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Food Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Manteno, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Bakery - Machine Operator Overview: Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our ... Operate Specialized Food Manufacturing Equipment: * **VEMAG - Extruder : **Operate the VEMAG dough ...

MACHINE OPERATOR IN ALSIP, IL Accurate Personnel is hiring immediately for a Machine Operator to ... Responsibility for food safety and GMP's Requirements and Qualifications * High school diploma or ...

Machine Operator

Manteno, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $22.25/hr

Bakery - Machine Operator Overview: Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join our ... Operate Specialized Food Manufacturing Equipment: * **VEMAG - Extruder :**Operate the VEMAG dough ...

Machine Operator

Bolingbrook, IL

$16.75 - $20/hr

Experience with packing machines and general machine operating in a food or consumer goods setting is an advantage. * Familiarity with inspection processes, including visual checks and basic quality ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

... food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is ... Morning Position Overview The Bag Machine Operator I is a Liquibox production role enabling the ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

... food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is ... Morning Position Overview The Bag Machine Operator I is a Liquibox production role enabling the ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

... food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is ... Morning Position Overview The Bag Machine Operator I is a Liquibox production role enabling the ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

... food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is ... Morning Position Overview The Bag Machine Operator I is a Liquibox production role enabling the ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

... food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is ... Development in this role will lead to ownership of machine operation (Operator II) to further ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

... food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is ... Development in this role will lead to ownership of machine operation (Operator II) to further ...

Machine Operator

Niles, IL ยท On-site

$21.55/hr

Machine Operator Location: Niles, IL Shift and Pay Rates: * Weekend: Fri/Saty/Sun: 5:00am - 6:30pm ... Follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), food safety, quality, and plant safety policies at all ...

Machine Operators 1st, 2nd & 3rd shift available $19-$25/hour Responsibilities * Review and follow ... Maintain strict adherence to food safety and GMP standards throughout all production activities ...

Be Seen First

Machine Operator Pay: $22.00/hour Shifts are 4:30p-5a Fri-Sun and every other Thursday Employment ... Follow all food safety, SQF, GMP, and workplace safety requirements. Production Support * Assist ...

Showing results 21-40

Food Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do food machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for food machine operator in Chicago, IL is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Food Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Food Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Food Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,967 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Weekend Machine Operator

Broadview, IL โ€ข On-site

$19.50 - $29.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Weekend Machine Operator

Packaging Team Member

Hours: F, Sa, Su: 6am - 7:30pm

Compensation: $19.50 - $29.51/hr

Responsible for monitoring, operating and troubleshooting the packaging equipment while working efficiently and following all procedures for producing quality products according to customer specifications, as well as following safety, GMP and quality procedures. The machine operator is also required to do complete washouts of the machinery at the end of a production run.

Duties & Responsibilities

ย 

SKILLS & SPECIFICATIONS

  • Understand written and verbal instructions to complete packaging of products.ย  Refer toย  โ€œStandard Operating Procedures (SOPโ€™s)โ€, Machine Priming, Basic Operating Procedures, Machine Operations, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSPOโ€™s).
          • ย Able to operate various manufacturing equipment in mass/high volume production environment.
          • Requires the ability to manipulate small parts and gauges.
          • Ability to use thinking and reasoning skills to solve a problem.
          • Set up machine at beginning of shift to ensure proper working order.
          • Perform safety checks throughout shift.
          • Adjust machine components according to finished product specifications.
          • Load packaging material into machine throughout shift.
          • Stop and adjust machine in cases of malfunctions/jams.
          • Troubleshoot problems during operation.
          • Inspect and remove defective items or those that do not meet quality standards.
          • Clean machine, perform preventative maintenance.
          • Test and evaluate products to verify correct weights, seals, film orientation, leakers, codes, labels etc.
          • Document activities performed throughout the shift โ€“ pre-op inspections, quality checks, maintenance performed, maintenance needed, etc.
          • Communicate performance information to other shifts.
          • Clear lines at the end of the shift.
          • Take all required training including washout training for sanitary washouts.

ย 

SAFETY & GMP OBJECTIVES

        • Maintain a safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel on the use of all equipment and resources; maintaining compliance with established policies and procedures.
        • Comply with all company safety and environmental policies and procedures as well as complying with all OSHA, EPA and other regulatory rules and regulations (THINK โ€œSAFETY FIRSTโ€).
          • Ability to recognize unsafe acts and conditions in the facility and implement appropriate corrective actions.
          • Ability to fully complete appropriate paperwork related to specific job functions in addition to quality and safety/training.
          • Ability to recognize and report all incidents; even those that do not warrant treatment.
        • Review and execute our Food Safety Plan and MFP Mission Statement in order to provide value to each of our customers with safe, relevant, tasty food products; while never comprising quality.
        • Adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMPโ€™s) including proper waste disposal, attire, grooming and hygiene, etc.
  • An employee holding this job position is not authorized to represent or speak on behalf of the company, or respond to any media inquiries regarding the company, its business, its products or its customers.
  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee of the job.ย  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Skills and Specifications

  • Ability to interact effectively with various levels of professionals in the organization.
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to guide, teach and communicate with others.
  • Good mechanical skills.

Also..

Must be able to attend work as scheduled
Must be able to read and write in English
Must be able to perform basic math problems
Must be able to perform the jobs of his team members

Must be able to lift up to 55 lbs.
Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions
Must be able to interact with others in a professional manner.

Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Employee Incentive Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Cash Accumulation Plan-401K
  • Life/AD&D Insurance
  • Short- Term/Long-Term Disability
  • Vacation Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Adoption Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Maternity/Paternity Leave

Machine Operator is supported and backed up by other machine operators or the Lead.ย  Suitable training is required of this individual.

Machine Operator reports to the Packaging Supervisor.