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Food Production Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Aztech Locknut

Production Machine Operator

Aurora, IL

$21.50/hr

1st Shift Production Machine Operator Location: Aurora, IL Pay: Starting at $21.50 per hour Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM Overview Aztech Locknut Company is seeking a reliable and ...

Framarx Corporation

Machine Operator

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

About the Role: The Machine Operator plays a critical role in the manufacturing process by ... production delays. * Adhere to food safety regulations and maintain high standards of personal ...

Framarx Corporation

Machine Operator

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

About the Role: The Machine Operator plays a critical role in the manufacturing process by ... production delays. * Adhere to food safety regulations and maintain high standards of personal ...

Nexus Employment

Machine Operator

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Machine Operator - Food Manufacturing ???? Portage, IN | ???? $18.00-$19.00/hr | ⏱ ... Manufacturing or warehouse experience preferred (food production a plus) * Mechanical aptitude and ...

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for food production machine operator in Chicago, IL is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Production Machine Operator, and why are they important?

A Food Production Machine Operator should have a basic understanding of food safety regulations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated production equipment, HACCP standards, and sometimes forklift certification is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help operators excel in monitoring processes and responding to issues. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Production Machine Operators and how can they be addressed?

Food Production Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety and sanitation standards. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, proactive communication with maintenance and quality control teams, and a thorough understanding of operating procedures. Continuous training and staying updated on equipment upgrades can also help operators work efficiently and minimize downtime.

What does a Food Production Machine Operator do?

A Food Production Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in the processing and packaging of food products. They monitor equipment to ensure it runs efficiently and safely, make adjustments as needed, and perform quality checks on products. Operators are also tasked with cleaning machines, troubleshooting issues, and following food safety standards to ensure products meet regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Food Production Machine Operator vs Food Packaging Technician?

AspectFood Production Machine OperatorFood Packaging Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsPackaging lines, manufacturing facilities, food processing plants
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, processing plantsFood packaging, processing facilities
Common Search IntentJob duties, certifications, work environmentPackaging processes, certifications, work environment

The Food Production Machine Operator and Food Packaging Technician roles both operate within food manufacturing environments, often requiring similar certifications and working in factory settings. While the Machine Operator focuses on running and maintaining production machinery, the Packaging Technician specializes in packaging food products. Both roles are essential in the food industry and often overlap in skills and work environment, but they differ in specific job duties and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Food Production Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Food Production Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Production Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,673 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Production Machine Operator

Production Machine Operator

Mount Franklin Foods

Hodgkins, IL • On-site

$19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Mount Franklin Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 377 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Summary of Job
Production Machine Operators are responsible for operating, set up, clean and perform basic maintenance on their equipment. This person should be reliable and able to work with safety standards and attention to detail. This person is focused on achieving the production targets and delivering a quality product.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Complied with and leading team compliance of all safety policies and procedures.
  • Ensure equipment runs effectively and monitor production line to ensure efficiency.
  • Set up machines (calibration, cleaning, adjustments) to start production.
  • Responsible for disassembling & cleaning of equipment as necessary for product changes.
  • Responsible for developing the skill to control machine settings and make adjustments on production equipment to optimize performance.
  • Feed raw materials or parts to automatic machines.
  • Inspect final product to assess quality and improve machine settings. Inspects product to verify conformance to customer specifications, including proper application of ingredients/materials.
  • Analyzes production problems and assists team members in solving them.
  • Responsible for QA control procedures and activities such as weight control, metal detector inspections, etc.
  • Communicate and notify any equipment abnormalities, following the 5 maintenance basics. (5S, leaks, lubrication, routing and re-tight).
  • Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of department, line or team.
  • Maintain records and prepare necessary reports.
  • Follow plant good manufacturing practices (GMP's).
  • Operates auxiliary equipment associated with the operations of the machine including but not limited to weigh scales, conveyor systems, etc.
  • Ensures that all work activities are performed with attention to the highest standards for quality, safety and compliance with all appropriate legal and food safety requirements and a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Reports any unsafe or hazardous work conditions or safety-related issues to Management.
  • Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by Management.

Education and Qualifications
  • Minimum Required:
    • HS Diploma or equivalent
    • 3 years of previous Machine Operator experience.
    • Basic troubleshooting and basic maintenance
  • Preferred:
    • 5 -7 years of Machine Operator experience. Manufacturing and processing, bakery, or food industry. More than one area is preferred.
    • Technical career, electromechanical, mechatronics.
    • Basic troubleshooting and basic maintenance
  • Proven experience as Machine Operator.
  • Working Knowledge of machines.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged periods standing, walking, and sitting.
  • Physical ability to do work requires frequent stooping, climbing stairs, twisting, and bending frequently.
  • Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds at a time.

Food Safety Responsibilities
  • Follow all relevant food safety rules including SQF, cGMPs, and Food Defense.
  • Report any observed food safety violations to your supervisor immediately.

Core Benefits
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Leave
  • Holiday Paid

Voluntary Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • 401 k (matching)
  • Accident
  • Critical Illness
  • Wellness
  • Gym membership

Job Type
  • Full-time (Temp to Hire)

Pay
  • $19.25 (1st Shift)
  • $19.75 (2nd Shift)

Schedule
  • 1st shift (6am to 2:30pm) and 2nd shift (2:30pm to 11pm) available
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends (as needed)

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