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Machine Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

pca

Machine Assistant

Northampton, MA

$17 - $20/hr

Member of a manufacturing machine crew making corrugated boxes. Set up and run machine to meet production goals. Conduct quality checks to ensure sheets meet customer specifications. Maintain machine ...

Jen-Coat Inc

Assistant - Extrusion- Nights

Westfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Set-up and Clean-up machine. * All other duties as required Qualifications, Education and Experience * High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. * Nine to twelve months related experience and ...

ProAmpac

Assistant - Extrusion- Nights

Westfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Set-up and Clean-up machine. * All other duties as required Qualifications, Education and Experience * High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. * Nine to twelve months related experience and ...

ProAmpac

Assistant - Extrusion- Nights

Westfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Set-up and Clean-up machine. * All other duties as required Qualifications, Education and Experience * High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. * Nine to twelve months related experience and ...

Jen-Coat Inc

Assistant - Extrusion- Days

Westfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Set-up and Clean-up machine. * All other duties as required Qualifications, Education and Experience * High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. * Nine to twelve months related experience and ...

ProAmpac

Assistant - Extrusion- Days

Westfield, MA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

Set-up and Clean-up machine. * All other duties as required Qualifications, Education and Experience * High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required. * Nine to twelve months related experience and ...

OMG, Inc.

E Coat Raker - 2nd Shift

Agawam, MA · On-site

Record production details as necessary. * Assist with maintenance machine as necessary. * Perform other tasks as assigned. Position Requirements * High school diploma or equivalent. * Ability to ...

Steel Partners

E Coat Raker - 2nd Shift

Agawam, MA · On-site

Record production details as necessary. * Assist with maintenance machine as necessary. * Perform other tasks as assigned. Position Requirements * High school diploma or equivalent. * Ability to ...

Producto

CNC Machinist II

Shirley, MA

$30 - $36/hr

Performs all assigned machine shop operations.  * Assist with the replacement of worn tools  * Assist with the start-up of CNC machines.  * Complete unassisted the positioning and alignment of ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Stoughton, MA

$27.60/hr

Ability to assist and train or mentor other machine operators. * Exposure to lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement methodologies. Why Work Here? You join an established and growing ...

Seaman Paper

Machine Operator

Orange, MA

$18 - $25/hr

The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining a variety of ... Operators will also assist with light maintenance, documentation, and troubleshooting to ensure ...

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Machine Assistant information

What is a machine assistant?

Machine assistants are workers who help operate, maintain, and monitor machinery in various industries, such as manufacturing, packaging, or construction. They typically assist machine operators by preparing materials, loading and unloading machines, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring equipment runs smoothly. Machine assistants play a key role in supporting efficient production processes and workplace safety. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the industry and the type of machinery they work with.

What is the difference between Machine Assistant vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine AssistantMachine Operator
Required CertificationsBasic technical training, safety certificationsMore advanced certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentAssists in machine setup and maintenance, often in manufacturing or production settingsOperates machinery directly, monitors performance, and adjusts controls
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, assembly lines, and production facilitiesPrimarily in manufacturing, construction, and industrial plants

While both roles support manufacturing processes, a Machine Assistant typically assists with setup, maintenance, and support tasks, whereas a Machine Operator directly controls and manages machinery during operation. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and required certifications, with Machine Operators generally needing more specialized training.

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

To thrive as a Machine Assistant, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and possibly certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you efficiently support machine operators and maintain a safe work environment. These skills ensure smooth production processes, reduce downtime, and uphold workplace safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by machine assistants when supporting production machinery, and how can these be managed?

Machine Assistants often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting minor mechanical issues, maintaining consistent production speed, and ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. Adapting to rapidly changing production schedules and learning to operate different types of machinery can also be demanding. These challenges can be managed by proactively communicating with supervisors, following maintenance schedules, and seeking training opportunities to become more familiar with various equipment. Team collaboration and attention to detail are key to effectively overcoming daily obstacles in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Machine jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Machine Assistant jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Machine Assistant job openings:
Machine Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Assistant job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Machine Assistant

Packaging Corporation of America

Northampton, MA

$29.82/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Packaging Corporation Of America rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company.  Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds.  Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence.  We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers.  Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

People • Customers • Trust

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Member of a manufacturing machine crew making corrugated boxes.

Set up and run machine to meet production goals.

Conduct quality checks to ensure sheets meet customer specifications.

Maintain machine and work area cleanliness.

Other duties as assigned.

   

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

High school diploma or GED.

Read and understand basic English.

Must be able to work all assigned overtime.

Strong safety background and good attendance record.

Works well in a team environment.

This job is for 2nd shift, 3pm to 11pm and 3rd shift, 11pm to 7am

 

Minimum 2 years working on manufacturing equipment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Previous experience operating corrugated printing equipment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Starting salary for position: $29.82 per hour. 
  • Bonus: Annual – Based upon achievement of plant performance metrics. 
  • Paid Vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.  
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
  • Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
  • Disclaimer: The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at careers.packagingcorp.com to be considered.

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