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Food Manufacturing Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois

Machine Operator

Chicago Lawn, IL ยท On-site

$19 - $19.68/hr

We are hiring machine operator who are willing to Set up and adjust the machine for different ... Previous food manufacturing or packaging experience preferred. * Mechanical aptitude and the ...

Machine Operator

Harvey, IL ยท On-site

$17.60 - $19/hr

Experience operating production and manufacturing machinery in an industrial environment. * Proficiency in machine operation, including starting, stopping, monitoring, and adjusting equipment.

Machine Operator

Franklin Park, IL ยท On-site

$21.34/hr

Position Summary As a Machine Operator, you will be responsible for the operation of manufacturing machinery utilized in a high-quality medical device manufacturing environment. What You'll do as a ...

Machine Operator

Galesburg, IL ยท On-site

$20.17/hr

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our production team. This ... Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety guidelines (e.g., HACCP, SQF). * Assist ...

Temp-to-Hire Earn up to $12.50/Hour 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts available Willing to train the right candidate with manufacturing experience! Machine Operator Responsibilities: Set up, operate or tend ...

Machine Operator

Minonk, IL

$19.50 - $30.03/hr

With over 50 years of success in metal manufacturing, we proudly serve the construction ... Machine Operator Responsibilities: * Safely operate first-cut machines and related production ...

Machine Operator

Minonk, IL ยท On-site

$19.50 - $30.03/hr

With over 50 years of success in metal manufacturing, we proudly serve the construction ... Machine Operator Responsibilities: * Safely operate first-cut machines and related production ...

Machine Operator

Minonk, IL

$19.50 - $23.75/hr

With over 50 years of success in metal manufacturing, we proudly serve the construction ... Machine Operator Responsibilities: * Safely operate first-cut machines and related production ...

Showing results 41-60

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 19, 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 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 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.

Machine Operator

Chase Technical

Chicago Lawn, IL โ€ข On-site

$19 - $19.68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

We are hiring machine operator who are willing to Set up and adjust the machine for different products, package sizes, and production runs.


Job Responsibilities are:

• Perform equipment changeovers, including changing film, tooling, and other machine components as

required.

• Monitor packaging operations to ensure proper seals, package appearance, weights, labels, and overall

product quality.

• Make routine adjustments to machine settings to maintain efficient production and minimize downtime.

• Inspect finished products and packaging for defects or quality issues.

• Troubleshoot minor equipment problems and communicate mechanical or electrical issues to

Maintenance or Supervisors.

• Keep accurate production, quality, downtime, and waste records.

• Follow all food-safety, sanitation, OSHA, and company safety requirements.

• Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance of the Tiromat and surrounding

equipment.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor or Manager.


Qualifications

• Previous experience operating Tiromat, Multivac, or similar thermoforming/packaging equipment

preferred.

• Previous food manufacturing or packaging experience preferred.

• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot basic machine issues.

• Ability to read and follow production instructions and standard operating procedures.

• Basic math skills, including the ability to understand weights, measurements, and production quantities.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, and move around production equipment.

• Ability to lift and move materials and supplies as required by the position.

• Ability to work in a refrigerated, wet, or otherwise temperature-controlled production environment.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

This position works in a food-production facility and requires adherence to strict food-safety, sanitation, and workplace-safety standards. The operator may work around moving machinery, noise, wet surfaces, and varying temperatures.


Safety & Food Safety

The Tiromat Operator is expected to maintain a strong commitment to employee safety, food safety, and

product quality. All company policies, GMPs, HACCP procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and applicable safety regulations must be followed at all times.

Position Requirements:

• Must be able to work 10+ hours days

• Must be able to start work at 4am

• Saturdays are mandatory

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.