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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Machine Operator

Champaign, IL · On-site

$23.89 - $26.56/hr

Machine Operator | Silgan Closures | Champaign, IL Join Silgan Closures , a Fortune 500 leader in ... food and beverage brands. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced manufacturing operators ...

Machine Operator

Champaign, IL · On-site

$23.89 - $26.56/hr

Machine Operator | Silgan Closures | Champaign, IL Join Silgan Closures , a Fortune 500 leader in ... food and beverage brands. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced manufacturing operators ...

Machine Operator

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19/hr

Machine Operator Location: Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Assignment Type: Temp-to-Hire Shift: 6:00am ... Previous food manufacturing experience preferred. * Pizza production or assembly line experience is ...

Machine Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Machine Operator - Automotive Electronics Manufacturing 📍 St. Charles, IL 💲 Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour All Shifts available Join a Leading Automotive Electronics Manufacturer Looking for a ...

Machine Operator Location: Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Assignment Type: Temp-to-Hire Shift: 6:00am ... Previous food manufacturing experience preferred. * Pizza production or assembly line experience is ...

Machine Operators LOCATION: 1006 Fairway, Bensenville, IL 60106 SHIFT: 3rd SHIFT (10:00 pm to 6:00 ... Work experience in food manufacturing environment, confectionary preferred. We will train the right ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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.

Is food manufacturing a good career?

Food manufacturing machine operators play a key role in producing food products, often working in manufacturing plants with shifts that may include nights and weekends. The job can offer stable employment, opportunities for skill development, and advancement into supervisory roles, but it also involves physical work and adherence to safety standards. Overall, it can be a reliable career for those interested in manufacturing and food production.

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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Machine Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,655 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Machine Operator

Silgancontainers

Champaign, IL • On-site

$23.89 - $26.56/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Machine Operator | Silgan Closures | Champaign, IL

Join Silgan Closures, a Fortune 500 leader in sustainable packaging, as a Machine Operator - Lining Technician at our Champaign, Illinois manufacturing facility. In this hands-on manufacturing role, you will operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-speed production equipment to ensure the safe, efficient production of high-quality closures used by leading food and beverage brands.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced manufacturing operators, lining technicians, equipment operators, or industrial machine operators seeking a stable, long-term career in production and packaging.

What We Offer:

  • Pay: range $23.89 - $26.56 per hour
  • Shift: Night Shift - 12-hour rotating 2-2-3 schedule
  • Hours: 5:45pm - 6:00am ith every other weekend off
  • Weekly pay + overtime opportunities
  • Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision and wellness coverage
  • Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
  • 401k with company match
  • Vacation starting day one
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Safety gear allowance, shoes and safety glasses
  • Monthly employee appreciation events such as food trucks, giveaways and more

What You Will Do:

  • Operate and monitor high-speed manufacturing and packaging equipment
  • Perform preventive maintenance and basic equipment troubleshooting
  • Reset and calibrate automated vision systems at the start of each shift
  • Verify materials and production runs align with the production schedule
  • Conduct quality control inspections and record measurements using precision tools
  • Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, jams, or performance issues
  • Make mechanical adjustments and minor repairs to maintain productivity
  • Document production output, downtime, and performance metrics
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized manufacturing work environment
  • Follow all safety standards, compliance procedures, and GMP practices

What You'll Need:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 2+ years of manufacturing, production, or machine operation experience
  • Experience as a machine operator, production operator, or equipment operator preferred
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety standards

Why Join Silgan Closures:

  • Work for a stable Fortune 500 manufacturing company with 100+ global facilities
  • Be part of a leader in sustainable packaging and manufacturing innovation
  • Build a long-term career in essential manufacturing and production operations
  • Join a team focused on safety, teamwork, reliability, and continuous improvement
  • Contribute to products that support the global food and beverage supply chain

Apply Today - Machine Operator Jobs in Champaign, Illinois

If you're an experienced Machine Operator or Lining Technician in the Champaign, IL / Champaign, Illinois area, apply today to join Silgan Closures.

Take the next step in your manufacturing career with a company that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and long-term stability.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

EEO/M/W/Vet/Disability