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Food Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open Food Machine Operator

Alsip, IL ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

At least 3 years in a machine operator position Knowledge, Skills & Abilities * Ability to ... Understanding of food standards and allergens, in relations to machine operations * Ability to ...

Machine Operator | Food Production

Kent, WA ยท On-site

$18.75 - $24/hr

Machine Operator | Food Production Looking for your next step in food manufacturing and have at least one year of food production machine operator experience, the ability to follow Good Manufacturing ...

Machine operators will set up and operate fillers and packaging machinery in a GMP environment ... Set up and operate food production machines including fillers and packaging machinery

Machine Operator

Lodi, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Contract Position Overview Seeking a Machine Operator (Rheon - Case Packer/Packaging Equipment) to support food manufacturing operations at the Lodi, CA facility. This role requires hands-on machine ...

Machine Operator

Austin, MN

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Operations More about this job > Description Overview The Machine Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining various types of machinery in the food manufacturing facility to ensure ...

Machine Operator | Food Manufacturing | Performance-to-Hire Pay: $20.81/hr (1st & 2nd Shift) | $22.06/hr (3rd Shift) Shifts Available: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Schedule: Monday - Friday Location:

Machine Operator

Lakeland, FL ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

This is more of an industrial machine operator, not like a food production type machine operator. Qualified candidates will have basic math skills, ability to use measuring tools, and willingness to ...

Machine Operator Worksite: Mitchellville, Iowa Company Overview ... Our client is a leading food manufacturing and distribution company that specializes in producing ...

Machine Operator

Shelton, CT ยท On-site

$21 - $24/hr

My client is a global manufacturer of plastic food containers. We are looking to fill an immediate need for a day shift Machine Operator. If you have previous experience working as a Machine Operator ...

Machine Operator

Hatfield, PA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Overview: Machine Operator: Operate, set up, and monitor advanced powder processing equipment ... food, cosmetics, and chemicals. * Quality and Safety: Conducting regular inspections and ...

Machine Operator

Hughes Springs, TX ยท On-site

$13.75 - $16.25/hr

MACHINE OPERATOR LEVEL 2 Machine Operator Description: Machine Operators complete a variety of ... Demonstrated experience as a maintenance technician (preferably in food manufacturing) * Excellent ...

Machine Operator

Sidney, OH ยท On-site

$18.90 - $22.09/hr

Machine Operator 1st & 2nd Shift We are currently hiring experienced Machine Operators for both 1st ... This is a great opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing environment with competitive pay ...

Machine Operator

Sidney, OH ยท On-site

$18.90 - $22.09/hr

Machine Operator - 1st & 2nd Shift We are currently hiring experienced Machine Operators for both ... This is a great opportunity to join a growing food manufacturing environment with competitive pay ...

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Food Machine Operator information

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How much do food machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for food machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of food safety standards, equipment operation, and basic mechanical aptitude, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with production line machinery, automated control systems, and routine maintenance procedures is typically expected. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities help operators excel in managing workflow and responding to issues quickly. These skills are vital to ensure consistent product quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety in food manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Machine Operators, and how can they be managed?

Food Machine Operators frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and sanitation guidelines. Managing these challenges involves staying attentive during machine operation, following established protocols for cleaning and maintenance, and promptly reporting any issues to supervisors or maintenance teams. Effective communication and collaboration with quality control and maintenance staff are also key to ensuring smooth production processes and minimizing downtime.

What does a Food Machine Operator do?

A Food Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery that processes, packages, or prepares food products in manufacturing plants. They monitor equipment to ensure it runs efficiently, make adjustments as needed, and conduct routine inspections to maintain quality and safety standards. Duties may also include cleaning machines, recording production data, and troubleshooting minor mechanical issues. Food Machine Operators play a crucial role in ensuring products meet company and regulatory standards for quality and safety.

What is the difference between Food Machine Operator vs Food Production Worker?

AspectFood Machine OperatorFood Production Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in machinery operationHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic food safety training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, operating machineryFood processing lines, packaging areas
Job FocusOperating and maintaining food processing equipmentAssisting in food production, packaging, and quality checks

Food Machine Operators primarily focus on operating and maintaining food processing machinery, requiring specific certifications and technical skills. Food Production Workers support overall production, often performing manual tasks and quality checks. Both roles are essential in food manufacturing but differ in technical responsibilities and daily tasks.

More about Food Machine Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Food Machine Operator jobs? Cities with the most Food Machine Operator job openings:
What states have the most Food Machine Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Machine Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Food Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Open Food Machine Operator

Open Food Machine Operator

Menasha Corporation

Alsip, IL โ€ข On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Menasha Corporation Employees, please log-in to your Workday account to apply for positions.
ABOUT US (AND OUR EXCITING FUTURE)
Menasha Corporation is all about possibilities. Our two businesses, Menasha Packaging and ORBIS Corporation, are leaders in their industries, providing corrugated and plastic packaging products and related services to major global companies.
Our employees make the difference, proving that great ideas, collaboration and quality turn possibilities into success. Working at Menasha Corporation means that your insights provide cutting-edge solutions for our customers. If you like to make things happen and are passionate about what you do, you're going to want to be here.
Join us and become part of the power behind possible.
About The Opportunity
This position is responsible for maintaining, controlling, and operating vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines and equipment that are used in the manufacturing process.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties are normal for this position. The incumbent may perform some or all of these duties; however, it is not an exclusive or all-inclusive list. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Perform startup checks at the beginning of each shift.
  • Perform machine setup before each shift and perform testing procedures to ensure that machines work optimally during production, logging results electronically by hour against set efficiency targets.
  • Ensure that all partial pallets, bags, containers, are available and accessible.
  • Perform front line preventative maintenance.
  • Monitor and perform routine adjustments and calibrations on each Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machine.
  • Monitor all product to be packaged to ensure best quality standards are being met against provided work instructions.
  • Maintain proficiency in operations in three key areas: equipment maintenance, safety and environmental awareness, and effective operations.
  • Set up (assemble & disassemble), change over, operate, monitor, and adjust equipment on vertical form and fill and seal packaging equipment to meet all finished pouch quality specification and production requirements.
  • Disassemble, clean, and sanitize packaging & support equipment using designated cleaning chemicals following documented safety and cleaning procedures for product changeovers.
  • Adheres to all GMP, including sanitary requirements, Food Safety, Safety, and Standardized Work procedures so there is no cross contamination of product.
  • Ensure equipment lockout procedure is used prior to doing any cleaning or adjustment/repair which requires safety guards to be removed, or which may expose employees to injury through inadvertent movement of machine parts.
  • Troubleshoot and/or identify equipment failures or problems. Perform minor troubleshooting, part replacement, and maintenance of packaging and related equipment. Report any need for equipment repair or maintenance.
  • Ability to learn SAP and navigate the system.
  • Ensure that all material and packaging are correct and meet all the customer and Company specifications against provided work instructions.
  • Ensure adequate housekeeping in the work area throughout the day to include maintaining and cleaning machine(s) before and after each shift.

Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma desired
  • Mechanical and troubleshooting ability
  • At least 3 years in manufacturing position
  • At least 3 years in a machine operator position

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to interpret written and oral instructions
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems on VFFS Baggers
  • Ability to run and manage two baggers simultaneously
  • Understanding of food standards and allergens, in relations to machine operations
  • Ability to produce at a high level
  • Ability to be proactive vs. reactive
  • Ability to work with plant management for required results
  • Ability to be able to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to perform all computer functions as they pertain to the job
  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to plan ahead and follow schedules

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work is performed primarily in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be able to stand throughout entire shift to attend to issues with machinery.
  • Walking throughout the Packaging area
  • Stand for long periods of time during production run.
  • Bend throughout the work shift if loading blocks on pallet.
  • Lift up to 25 pounds and move item short distances.
  • Reach below shoulder level to lift blocks off conveyor.
  • Pull trash receptacles.
  • Push levers, brooms and shovels.
  • Climb ladders to bins and multiple flights of stairs between floors of the building throughout the day.
  • Primarily works in a production warehouse setting
  • Walking, standing, lifting & bending for duration of shift

All Menasha Packaging employees must conduct their work in a manner that complies with all legal standards and meets customer expectations. They will maintain quality standards by establishing, enforcing and adhering to organizational standards set forth in published policies, procedures and processes.
The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the occupation.
Menasha Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with employer.
The expected salary range for this position is $24.50 per hour. This role is also eligible for an annual incentive plan and for a full benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; basic term life, AD&D, Short- and Long-term disability; EAP; 401(k) retirement savings plan; PTO and paid holidays.
Two companies, one vision.
Menasha Corporation consists of two companies that are leading the way to a sustainable future with packaging and supply chain solutions. Founded in 1849 and headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, we employ over 7,500 employees in 112 facilities in North America and Europe.
Our companies are leading corrugated and plastic packaging manufacturers and supply chain solution providers. Our Menasha Packaging Company is the largest independent provider of packaging and supply chain service solutions in North America, designing, printing, and fulfilling graphic packaging, display and merchandising solutions for over 1,800 brands, both in-store and online.
Our ORBIS business believes there is a better way to optimize today's supply chains, with reusable packaging products and services. Reusable containers, pallets, dunnage, bulk systems and metal racks improve the flow product all along the supply chain to reduce costs, enhance profitability and add sustainability.
Our products and services are used by global, name-brand companies in the food, beverage, health and beauty, over-the-counter pharmaceutical, industrial, automotive, and electronics industries.
Come build an exciting, rewarding career with us, where you'll have opportunities to grow.
The possibilities are endless. The power is yours!
Menasha Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.