Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Gardner, MA (NOW HIRING)

Location: Orange, MA
Pay: $18.00–$25.00 per hour
Schedule: Full-Time

Seaman Paper is a global manufacturer of sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions. Family-owned and headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, we've been manufacturing in Massachusetts since 1946 and continue to grow our operations around the world.

We're looking for dependable and motivated Machine Operators to join our manufacturing team in Gardner, MA. You'll operate equipment used to process and convert paper products while helping ensure production runs safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards.

Whether you have previous manufacturing experience or are looking to build your skills in a hands-on environment, this role offers an opportunity to grow with a stable and expanding company.

• Set up and operate paper converting equipment, including sheeters, slitters, and crepe streamer machines.
• Load and unload paper rolls using forklifts, clamp trucks, and overhead hoists.
• Thread materials through machines and adjust settings such as knives, tension, and alignment.
• Monitor equipment and make adjustments to maintain production and quality standards.
• Perform routine quality checks, including measuring roll length, weight, and diameter.
• Maintain appropriate levels of production supplies, including glue and packaging materials.
• Complete production records, quality documentation, and required paperwork accurately.
• Work with team members to rotate duties and provide support during breaks and high-volume periods.
• Identify and report product defects, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and assist with light equipment maintenance.
• Keep machinery and work areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Participate in cross-training and continuous improvement activities.
• Follow company safety procedures, quality standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).

• Previous machine operating or manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Basic math, measurement, and documentation skills.
• Ability to identify and communicate production or equipment issues.
• Comfortable working around machinery in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Forklift, clamp truck, or overhead hoist experience is a plus.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Competitive pay — $18.00–$25.00 per hour.
• Hands-on work — Operate and learn to work with industrial paper converting equipment.
• Build your skills — Develop valuable machine operation, manufacturing, and troubleshooting skills.
• Stable company — Join a family-owned organization with a long history of success.
• Meaningful work — Help produce sustainable paper and packaging solutions used by customers around the world.
• Career growth — Build your skills and pursue opportunities within a growing manufacturing organization.
• Comprehensive benefits — Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Company-Funded HRA Contributions, Company-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, and Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Coverage.

This is a hands-on manufacturing position. The role requires standing and walking throughout the production facility, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and working around operating machinery and continuous machine noise.

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand and move throughout the production facility for extended periods.
• Bend, turn, twist, push, pull, and reach as needed.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Safely operate forklifts, clamp trucks, overhead hoists, and other equipment after completing required training and certification.
• Work safely around moving machinery and production equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and a job-related physical examination. The physical examination will assess the candidate's ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

All pre-employment screening will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts laws and company policies.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Seaman Paper is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs.

If you're dependable, hands-on, and ready to build your skills in a manufacturing environment, apply today and become part of the Seaman Paper team!

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time based on business needs.