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Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Gary, IN (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Waxer Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

RESPONSIBILITIES * Assist Press Operator to mount paper roll on machine using chain hoist. * Blends liquid wax with additives and turns valves to regulate temperature and melt material. * Starts ...

Aerotek

CNC Operator

Chicago Heights, IL

$20 - $22/hr

Use hand tools and basic equipment to support machine operation and material preparation. * Assist with operating CNC machines if needed, following established procedures. * Operate forklifts or ...

Ursitti Enterprises LLC

Tube Mill Operator

Gary, IN

$18 - $25/hr

Structural Tube Mill Machine Operator Location: Gary, Indiana - Easy Highway Access! Industry ... Areas of Operation Entry End Uncoiler / End Welder · Assist with loading, feeding, and positioning ...

Pratt Industries

Stacker 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN

$17.60/hr

Set-up bundler, hold down arm, load former, and delivery end of machine accurately in accordance ... Monitor quality of boxes and report quality problems to the Operator. Assist operator and first ...

Pratt Industries

Stacker 2nd Shift

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$17.60/hr

Set-up bundler, hold down arm, load former, and delivery end of machine accurately in accordance ... Monitor quality of boxes and report quality problems to the Operator. Assist operator and first ...

Jupiter Aluminum

Assistant Operator

Hammond, IN · On-site

Assistant Operator Jupiter Aluminum Corporation Hammond, Indiana Apply Now Position Summary The Assistant Operator supports daily production operations by assisting machine operators with material ...

PTC

Pointer Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.69 - $20.19/hr

Performs duties to set up, adjust, and operate tube pointer machine to reduce the diameter on one ... Refer concerns about tubing quality or equipment condition to Shift Supervisor. * Assist ...

PTC ALLIANCE LLC

Pointer Operator

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$19.69 - $20.19/hr

Performs duties to set up, adjust, and operate tube pointer machine to reduce the diameter on one ... Refer concerns about tubing quality or equipment condition to Shift Supervisor. * Assist ...

PTC ALLIANCE LLC

Pointer Operator

Bedford Park, IL · On-site

$19.69 - $20.44/hr

Performs duties to set up, adjust, and operate tube pointer machine to reduce the diameter on one ... Refer concerns about tubing quality or equipment condition to Shift Supervisor. * Assist ...

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Assistant JobsMachine Operator Assistant Jobs in Gary, IN

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Gary, IN salary details

$13

$18

$22

How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Gary, IN is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Machine Operator Assistant vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Operator AssistantMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in manufacturing or production settings, working alongside machine operatorsOperates machinery directly in manufacturing or industrial environments
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machine operation, performs basic maintenance, and monitors equipmentControls and manages machinery, ensures quality, and troubleshooting

The Machine Operator Assistant primarily supports and assists the Machine Operator in daily tasks, focusing on preparation and basic maintenance. The Machine Operator takes on the responsibility of running and managing machinery independently. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but the Machine Operator has more advanced technical duties and decision-making authority.

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

To thrive as a Machine Operator Assistant, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to use measuring tools or computer systems is often required. Reliability, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient machine operation and help maintain smooth production processes in manufacturing environments.

What is a machine operator assistant?

Machine Operator Assistants support machine operators by preparing materials, monitoring equipment, and ensuring a smooth production process in manufacturing environments. Their tasks often include loading and unloading materials, cleaning machines, inspecting products for quality, and assisting with machine maintenance. They help maintain efficiency and safety in the workplace and may also document production data or report equipment issues. This role is key for keeping manufacturing lines running smoothly and efficiently.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator assistant?

The average hourly wage for a machine operator assistant typically ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials may also increase total compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine operator assistant, and how can they be overcome?

Machine Operator Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, ensuring safety compliance, and minimizing machine downtime. To overcome these, it's important to stay attentive to operational protocols, communicate effectively with machine operators and team members, and proactively report any equipment issues. Continuous learning and on-the-job training can also help assistants rapidly build the skills necessary to troubleshoot minor problems and contribute to a smooth workflow.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Gary, IN?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Gary, IN are:

What cities near Gary, IN are hiring for Machine Operator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Gary, IN with the most Machine Operator Assistant job openings:

Machine Operator Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Gary, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,282 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Waxer Operator

Novolex

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 23 days ago

Novolex rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Company Overview
Why Choose Us?
Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.
Our Sustainability Commitment
The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.
Job Description
Novolex, Where Packaging Innovation Meets Career Opportunities!
Waxer|Chicago|HIRING IMMEDIATELY
POSITION SUMMARY
Sets up and operates wax coater mounted in line with a flexographic printing press to coat rolls of paper with paraffin wax blend for use in making butter, candy and confectionary and food service wrappers. Waxer Operator usually works in team with a Press Operator on presses equipped with waxer that coats paper by threading paper through waxer machine and starts end of paper around rewind core.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Five or more years of hands on experience operating a web fed converting machine. Two years minimum experience as a coater helper or operator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assist Press Operator to mount paper roll on machine using chain hoist.
  • Blends liquid wax with additives and turns valves to regulate temperature and melt material.
  • Starts coating machine and adjusts controls to regulate machine feed, temperature of wax, cooling rolls, or cold water bath, and tension of paper feed.
  • Weighs standard-size paper sheets before and after coating and calculates weight of wax to verify that coating meets customer specifications.
  • Cuts sample of printed/coated material from end of printed roll and inspects for imperfections.
  • Cleans waxer rollers, wax tanks, cooling cylinders, cold water bath tanks and blending system.
  • Observes mechanical operation and indicating gauges, such as thermometers, steam pressure/temperature and air pressure gauges to ensure that specified operating levels are maintained and make specified adjustments when malfunction occurs.
  • Splices breaks in paper, using tape
  • Removes rewound roll or sheets from machine with hoist, and pulls shaft from core by hand. Shafts can weigh up to or in excess of 100 lbs. (required to lift with partner).
  • Weighs, labels and marks printed/coated rolls and moves to Slitter area.
  • Required at times to retrieve and return ink drums to press area or to ink storage room.
  • Cleans waxer and work area, keeps daily time, production, and material usage reports.
  • Conform to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's).
  • Conform to Safe Quality Food (SQF) procedures and policies to assure products are suitable for direct food contact.
  • Responsible for inspecting and reporting any product quality or food safety issues to the Quality Assurance Manager (SQF Practitioner), Management Team member or lead person.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/COMPETENCIES
  • Basic mechanical aptitude.
  • Ability to lift at minimum 50 lbs.
  • Basic computer skills.

#INDIIB
Company Benefits
What You'll Get From Us
Benefits
With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.
Community Engagement
At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.
Training and Development
We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.
Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.
Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

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