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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

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Manufacturing Machine Operator

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

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 ...

Urban Farmer

Machine Operator

Manteno, IL · On-site

$18 - $22.37/hr

Toppings - Machine Operator Overview: Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join ... Operate Specialized Food Manufacturing Equipment: * Texwrap Systems: Manage a range of automatic ...

Urban Farmer

Machine Operator

Manteno, IL

$18 - $22.37/hr

Toppings - Machine Operator Overview: Urban Farmer is seeking a skilled Machine Operator to join ... Operate Specialized Food Manufacturing Equipment: * Texwrap Systems: Manage a range of automatic ...

Urban Farmer

Machine Operator

Manteno, IL · 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 ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing Machine Operator JobsFood Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do food manufacturing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food manufacturing machine operator in Illinois is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a food manufacturing machine operator do?

A Food Manufacturing Machine Operator is responsible for running and maintaining machinery that processes, packages, or prepares food products in a factory setting. Their tasks include setting up equipment, monitoring production lines, performing quality checks, and troubleshooting minor issues to ensure efficient operation. They must follow strict safety and hygiene standards to prevent contamination and ensure product quality. Operators may also be involved in cleaning machinery and recording production data.

What are some common challenges faced by food manufacturing machine operators, and how can they be managed?

Food Manufacturing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, quick problem-solving skills, and thorough knowledge of the machinery used. Regular training, proactive maintenance, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams help operators minimize downtime and ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and following established protocols can also make it easier to handle high production demands and frequent changeovers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food manufacturing machine operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Food Manufacturing Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes HACCP certification is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help operators maintain quality and efficiently address issues. These skills ensure safe, consistent production and help meet strict food industry standards.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing Machine Operator vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Manufacturing Machine OperatorFood Processing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsProcessing facilities, quality control labs, production areas
Job FocusOperating and monitoring machinery to produce food productsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving processing equipment
Common UsageManufacturing food items like snacks, beverages, canned goodsEnsuring quality, safety, and efficiency in food processing

While both roles work in food production environments, Food Manufacturing Machine Operators primarily focus on operating machinery, whereas Food Processing Technicians handle equipment maintenance and quality control. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs in Illinois are:

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Machine Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,655 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Food Manufacturing Machine Operator

Chase Technical

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$24 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are currently seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Compounder to join our manufacturing team. This position is responsible for accurately preparing, mixing, and packaging products according to production formulas while maintaining quality, safety, and GMP standards.

Job Responsibilities

  • Follow the daily production schedule and prioritize work orders according to production needs.
  • Review production orders and report any scheduling deviations to the Plant Manager.
  • Select the appropriate mixing tank based on batch size and manufacturing requirements.
  • Retrieve required raw materials from the warehouse according to production formulas.
  • Accurately weigh and measure raw materials following formula specifications.
  • Scan raw materials using a barcode scanner to verify correct lot numbers and quantities.
  • Stage raw materials and add ingredients to mixing tanks according to work order instructions.
  • Operate a forklift to transport materials when necessary.
  • Fill, package, and label finished products according to customer specifications and production instructions.
  • Verify product weights and use the appropriate sifter screens during packaging.
  • Complete all production documentation accurately and thoroughly.
  • Collect product samples as required for quality control.
  • Perform production transactions using the E-win system.
  • Conduct inventory cycle counts as assigned.
  • Report any production or procedural deviations to the Plant Manager.
  • Maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), safety regulations, and company procedures.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 3 months of manufacturing, production, or compounding experience preferred.
  • Previous experience in chemical, food, pharmaceutical, or industrial manufacturing is a plus.
  • Forklift experience is preferred.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand work instructions, production orders, and safety procedures.
  • Basic computer skills and experience using barcode scanners or inventory systems are preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Required Training

  • Forklift Safety
  • Respirator Protection
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • General Safety Training

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the shift.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator when necessary.

Company Description

About Chase Technical:
CHASE Staffing, formerly CHASE Professionals, is a US-based staffing firm with 20 branch locations and over 10,000 jobs filled in 2021. Most of our locations provide full-service staffing, while several specialize in a particular field.

For over 45 years we have helped hundreds of thousands of people accomplish their goals. This includes people looking for full-time jobs, those looking for opportunities to earn money on a temporary basis, those seeking to improve skills and learn new ones, and new grads entering the work force wanting to get some experience.

Working together to meet your needs is our #1 goal.

Pre-Employment Screening: Drug screening and background checks are required.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Chase Technical Staffing is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

ADA Statement: Chase Technical Staffing is committed to complying fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensuring equal employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resumes. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.