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Machine Operator Jobs in Paterson, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$20.29/hr

Production Machine Operator Elizabeth, NJ Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $20.29/hour Overview Responsible for the safe operation of various types of bag machines in order to produce ...

Machine Operator

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$20.29/hr

Production Machine Operator Elizabeth, NJ Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $20.29/hour Overview Responsible for the safe operation of various types of bag machines in order to produce ...

Machine Operator

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$20.29/hr

Production Machine Operator Elizabeth, NJ Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $20.29/hour Overview Responsible for the safe operation of various types of bag machines in order to produce ...

Production Machine Operator Elizabeth, NJ Compensation Includes * Starting Pay Rate of $20.29/hour Overview Responsible for the safe operation of various types of bag machines in order to produce ...

Machine Operator

Sloatsburg, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Warby Parker is searching for a motivated Machine Operator to join the Maintenance Team at our best-in-class optical lab. The primary focus of this entry level position is to learn to maintain ...

Place material in machine in order to produce part of a finished product or a finished roduct. Ensure material being used is made for machine and for the item being produced. Essential Functions:

Place material in machine in order to produce part of a finished product or a finished roduct. Ensure material being used is made for machine and for the item being produced. Essential Functions:

Place material in machine in order to produce part of a finished product or a finished roduct. Ensure material being used is made for machine and for the item being produced. Essential Functions:

Machine Operator

Englewood, NJ

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

The maintenance mechanical perform work involving skill sets of two or more Maintenace occupations to keep machines, mechanicals equipment or the structure of establishment in repair. Duties may ...

Machine Operator

Englewood, NJ

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Duties may involve boiler tending, welding, machining, carpentry, repairing electrical o mechanical equipment, installing new machinery and repairing electrical or mechanical equipment, installing ...

Machine Operator I 01/30/2017 to 01/28/2018 Pay Rate $12.50/hr Parsippany, NJ, USA, 07054 Key Duties/Responsibilities: The ECM Operator will: - Observe company safety rules and regulations. - Operate ...

Machine Operator

Lyndhurst, NJ · On-site

$19.70/hr

Manufacturing / Packaging Operator Pay: $19.70 + shift differential Location: Lyndhurst Shift Differentials * 3rd Shift: +$0.50/hour * C/D Shifts: +$1.25/hour Available Schedules * Monday-Friday ...

Machine Operator II

Morris Plains, NJ · On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

Machine Operator II Contract Period : 12 Months (Possible Extension) Work Location: Morristown, NJ, 07950 Description: PROCESS OPERATOR II Shift: 1st shift 6am-2:30pm 40 hours/week Job Summary:

Showing results 21-40

Machine Operator information

See Paterson, NJ salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Paterson, NJ is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by machine operators and how can they be addressed?

Machine operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues usually involves diligent machine maintenance, following safety protocols, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Many companies provide ongoing training to help operators stay up to date with new machinery and processes, fostering a supportive environment for troubleshooting and skill development.

What is the work of a machine operator?

A machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial machinery to produce goods or components. They monitor equipment for proper functioning, perform quality checks, and follow safety protocols, often using tools like control panels and gauges. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and sometimes certification or training in specific machinery.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator?

The average salary for a machine operator in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $25,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn over $60,000 annually. Many machine operators work full-time shifts, often requiring knowledge of specific machinery and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Machine Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, production linesConstruction sites, mining, heavy machinery operation
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, assemblyConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating specific machinery like presses, lathes, or CNC machinesOperating heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or excavators

While both roles involve operating machinery, Machine Operators typically work with manufacturing equipment in factories, focusing on production machinery. Equipment Operators usually handle heavy construction or earth-moving equipment in outdoor environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the work settings and machinery types differ significantly.

What is a machine operator?

Machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, monitor machine output, and perform routine inspections or minor repairs as needed. Machine operators often work with specialized equipment and are trained to follow safety protocols and quality standards. Their role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and meeting production targets.

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

To thrive as a Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or CNC machinery are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient machine operation and minimizing production downtime.

What do machine operators do?

Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Paterson, NJ? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Paterson, NJ are:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Operator jobs in Paterson, NJ? For Machine Operator jobs in Paterson, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Paterson, NJ are hiring for Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Paterson, NJ with the most Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Paterson, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,491 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Machine Operator

Novolex

Elizabeth, NJ • On-site

$20.29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


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 OverviewWhy 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

Production Machine Operator

Elizabeth, NJ

Compensation Includes

  • Starting Pay Rate of $20.29/hour   

Overview

Responsible for the safe operation of various types of bag machines in order to produce high quality bags. These may include, but are not limited to, shopping, merchandise, and grocery and sack machines.

Responsibilities 

  • Continuously perform all required tasks in a safe manner, adhering to all established safety rules and procedures i.e. PPE, clothing, EHS, moving equipment, cut resistant gloves, etc.
  • Check bags for quality defects off the machine and do all quality checks and paperwork as per Quality Policy
  • Safely and efficiently:
    • Strip rolls down, removing liner and /or bands and removing minimal layers of damaged paper
    • Change roll, make splice by hand, maneuver roll into position, adhere roll to web on machine, and adjust paper rolls
    • Monitor bag machinery, starting, stopping, jogging, and adjusting as needed in a timely manner
    • Threading paper through machine smoothly and thread machine as needed
    • Clean and repair machine as needed using proper tools and equipment
    • Maintain ink levels, clean ink pans and wash rollers
    • Package bags as specified
    • Change orders
  • Submit accurate production reports daily and timely
  • Meet/achieve safety, quality, production waste and housekeeping goals set forth by management
  • Other miscellaneous duties as assigned by management

Qualifications

  • High school diploma, GED, or applicable work experience
  • Experience working in a warehouse environment
  • Reading, writing and basic math skills are needed for this job
  • Must be able to problem-solve to make sure that minor adjustments made to machinery are correct
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with other employees and management
  • Must have good eyesight (no colorblindness) to spot flaws in color comparison, print set-up, etc. as bags or film come off the production line
Company BenefitsWhat You'll Get From UsBenefits

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

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Novolex employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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