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Packing Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ... Covers breaks for feeders and packers in zone * Supplies the correct corrugate, bags and other ...

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ... Covers breaks for feeders and packers in zone * Supplies the correct corrugate, bags and other ...

Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ... Covers breaks for feeders and packers in zone * Supplies the correct corrugate, bags and other ...

Machine Operator - Cartons

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Machine Operator - Cartons Department St. Charles Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27 ... Covers breaks for feeders and packers in zone * Supplies the correct corrugate, bags and other ...

YOU As a Machine Operator you are responsible for operating the assigned machinery, ensuring it ... packing and labeling equipment performing minor repairs when required. (10%) Inspect and audit ...

Machine Operator

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$20.53/hr

The Machine Operator reports to the Production Manager/Supervisor. The job holder has the ... unloading, packing & labeling), in compliance with legal and company rules. Primary ...

... packing, and hand packing. Operation of molding equipment involves performing short-cycle ... Machine Operator: The starting rate of pay for this position is $20.70. Our Expectations We expect ...

Assistant Machine Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.57 - $26.97/hr

Assistant Cup Machine Operator St. Charles, IL Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.57/hr - $26.97 ... Help cover Packers for breaks as necessary * Knowledge of appropriate lockout/tag out procedures as ...

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Packing Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do packing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for packing machine operator in Chicago, IL is $16.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $17.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a packing machine operator do?

A Packing Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that package products for shipment or sale. They ensure packaging meets quality standards, troubleshoot issues with the equipment, and monitor the packing process for efficiency. Operators also keep records of production and may perform basic maintenance or repairs on the machines. This role is essential in manufacturing, food processing, and various industries to ensure products are safely and efficiently packaged.

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

To thrive as a Packing Machine Operator, you need a good understanding of mechanical operations, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packing machinery, basic computer skills, and safety certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions precisely distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring efficient production, minimizing downtime, and maintaining safety and quality standards in manufacturing environments.

What are the most common challenges faced by packing machine operators in a manufacturing setting?

Packing Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as managing tight production schedules, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and maintaining high accuracy to prevent packaging errors. Adapting to new machinery or updated processes can also require ongoing learning and attention to detail. Working efficiently while adhering to safety protocols and quality standards is essential, and effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors helps resolve issues quickly and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Packing Machine Operator vs Packaging Technician?

AspectPacking Machine OperatorPackaging Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsManufacturing facilities, quality control labs, packaging departments
Job FocusOperating and maintaining packing machineryDesigning, testing, and improving packaging processes

The main difference is that Packing Machine Operators focus on running and maintaining packing machinery, while Packaging Technicians are involved in designing and improving packaging systems. Both roles require similar certifications and work in manufacturing environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What job categories do people searching Packing Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Packing Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Packing Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,165 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Machine Operator - Cartons

Novolex

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$21.95 - $27.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 23 days ago


Novolex rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

64th of 121 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

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.


Machine Operator - Cartons Department

St. Charles

Compensation Includes

  • Pay Range $21.95/hr - $27.44/hr + $1.50/hr shift differential for the 3rd shift 

Available Shift

  • 3rd: 11:00pm - 7:00am, Mon-Fri 

Overview

The Cartons Machine Operator position is responsible for consistently operates a zone of forming machines at or above standard levels of operation considering waste, efficiency and utilization. Trouble shoot, identify and correct machine related problems through proper adjustments to various parts of the machine. Provide innovative solutions for production problems.

Responsibilities

  • Performs minor repairs during production
  • Performs daily and weekly machine maintenance
  • Conducts quality checks at regular intervals. Takes corrective action to fix defects identified
  • Make appropriate adjustments or repairs to ensure that the quality of the cartons meets specifications and that the machines operate properly
  • Assist Operators in troubleshooting complex problems on their machines
  • Communicates with the operator from the previous and following shifts to review any problems experienced on the machines throughout the department
  • Communicates with supervisor to determine priorities for the day and identify any change overs or other special directions related to the department
  • Communicates production information to crew members
  • Performs purge procedures when changing to a new product and completes the required checklists
  • Covers breaks for feeders and packers in zone
  • Supplies the correct corrugate, bags and other supplies matching the job jacket, ensuring components are available for packers
  • Completes appropriate end of shift paperwork, accounting for crewing time, machine time, and production quantities
  • Reads and understands job jackets. Uses information to ensure machine is set up and production is running according to specification
  • Completes quality paperwork and hour by hour
  • Follows LOTO and alternative LOTO procedures
  • Maintains a clean and orderly work area
  • Properly adjusts machine settings to follow Standard Line Conditions
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Enters daily production data on PC and adjustments that were made to the machines

Qualifications

  • 2 years related experience
  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk
  • Uses hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools and controls
  • The employee frequently is required to talk and hear to communicate with crew members
  • Required to climb, stoop, bend and reach with hands and arms
  • The employee is occasionally required to push or pull with hands or arms, kneel or crouch
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to distinguish shades and colors
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and effectively with little to no supervision
  • Positive work attitude and willingness to cooperate
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • The noise level in the work environment is consistently above 85 decibels
  • Able to work with dust from paper converting process
  • The employee constantly works near moving mechanical parts and lift trucks
  • Ambient temp and humidity may be elevated during the summer months

#INDQSR


What 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


What Novolex employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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