Back Line Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

The Line Packer will effectively perform all of the required duties of the Line Packer position in an accurate, thorough and safe manner as outlined per the Carl Buddig and Company job description. Employees are responsible for producing a safe and quality food product per USDA guidelines and are required to report all food safety related problems to their supervisor, manager, or to the quality assurance department in order to initiate immediate action

Key Responsibilities:

Slicer Operator

• Load bulk meat logs (up to 35 pounds) into meat slicer at required production frequency levels.
• Perform weight checks of draft as they come off slicer.
• Review and inspect rejected drafts/product and re-portion out good drafts.
• Open rejected packages and place meat back onto line for repackaging.
• Maintain slicer area in a clean and sanitary manner at all times.

Cupper

• Place pre-determined amount of meat product into packaging.
• Reject meat product that does not meet quality specifications.
• Alert line operator of stopping or stalling of machine.    
• Maintain cupping area in a clean and sanitary manner at all times.

Dry Side Packager/Bag Inspector

• Place required number of packages into box.
• Inspect individual packages for proper quality specifications at a rate of 21-72 units per minute.
• Maintain dry side packaging area in a clean and sanitary manner at all times.
• Place sealed bags into plastic tub container.

Palletizer

• Ensure that boxes are filled per required levels.
• Stamp box as evidence of proper inventory.
• Place completed boxes, up to 35#, on pallet ensuring proper pallet configuration.
• Notify forklift driver of completed pallet.
• Maintain pallet area in a clean and sanitary manner at all times.

Other or miscellaneous duties

• Other duties assigned as deemed necessary by acting supervisor. These duties can include but not limited to maintaining production throughput, housekeeping, rework, labeling, other new product packaging as required by customer.  
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 – 2 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to legally work in the United States is required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a high-speed packaging environment and stand for 8-9 hours per day.
• Must have good hand/eye coordination and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and squat as needed for housekeeping responsibilities and other miscellaneous duties.
• Must be able to work in temperatures of 40 degrees or less and be able to lift up to 35 pounds for 30 minutes at a time.
• Must be able to work 40 or more hours per week and work mandatory overtime if necessary, including weekends.
• Must be flexible and able to work as needed.
• Must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

Pay rate for this position is $17.00 per hour.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Training and Development, Vacation & PTO, Referral Bonus Program, and Tuition Reimbursement.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement 

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.