Machine Operator 1

Kelly; Colonial Heights (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly in Colonial Heights, VA currently seeks a Production Machine Operator I to support a semi-automatic production line. The role involves operating, calibrating, and maintaining line equipment, performing changeovers, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

This position offers $22.50 per hour with a 12-hour shift pattern (2-2-3), overtime, and schedule flexibility. You will report to line leaders and work within a team focused on reliability and continuous workflow.

Qualifications

• Operate, adjust, and fine-tune semi-automatic line equipment (Box Former, Box Closer, Case Packer) according to SOPs.
• Adhere to 5S, quality checks, and line release audits as part of preventive maintenance.
• Identify safety or quality issues and escalate promptly to leads.

Responsibilities

• Operate semi-automatic line equipment and perform changeovers.
• Follow SOPs to maintain efficient and safe production.
• Handle minor mechanical repairs and clear jams when needed.
• Keep the work area and machines clean and organized.
• Meet hourly production targets and support continuous workflow.

Skills

Machine operation

Calibration

Safety awareness

Job description

Join Kelly: Build Your Career with a Leading Employer in Colonial Heights, VA!

Position: Production Machine Operator I

Location: Colonial Heights, VA (just south of Richmond)

Pay Rate: $22.50/hour

Schedule: 2-2-3 shift pattern (12-hour shifts, 36/48 hour weeks; schedule flexibility and overtime required)

Kelly is seeking reliable, safety-minded candidates for an Experienced Production Machine Operator I position with a valued returning customer in Colonial Heights. In this vital role within our production team, you’ll support high-quality manufacturing by ensuring semi-automatic line equipment operates smoothly and efficiently.

Top 3 Skills/Responsibilities

• Machine Operation & Calibration:
  • Operate, perform changeovers, and make fine adjustments to semi-automatic line equipment (Box Former, Box Closer, Case Packer).
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure efficient and safe production.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance:
  • Resolve production issues quickly, handle minor mechanical repairs (clearing jams, using basic tools), and follow preventative maintenance practices (5S, quality checks, and line release audits).
• Escalation & Communication:
  • Proactively detect safety or quality anomalies and immediately escalation issues to production team leads for appropriate support.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain strict compliance with safety/legal requirements.
• Keep machines and the work area clean at all times.
• Meet hourly production targets and support continuous workflow.
• Adhere to schedule, demonstrate reliability, and work overtime as needed.

Where You Fit

This role is essential to the day-to-day reliability and success of our production operations. As a Machine Operator I, you’ll report directly to line leaders and collaborate with the broader manufacturing team, playing a key part in delivering quality products and supporting a safe, efficient workplace.

Why Kelly?

• Career growth: We connect great people with great companies, and support you every step of the way.
• Competitive pay and benefits
• A career home with an amazing company

Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.