Machine Operator - Paid Training!

Multiple Openings | Full-Time | Virginia Beach, VA

Build Products That Celebrate Life’s Biggest Achievements

Paradigm is growing, and we are hiring Machine Operators for multiple departments.

Depending on the position, you may work with specialized equipment used to:

• Print high-quality diplomas and certificates
• Prepare and package credentials for delivery to students and graduates

These are hands-on opportunities for dependable, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with machinery, solving problems, and seeing the results of their work.

Machine operation or manufacturing experience is helpful, but we also welcome mechanically inclined candidates who are eager to learn and build a career with a stable, established company.

For more than 35 years, Paradigm has helped colleges and universities issue credentials that recognize some of life’s most important accomplishments. Join the team behind the diplomas and certificates received by students and graduates around the world.

Why Join Paradigm?

• Consistent, full-time weekday schedule
• Hands-on training and opportunities to learn new skills
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
• Retirement plan with company matching for eligible employees
• Paid sick leave, annual leave, and holidays for eligible employees
• Stable work with an established Virginia Beach company
• Supportive, team-oriented manufacturing environment
• Work that helps recognize the accomplishments of students and graduates around the world

What You’ll Do

• Safely set up, operate, monitor, and shut down one or more production machines that could include print presses, HMI-controlled robotic binding equipment, industrial bookbinding machines, and/or document fulfillment machines.
• Load, prepare, and verify materials, stock, supplies, and work orders before production begins.
• Monitor each production run for accuracy, consistency, and product quality.
• Identify machine or production issues and assist with troubleshooting and minor repairs.
• Perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Investigate production discrepancies and work with team members to resolve issues quickly.
• Accurately record material usage, completed production quantities, and other required information.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Support other production activities as needed to help the department meet daily goals.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning how industrial machinery works.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to recognize when something is not operating correctly.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Dependability and consistent, timely attendance.
• Ability to follow written instructions, production procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to stay focused while performing repetitive or detail-oriented work.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team.
• Willingness to learn new machines, processes, and internal systems.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and meet established production goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Manufacturing, machine operation, bindery, presswork, production, maintenance, or quality assurance experience is preferred but not required.
• Forklift certification is helpful but not required.
• Reliable transportation to and from our Virginia Beach facility.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not have experience with every type of equipment listed. Candidates with transferable mechanical, production, warehouse, automotive, construction, or equipment-operation experience may also be a strong fit.

Physical Requirements

This is an active manufacturing position. Team members must be able to:

• Stand and work at production equipment for extended periods.
• Regularly push, pull, lift, and carry materials or work in progress weighing approximately 35–50 pounds.
• Frequently walk, bend, reach, kneel, and move throughout production and storage areas.
• Safely use carts, step stools, and rolling ladders when accessing materials.
• Perform precise hand movements requiring hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and fine motor control.
• Maintain sufficient visual focus, with or without corrective lenses, to inspect materials and completed products.
• Work safely in an open manufacturing and warehouse environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Compensation and Benefits

Paradigm offers:

• $19.00 - $22.00 / hour starting range depending on applicable experience.
• Opportunities to learn additional equipment and advance within the department
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, subject to applicable eligibility requirements
• Retirement plan with company matching, subject to applicable eligibility requirements
• Paid sick leave and annual leave, subject to applicable eligibility requirements
• Paid holidays, subject to applicable eligibility requirements

About Paradigm

For more than 35 years, Paradigm has been redefining how academic institutions issue and protect credentials.

Colleges, universities, and other educational institutions trust Paradigm for exceptional quality, security, service, and innovation. Our manufacturing teams play an important role in that mission by producing diploma covers that protect and present credentials representing years of hard work and achievement.

Today, Paradigm serves nearly 1,000 institutions worldwide. We combine advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship to deliver products that graduates and institutions are proud to receive.

Join Our Team

We are looking for dependable, motivated individuals who take pride in their work, enjoy learning, and want to contribute to a supportive manufacturing team.

Whether you have previous machine-operation experience or strong mechanical abilities you would like to develop, we encourage you to apply.

Multiple positions are currently available. Apply today to be considered for our Machine Operator team.