Machine Operator I

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

Job summary

Kelly is hiring a Machine Operator I for Colonial Heights, VA. This role supports a semi-automatic production line, ensuring equipment operates smoothly and efficiently. The candidate must follow SOPs and meet safety and quality standards while maintaining a clean work area.

The position offers 12-hour shifts (2-2-3 pattern) with overtime and schedule flexibility. You will report to line leaders and collaborate with the manufacturing team to deliver quality products in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Operate, perform changeovers, and fine-tune semi-automatic line equipment.
• Resolve production issues quickly and perform minor mechanical repairs.
• Proactively detect safety or quality issues and escalate to leads.

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety/legal compliance.
• Keep machines and workspace clean at all times.
• Meet hourly production targets and support continuous workflow.
• Overtime as needed and adhere to schedule.

Skills

Machine operation

Troubleshooting

Communication escalation

Tools

Box Former

Box Closer

Case Packer

Job description

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

Position: 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)

About The Opportunity

Kelly is seeking reliable, safety-minded candidates for a 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 elevate 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

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. 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.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

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.