Machine Operator

Machine Operator

This role operates highly automated flexographic, folder, and gluer production lines to manufacture corrugated and packaging products according to customer specifications. You will support machine setups, changeovers, and startups, ensure accurate loading and unloading of materials, and maintain quality and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated Flexo, Folder, and Gluer production lines to produce corrugated and packaging materials according to work orders and customer specifications.
• Assist lead operators with machine changeovers, setups, and startups, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth transitions between orders.
• Load and unload machinery with raw materials and boxes, both manually and using automated systems, while following safety procedures.
• Follow detailed work orders to set up customer orders, including specific sizes, quantities, and packaging requirements.
• Use measurement devices to verify dimensions, counts, and quality, ensuring products meet customer and company standards.
• Stack finished products and palletize orders in an organized and stable manner for storage or shipment.
• Wrap finished orders into bundles and secure them for transport, maintaining correct labeling and identification.
• Bundle finished cardboard into stacks of different quantities according to customer orders and stage them for shipping.
• Manually load and unload machines as needed to support continuous production and maintain workflow.
• Adjust machinery settings such as speed, size, and weights to optimize performance and maintain product quality.
• Monitor the performance of automated equipment in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to issues or jams.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area around the machines to support safety and efficiency.
• Collaborate with 23 team members on the line, providing support and communication to ensure smooth operations.
• Complete required production and quality documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Train on first shift to learn equipment, processes, and safety standards before transitioning to second shift.

Essential Skills

• Proven machine operating experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Hands-on experience with machine setups, changeovers, and startups.
• Background in corrugated, cartoning, or packaging material machine operation.
• Ability to adjust machinery settings, including speed, size, and weights, to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Comfort working with automated and fast-paced machinery and adapting to production speed.
• Experience with loading and unloading materials and products on production lines.
• Ability to follow detailed work orders and customer specifications accurately.
• Skill using measurement devices to check dimensions and ensure accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality-focused production.
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as stacking, palletizing, bundling, and manual material handling.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work 2nd shift (MonFri, 2:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.) after training on 1st shift (6:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience working with corrugated, cartoning, or packaging materials in a production setting.
• Familiarity with flexographic, folder, or gluer lines is beneficial.
• Comfort working independently once trained, while still collaborating with a small team.
• Strong problem-solving skills to respond quickly to machine or production issues.
• Good communication skills to coordinate with other operators and team members.
• Ability to learn new equipment and processes in a highly automated environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a highly automated operation that values a laid-back, supportive culture while maintaining a strong focus on quality. The environment encourages independence once you are trained, giving you ownership of your work while still benefiting from a small, collaborative team. You will gain experience with advanced production technology, consistent shift schedules, and a stable manufacturing setting that emphasizes safety, reliability, and long-term growth.

Work Environment

This position works in an extremely automated manufacturing environment operating Flexo, Folder, and Gluer lines for corrugated and packaging products. You will initially train on first shift (6:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.) and then transition to second shift, Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You will typically work with 23 other people on the line, and once fully trained, you will perform many tasks independently. The culture is very laid back but strongly focused on quality and safe operations. The work is fast paced, with automated machinery running at high speeds, and involves physical tasks such as manual loading, unloading, stacking, palletizing, and bundling. Steel-toe boots are required, and typical attire includes jeans or work pants and a shirt. Safety glasses are provided to support a safe and compliant workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr. 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.