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

Thermoforming Machine Operator

Near Ford City Mall

$21.07 Day | $23.07 Night

12 Hour Rotating Shifts

Job Description

This role operates and supports plastics molding equipment to produce high-quality products in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. You will assist with equipment setup, start-up, operation, troubleshooting, and shutdown while maintaining accurate production records and following safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, or other plastics molding machines to produce finished products according to specifications.
• Assist with setting up process equipment, including preparing molds, adjusting machine settings, and ensuring proper raw material supply at the start of each production run.
• Assist with diagnosing and troubleshooting basic mechanical and process issues to minimize downtime and maintain product quality.
• Help manage process machinery from raw materials through downstream finished goods, including trimming and inspection of products.
• Properly shut down process equipment following established procedures to protect equipment and ensure safety.
• Maintain production logs and reports as required, accurately documenting output, downtime, and process information.
• Perform production-related transactions and activities in SAP as required to support accurate inventory and production tracking.
• Follow lockout/tagout and other safety procedures to ensure safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of machinery.
• Inspect products for quality, identify defects, and take appropriate action to correct issues or escalate concerns.
• Use basic math skills to perform simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division for measurements and counts.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding safety, quality, production issues, and training.

Essential Skills

• Experience operating thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, or other plastics molding equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot basic mechanical and process problems.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, use, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to perform simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Experience with machine operation in a manufacturing or plastics environment.
• Ability to follow lockout/tagout procedures and other safety protocols.
• Capability to perform trimming, inspection, and other downstream production tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with troubleshooting production equipment and process issues.
• Basic understanding of SAP or similar production and inventory systems.
• Comfort working with mechanical equipment and performing routine checks and adjustments.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, paid vacation and holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts, and additional benefits. The organization supports long-term career growth, continuous learning, and financial well-being through robust benefits and development opportunities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a plastics manufacturing facility that produces cups for a variety of food service customers. The environment is clean and climate-controlled, providing a comfortable and orderly workspace. Team members work around thermoforming, injection molding, and blow molding equipment, as well as downstream trimming and inspection stations. The facility emphasizes safety, including the use of lockout/tagout procedures and adherence to established safety guidelines. The dress code typically reflects a production environment, requiring appropriate work attire and any necessary personal protective equipment to ensure safety on the manufacturing floor.

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

The pay range for this position is $21.07 - $23.07/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.