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

Machine Operator Assistant POSITION OBJECTIVE: The machine assistant will be responsible for keeping the machines supplied with paper, ink, glue, and cartons while learning the mechanics of the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Paper Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do paper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper machine operator in Chicago, IL is $18.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $19.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paper machine operator?

Paper Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for running and maintaining machines that produce paper from raw materials like wood pulp. They monitor machine settings, inspect finished paper for quality, and adjust equipment as needed to ensure efficient operation. Their duties also include troubleshooting mechanical problems and performing routine maintenance. Paper Machine Operators play a vital role in the manufacturing process, ensuring that paper products meet industry standards and customer requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paper machine operator?

To thrive as a Paper Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical operations, troubleshooting, and production processes, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, computerized control systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help operators manage workflow and respond quickly to issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and ensuring a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by paper machine operators on the job?

Paper Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent machine performance, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring product quality standards are met. The fast-paced environment requires quick decision-making and attention to detail, especially when responding to unexpected issues like paper breaks or mechanical faults. Operators must also coordinate closely with maintenance crews and quality control teams to minimize downtime and keep production running smoothly.

What is the difference between Paper Machine Operator vs Paper Mill Technician?

AspectPaper Machine OperatorPaper Mill Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floor of paper mills, operating machineryMaintenance and repair areas within paper mills, supporting machinery
Industry UsagePrimarily in paper manufacturing plantsInvolved in maintaining and troubleshooting paper production equipment

The Paper Machine Operator focuses on running and monitoring paper production machines, ensuring quality and efficiency. In contrast, the Paper Mill Technician primarily handles maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting of equipment. Both roles are essential in paper manufacturing, often working closely to ensure smooth operations.

What does a paper machine operator do?

A paper machine operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of paper manufacturing machines to produce quality paper products. They set up equipment, adjust machine settings, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed in a manufacturing environment. Strong technical skills and attention to detail are essential for maintaining efficient production and troubleshooting issues.

What are popular job titles related to Paper Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Paper Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paper Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,599 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Machine Operator II - 3rd Shift - Packaging

Glanbia

Aurora, IL

$27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Glanbia Performance Nutrition rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Immediate Hiring for experienced Machine Operator Leads at Glanbia Performance Nutrition!

Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Illinois. This range may not be applicable to other locations. The hourly rate for Illinois based employees for this role is $27.50/hour ($24.50/hour + $3.00 shift differential).

Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, FSA, HSA, Life & Disability Insurance, 19 Days Paid Time Off and 6% 401K match!

 

Monday through Friday set schedule!

  • 3rd Shift: 10:00pm-6:30am

Join the Glanbia Performance Nutrition team as a Machine Operator Leads (Machine Operator IIs). We are holding next-day interviews and have multiple shift opportunities available!

When you join our manufacturing team, you will enjoy the chance to develop your career and stretch your skills in an environment that requires innovation, initiative, and teamwork!

 

What you'll do:

As a Machine Operator II, you will be responsible for the overall operations and leadership of different types of manufacturing equipment including maintaining and adjusting machines during operations and downtime cleaning activities

 

Every day, you can expect to:

  • Work with known allergens
    • Most common allergens found in the plant/warehouse environment include, but are not limited to, milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanut and tree nut
  • Be able to successfully perform setups on multiple manufacturing machines
  • Understand the differences in powders and be able to successfully perform the procedures associated with allergen and flavor cleans
  • Responsible for filling out paper reports correctly and clearly (parts, allergen clean and flavor change sheets, safety audits, etc.)
  • Ability to load, unload, move, count/pick, stack and stage product and materials using a sit down forklift, stand-up forklift, or other MHE as required.
  • Perform Root Cause Analysis on the machines
  • Trains new hires to ensure new talent share our values
  • Support and abide by the company's safety program and all safety initiatives, policies and procedures.
  • Report all injuries to the Supervisor immediately
  • Ensure plant personnel practice safe work habits and follow safety rules.
  • Ensure that work procedures are being followed in a consistent manner (Safety, Quality, GMP, MAV, HACCP)
  • Know and Understand lock out/tag procedures in the department
  • Perform safety inspections and be aware of all the safety points on the machines and/or MHE
  • Communicate with the appropriate Leadership if issues arise in regards to safety and/or quality issues
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): lab coat, safety shoes, safety glasses, bump cap, hearing protection, hair net, beard net, and nitrile gloves
  • Trouble-shoot issues before making adjustments on the machines after training is completed
  • Working with the maintenance department on improvements
  • Changing parts of the machines to operate with different types of products
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


To thrive in this role, you must:

  • Lift up to 55 lbs. on an occasional basis 6 inches off Ground to Waist.
  • Lift up to 30 lbs. on an occasional basis Waist to Shoulder.
  • Carry up to 55 lbs. on an occasional basis up to 5 ft.
  • Be able to pull a 55lb bag from a height of 60 inches on an occasional basis.
  • Be able to successfully perform setups on manufacturing machines assigned to
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate in English fluently
  • Knowledge of or familiar with GMP's/HACCP
  • Required 1 year of food environment or consumer product experience
  • Preferred 6 months of experience operating PIT

 

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the particular job. It is intended only to be a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type.

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. 

At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.


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