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

Machine Operator

West Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Machine Operator - West Chicago, IL Are you excited by the idea of working with cutting-edge ... food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling and fuel cells industries. We offer a broad range of ...

Machine Operator

West Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Machine Operator - West Chicago, IL Are you excited by the idea of working with cutting-edge ... food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling and fuel cells industries. We offer a broad range of ...

Machine Operator

Grant Park, IL ยท On-site

$19.37/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator| Grant Park, IL|HIRING IMMEDIATELY Starting Pay Rate * $19.37 per hour (+1.00 ...

Machine Operator

Grant Park, IL ยท On-site

$19.37/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator| Grant Park, IL|HIRING IMMEDIATELY Starting Pay Rate * $19.37 per hour (+1.00 ...

Machine Operator

Grant Park, IL ยท On-site

$19.37/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator| Grant Park, IL|HIRING IMMEDIATELY Starting Pay Rate * $19.37 per hour (+1.00 ...

Be Seen First

We are currently looking for a machine operator in meat manufacturing and general understanding of machine operation for the 1st Shift and 2nd shift for a Meat Company in Addison IL. Brief Summary:

Machine Operator

Grant Park, IL ยท On-site

$19.37/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator| Grant Park, IL|HIRING IMMEDIATELY Starting Pay Rate * $19.37 per hour (+1.00 ...

Be Seen First

The Machine Operator is responsible for operating Stretch Blow Molding or Injection Molding ... Practices and Global Food Safety Practices - Perform other job-related duties as assigned ...

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL ยท On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ...

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL ยท On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ...

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL ยท On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ...

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL ยท On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ...

Machine Operator

Des Plaines, IL ยท On-site

$10 - $48/hr

... Setting up and operating machine tools to convert materials into parts, sub-assemblies, and ... Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service. AFFIRMATIVE ...

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL ยท On-site

$23/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator Alsip, IL Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour * Additional $1 ...

Machine Operator

Mount Prospect, IL ยท On-site

$22.47/hr

... logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive - we employ approximately 35,000 ... The Machine Operator may be assigned to the embossing, sealing, or inspection departments to ...

Machine Operator

Mount Prospect, IL ยท On-site

$22.47/hr

... logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive - we employ approximately 35,000 ... The Machine Operator may be assigned to the embossing, sealing, or inspection departments to ...

Machine Operator

Mount Prospect, IL ยท On-site

$22.47/hr

... logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive - we employ approximately 35,000 ... The Machine Operator may be assigned to the embossing, sealing, or inspection departments to ...

Machine Operator

Alsip, IL ยท On-site

$23/hr

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple ... Machine Operator Alsip, IL Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $23.00/hour * Additional $1 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 8, 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.

Machine Operator

West Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and monitor high-vacuum PVD coating chambers to meet customer specifications and quality standards

  • Load and unload customer products into machines, handling parts with care, and perform visual inspection after processing

  • Conduct general maintenance and clean the interior of coating machines


Job description

Machine Operator – West Chicago, IL

Are you excited by the idea of working with cutting-edge technology in the coating and finishing of aerospace, automotive, and industrial components? Do you want to be part of a team making a tangible impact across a variety of manufacturing industries? If so, a role as a Machine Operator at IHI Ionbond could be the perfect fit for you!

Ionbond is a dynamic and growing industrial service company specializing in surface preparation and advanced commercial coatings. We work with customer-owned parts for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and general manufacturing, helping deliver durability, performance, and precision. This is an exciting time to join our team, as we continue to expand in a highly innovative and fast-evolving field. If you’re looking to build a career with a forward-thinking company, we’d love to hear from you.

Ionbond – The Surface Engineers™

Ionbond provides advanced coating solutions for applications in the aerospace, medical, food contact, automotive, decorative, tooling and fuel cells industries. We offer a broad range of hard, low-friction, wear-resistant coatings based on PVD, PACVD and CVD technologies.

With 34 job coating centers in 15 countries in Europe, North America and Asia, Ionbond has one of the largest coating networks in the world. Ionbond is part of renowned Japanese industrial consortium IHI Group.

What defines this job?

· Perform assigned functions, processes, and procedures that meet customer orders specifications, quality requirements, and production standards

· Work with supervisors and staff to operate and closely monitor high-vacuum PVD coating chambers

· Conduct periodical checks ensuring the machine and process is running correctly

· Load and unload customer products into machines while handling parts with care

· Perform general maintenance and clean interior of coating machines

· De-fixture batch loads after processing

· Carry out visual inspection on parts after processing

· Other duties as assigned

What do we offer?

Unleashing potential is at the core of our approach. We provide a dynamic environment that opens doors to both international and local growth opportunities, helping you reach your full potential. Here's what you can expect from being part of our team:

· International and local growth opportunities

· Diverse work environment where we embrace teamwork and innovation that drives us towards new applications and customer service excellence

· Competitive compensation package; salary based on experience and educational credentials

· Medical, dental, & vision benefits with affordable premiums and annual deductibles

· Flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care)

· Life insurance

· Short-term & long-term disability

· Employee assistance program

· Generous Paid Time Off

· Tuition Reimbursement

· 401k Safe Harbor Retirement Account plus company match

What do we ask?

Previous experience in manufacturing or a related field is preferred (3+ years), with mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting experience considered a plus. Candidates should be familiar with machine operation and manufacturing tools and equipment, possess strong critical-thinking skills, communicate effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Good manual dexterity is required, with the ability to handle precision-machined parts and read instructions in English, including documents with font sizes as small as 8-point. This position operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM–11:30 PM shift, requires the ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8-hour shifts, and may include occasional weekend work. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check and physical screening. *The position may begin on a contingent basis through a staffing agency, with eligibility for full-time regular employment determined after 90–180 days based on production needs and performance.

Interested in this job?

Please upload your resume and optional cover letter to this site.

You should be proficient in:

  • Troubleshooting Skills
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
  • Precision Measurement & Inspection
  • Machine Setups for Production Runs