Machine Helper Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Slitter Operator Helper supports the safe and efficient operation of slitter and rewinder equipment used to convert master rolls of paper, film, foil, and other flexible materials into finished rolls that meet customer specifications. This role is for our second shift from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

This position assists Slitter Operators with machine preparation, material loading, machine threading, basic splicing, core preparation, finished-roll handling, packaging, labeling, and production area organization. The Slitter Operator Helper also inspects materials for visible defects, gathers required supplies, completes basic production documentation, and moves finished products to designated staging or shipping areas.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Previous manufacturing, warehouse, machine helper, or material-handling experience is preferred. This position provides hands-on training and a defined opportunity to advance into a Slitter Operator role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist Slitter Operators with machine setup and breakdown, including staging materials, loading master rolls, preparing shafts and cores, threading materials, and gathering required tooling and supplies.
• Review work orders and production instructions to confirm the correct materials, dimensions, core sizes, packaging supplies, labels, and customer requirements.
• Load and unload master rolls, finished rolls, shafts, cores, skids, and other materials using forklifts, hoists, and approved material-handling equipment.
• Perform basic splicing and assist with maintaining continuous material flow during production runs.
• Cut cores and prepare skids, boxes, core plugs, wrapping materials, labels, and other packaging supplies needed to complete production orders.
• Remove finished rolls from the rewind section and inspect materials for visible defects, proper winding, acceptable edges, contamination, wrinkles, damage, and other quality concerns.
• Measure materials and finished rolls using tape measures, rulers, calipers, or other approved measuring devices to verify that products meet job specifications.
• Package, label, wrap, band, and stage finished products according to customer specifications, work orders, and shipping requirements.
• Complete basic production records and Epicor transactions, including material usage, finished quantities, scrap, packaging information, and job completion details.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production area while following all company safety procedures, quality standards, forklift requirements, and personal protective equipment guidelines.
• Assist with basic equipment cleaning and operator-level maintenance while promptly reporting machine, material, safety, or quality concerns to the Slitter Operator or supervisor.
• Participate in training and cross-training, support additional converting or material-handling activities as needed, and complete other duties assigned by management.
  

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• One to three years of experience in manufacturing, production, warehousing, packaging, material handling, or a related industrial environment is preferred.
• Previous experience as a machine helper, production associate, slitter helper, rewinder helper, or material handler is preferred but not required.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, production instructions, labels, customer specifications, safety procedures, and basic production records.
• Ability to use tape measures, rulers, calipers, or other measuring devices accurately.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing quality standards and the ability to identify visible material, winding, cutting, packaging, or labeling defects.
• Forklift experience is preferred, along with the ability to obtain and maintain company-required forklift certification.
• Basic math, computer, and record-keeping skills needed to document production activity and complete Epicor transactions.
• Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, dependability, and the ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a production team.
• Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn machine threading, splicing, roll handling, slitter and rewinder setup, quality inspection, and equipment operation.
  

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and 401(k) benefits.
• Hands-on training and cross-training opportunities within The Griff Network’s converting operations.
• Opportunities to expand knowledge of slitting, rewinding, sheeting, laminating, coating, extrusion, and other material-converting processes.
• A defined career path with opportunities to advance into Slitter Operator, Slitter Operator Lead, Supervisor, and other production leadership positions.
• Opportunities to grow with the company as new technical skills, responsibilities, and leadership capabilities are developed.
• A supportive team environment within a stable, family-owned manufacturing company.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods, including up to eight hours during a scheduled shift. The employee is also required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment, handle tools and materials, position blades and machine components, reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, and communicate effectively with team members.

The position requires the ability to load, unload, move, position, and prepare production materials, master rolls, finished rolls, shafts, cores, tooling, and packaging supplies. The employee must be able to regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 100 pounds, with or without assistance or approved material-handling equipment.

The employee must be able to work around moving production equipment, cutting components, forklifts, roll-handling equipment, and industrial machinery while following all safety procedures and wearing required personal protective equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Griff Network is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.

The Griff Network is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, family-operated manufacturer and distributor specializing in paper, film, foil, plastics, custom converting, laminating, coating, slitting, sheeting, and related manufacturing solutions. Established in 1977 and headquartered in Fallsington, PA, Griff has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and hands-on manufacturing expertise.

Joining The Griff Network is a great opportunity to build a long-term career in manufacturing within our production and warehouse teams. We take pride in offering a family-style culture where employees are valued, supported, and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Safety, teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement are at the center of how we operate.

Whether you are experienced in manufacturing or looking to grow your skills in a hands-on environment, The Griff Network offers the opportunity to learn, contribute, and be part of a company that cares about its people and the products we deliver to our customers.