1

3Rd Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator- 3rd shift

Alden, NY · On-site

$17.30 - $25.38/hr

... operating machinery in a regulated manufacturing environment; medical device experience preferred ... Salary $17.30- 25.38 plus 15% shift differential Our total rewards program is designed to attract ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

3Rd Shift Machine Operator information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$12

$17

$23

How much do 3rd shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift machine operator in Buffalo, NY is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3rd shift machine operator?

3rd Shift Machine Operators are employees who operate and monitor machinery during the overnight or late-night shift, typically from late evening to early morning. Their responsibilities include setting up machines, performing routine maintenance, ensuring quality control, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Working the third shift often requires attention to safety protocols, the ability to work independently, and adaptability to a nighttime work schedule. These roles are common in manufacturing, warehouse, and production environments where operations run 24/7.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd shift machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with prior manufacturing experience. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and often basic computer systems or machine interface panels is expected. Reliability, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently during overnight hours are important soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation of equipment, minimal downtime, and consistent production quality during less supervised shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by 3rd shift machine operators and how can they be managed?

3rd Shift Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during overnight hours, managing fatigue, and adapting to a quieter or less supervised work environment. To overcome these, it’s important to establish a consistent sleep schedule, stay hydrated, and take advantage of scheduled breaks to prevent burnout. Operators are encouraged to communicate regularly with team members across shifts to ensure seamless handovers and address any issues that arise. Many companies offer shift differentials and support programs to help 3rd shift workers manage these challenges effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for 3Rd Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most 3Rd Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 3Rd Shift Machine Operator job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,024 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

2nd/3rd Shift Machine Operators/Assistants Needed

Buffalo, NY • On-site


CP Flexible Packaging
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Uninterrupted breaks


$16.50 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Openings >> 2nd/3rd Shift Machine Operators/Assistants Needed
2nd/3rd Shift Machine Operators/Assistants Needed
Summary
Title: 2nd/3rd Shift Machine Operators/Assistants Needed ID: 10405 Location: Buffalo, NY Department: Press Job Type: Non-exempt (hourly)
More about this job >
Description

C-P Flexible Packaging is now hiring 2nd shift Experienced Press Operators and Press Assistants

Monday-Friday, 2:45pm to 10:45pm
Sunday-Thursday, 10:45pm-6:45am
 

WHAT YOU GET:

  • 10 Paid Holidays per year
  • Shoe Reimbursement 
  • Paid Sick Time

Other Benefits:

  • Spot Awards
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Pension Plan
  • 401(k) plan with generous company match
  • Company-paid life insurance and NYS disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


Job Summary:

To perform press operator duties. Following all safety policies and procedures. Meeting all company policies, current and future growth of new policies. Completing all tasks to the best of your ability. Meeting or exceeding job requirements set by management or your supervisor.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

  • Operators lead in tearing down jobs and setting up jobs, assistants will help in the process.
  • Must meet any new task of job functions that may arise.
  • Must follow set up procedures for given machine.
  • Complete tasks on adequate time limits, as to meet press daily goal and schedule needs.
  • Meet all changing conditions in your environment.
  • Must assure that materials produced is of highest quality for customer needs and specs outlined on order or with individual job classification specs.
  • Work in a team environment, giving more than you might think is expected from position.
  • Must meet daily goals that are set, within a very close margin of other operators and crews on same machine.
  • Must minimize waste %,
  • Must comply with all general Company-wide standard operating procedures (SOP's) and any job or department specific SOP's.
    • SOP's may cover the areas of (but are not limited to)
      • Employee Health and Safety
      • SQF (Safe Quality Food packager) and GMP (good manufacturing procedures) focused on eliminating contaminates in all packaging manufactured.
  • Other duties as assigned by Management/Supervision

Supervisory Responsibilities: (if any)

  • Supervise the Press Helper's duties are performed and completed.

Qualifications: (education, experience, specific skills, machinery/tools, etc.)

  • Mechanical skills
  • Problem solving
  • Following instructions
  • Basic computer skills
  • Communicating in a clear manner.
  • Able to read and understand tape measure.

Physical Demands: (lifting X lbs., working at heights or underground, standing for long periods, etc.)

  • Able to lift to 100 lbs with assistance of hoist; 70 lbs without (intermittently)
  • Standing- up to 12 hrs on concrete floors (consistently)
  • Bending and twisting, up to 70% of time
  • Working 8 hr. shifts. (consistently)
  • Working from two story heights. (intermittently)
  • Using step stools or ladders. (occasional)
  • Working in very hot and humid conditions, for up to 8 hours. (June-September)
  • Adjusting shift hours for vacation coverage or machine demands. (intermittently)
  • Color vision acuity (consistently)

Working Conditions:  (travel, working hours, any unusual environmental conditions, protective wear required, etc.)

  • Ability to work in a hot or cold environment.; room temperature may be up to 115F and down to 40F
  • Work around solvent/ink/glue fumes/other solvents used in printing manufacturing. (consistently)
  • Work in tight places (occasional)
  • Must wear the necessary PPE for all phases of the job including safety glasses, hearing protection, hairnet, beard  net (if applicable), cut-resistant gloves, solvent gloves, and any other PPE identified, and follow all safety regulations and rules at all times.
  • Ability to be on your feet up to 80% of your designated shift..

 
Apply Now
 
Refer to a Friend

Alternatively, you can apply to this job using your profile from Indeed by clicking the button below:


Copyright 2026 CP Flexible Packaging. All rights reserved.
Powered by ApplicantStack Applicant Tracking System
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use


What C-P Flexible Packaging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom