexible and responsive to the needs of the department/ business.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Must be able to work 12 hours per shift.
- Must be able to sit, bend, stand and walk during scheduled shift.
Must be able to work rotating shifts every 4 weeks is required.
Must be able to pass a drug test and criminal background check.
Mercury Paper is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. This company will provide equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Information collected regarding categories as provided by law will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Mercury Paper – An employer of Choice!
Mercury Paper is a tissue converting company with affiliated plant and warehouses in Virginia. Since 2010, we have steadily grown in the away from home (AFH), retail private label (PL) and retail branded (FIORA) sales channels.
Mercury Paper has career opportunities available for qualified candidates. We offer competitive wages, good benefits and great people to work with. We look for team players and leaders who share our customer dedication, business values and positive culture. If you share this vision and meet the relevant qualification requirements, we want to hear from you.
Job Purpose
To achieve production output targets in an efficient and safe manner while maintaining quality levels in line with Company standards and Customer requirements by operating, maintaining, trouble-shooting, monitoring and cleaning highly-automated, state of the art technology paper converting equipment. Supports the Line Leader at the winder and operates other machines/equipment, as needed. Also to ensure maximum operational time for machine output is obtained.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: From $18.50 per hour
Reliability Incentive: Additional $3.00/hr
PLUS Volunteer Overtime Incentive up to $2.00/hr
Schedule:
- 12 hour shift
- 2-2-3 Schedule
- Monthly Rotation 7a-7pm/7pm-7am
Key Responsibilities:
- Utilizes computer to set up equipment and troubleshoot
- Assists with web breaks, auto/manual splice sequence, equipment speed
- Clears jams, change perf and anvil blades as needed
- Sets up lamination
- Ensure finished product meets all quality specifications
- Ensure applicable quality checks are completed as required
- Possess ability to operate the winder, wrapper and case-packer and help or perform grade change
- Run machines at Centerline specifications
- Complete all safety, quality and mechanical breakdown prevention checks as required
- Possess detailed knowledge of all SKU’s
- Possess a working knowledge of all systems
- Perform mechanical adjustments for correct operation of machinery
- Inspect condition of the line at beginning, middle and end of shift, to ensure safe and efficient operation
- Participate in changeovers and PMs when required
- Ensure all process nuisances and equipment issues are identified
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience Background:
- High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading/writing English.
- Basic computer skills
- 1-3 years of technical experience with machine operation in a manufacturing environment
- Tissue / paper conversion or industry experience is a plus
Skills and Knowledge:
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to operate and understand principles of machinery
Essential Job Functions:
- Must be flexible and responsive to the needs of the department/ business.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Must be able to work 12 hours per shift.
- Must be able to sit, bend, stand and walk during scheduled shift.
Must be able to work rotating shifts every 4 weeks is required.
Must be able to pass a drug test and criminal background check.
Mercury Paper is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. This company will provide equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Information collected regarding categories as provided by law will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 26 Production Operator Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Production Operator JobsProduction Operator Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Production Operator Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Chemicals & Materials
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in production operator jobs across Virginia.
- High school diploma or GED required by most Virginia production employers
- Prior experience operating manufacturing equipment or production line machinery
- Ability to read and follow standard operating procedures and work instructions
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices in food, pharma, or defense settings
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
- Basic mechanical troubleshooting and quality inspection skills
Production Operator Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a production operator in Virginia?
Most production operator roles in Virginia require a high school diploma or GED, plus hands-on manufacturing experience. Virginia does not require a state-issued license for most production operator positions, but employers in pharmaceutical and food processing often require Good Manufacturing Practices training, and some defense contractors require a security clearance. Community colleges like Reynolds Community College and Tidewater Community College offer manufacturing technology programs that can strengthen your candidacy.
Which companies hire production operators in Virginia?
Employers hiring production operators in Virginia right now include Moog, Bowman Andros Products, and Elbit Systems of America, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's mix of food processing, pharmaceutical, and defense manufacturing means hiring is spread across several industries with steady year-round demand.
Which Virginia cities have the most production operator jobs?
Roanoke, Chester, and Culpeper have the most production operator openings in Virginia. Richmond anchors the food and beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturing base, Hampton Roads is driven by defense and shipbuilding contractors, and Northern Virginia's distribution and light manufacturing corridor supports consistent openings across both large employers and smaller contract manufacturers.
Are there remote production operator jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Production operator work is fundamentally hands-on and tied to physical equipment and production lines, so most roles require on-site presence. About 0% of production operator openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions are typically quality documentation, process improvement coordination, or production scheduling roles rather than direct line operation.
How can I get hired as a production operator in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to general labor or production associate roles, which are the typical starting point before advancing to a full operator position. Large Virginia employers like Smithfield Foods and Altria regularly hire associates without prior manufacturing experience and train on the job. Community college manufacturing technology certificates from Reynolds or Tidewater Community College give candidates a concrete edge. Warehouse fulfillment and material handler roles at distribution centers in the Richmond and Northern Virginia corridors are also common lateral moves into production environments.
Where can I find and apply to production operator jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to production operator jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated in real time. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and target location, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No signup is required to see the openings.
See All 26 Production Operator Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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