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Paper Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOFIDEL

Paper Machine Leader

Inola, OK · On-site

As a Paper Machine Tender, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

wicor

Utility Operator - Paper Machine

Urbana, OH

Utility Operator - Paper Machine 700 W Court St, Urbana, OH 43078, USA Full Time On Site Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment Join our team and ...

Teksky

Machine Superintendent

Madawaska, ME · On-site

Oversee daily operations of paper machine production through team supervision, schedule management ... Maintain and enforce Management Operating Systems across the department. * Provide financial data ...

Magnera Corporation

Machine Operator

Mount Holly, NC

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Machine Operator has the qualifications and business acumen to provide support by setting up ... paper machine by ensuring the start-up cart has a roll and is in proper position and help feed ...

Magnera Corporation

Machine Operator

Mount Holly, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Machine Operator has the qualifications and business acumen to provide support by setting up ... paper machine by ensuring the start-up cart has a roll and is in proper position and help feed ...

Magnera Corporation

Machine Operator

Mount Holly, NC

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Machine Operator has the qualifications and business acumen to provide support by setting up ... paper machine by ensuring the start-up cart has a roll and is in proper position and help feed ...

Westrock

Mgr I, Mfg Ops

Roanoke Rapids, NC · On-site

The Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent engages production operations on one of two paper ... Strong knowledge of safe operating practices, including Behavioral Based Safety * Strong ...

Magnera Corporation

Machine Operator

Mount Holly, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Machine Operator has the qualifications and business acumen to provide support by setting up ... paper machine by ensuring the start-up cart has a roll and is in proper position and help feed ...

Magnera Corporation

Machine Operator

Mount Holly, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The Machine Operator has the qualifications and business acumen to provide support by setting up ... paper machine by ensuring the start-up cart has a roll and is in proper position and help feed ...

Seaman Paper

Machine Operator

Orange, MA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Machine Operator Location: Orange, MA Pay: $18.00-$25.00 per hour Schedule: Full-Time Keep ... Seaman Paper is a global manufacturer of sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions.

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Paper Machine Operator information

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$12

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How much do paper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for paper machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 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.
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Paper Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Paper Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Paper Machine Superintendent

Hartford City, IN • On-site

New-Indy Containerboard
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about New-Indy Containerboardexternal

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Essential Functions of the Job:

  • Foster a culture of safety by developing and implementing processes and procedures that support regulatory compliance and train employees on safe work practices to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Facilitate a culture where the safety focus results in zero injuries and the compliance focus results in zero reportable incidents.
  • Oversee all aspects of paper machine operations and provide technical expertise to ensure production, safety and quality goals are met while managing cost. This requires inspecting materials, products and equipment to detect defects, malfunctions and machine run ability.
  • Collaborate with Maintenance and Mill leadership to plan labor and resource requirements for daily, weekly and monthly production, maintenance and capital projects and to minimize unscheduled downtime.
  • Troubleshoot productivity and quality issues and provide effective corrective actions.
  • Lead and coach personnel on making safe and environmentally sound operating, technical and maintenance decisions and plans to achieve defined performance measures.
  • Provide technical expertise analyzing data as well as physical operating equipment and processes to ensure continuous improvements.
  • Develop department employees through effective communication, training and supervisory skills.
  • Ensure compliance to the Union labor agreement
  • Help create an environment of teamwork and continuous improvement
  • Develop and maintain Production Department crew lists and weekly schedules
  • Collaborate with shift supervisors to develop move-up training plans for each crew

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position supervises exempt and non-exempt support staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training, planning, assigning, and directing; performance reviews, rewarding and disciplining employees and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Physical Demands:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to:
    • Sit at a desk for long periods of time, or sit while driving a car
    • Frequently use hands to type on a computer keyboard, answer the telephone and file documents
    • Frequently walk throughout the mill and occasionally the distance of the manufacturing facility
    • Occasionally reach with hands and arms above the shoulders
    • Vision abilities required are close vision and depth perception
    • Occasionally perform physical tasks that will require lifting of 50 pounds

Work Environment:

  • The noise level within the office is usually quiet and the temperature is regulated to be comfortable.
  • Frequently, the employee is exposed to the Mill work environment which can be hot, and the noise level is loud.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually loud (80+dB). Use of hearing protection is required
  • Frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions
  • Occasionally exposed to loud, moving machinery

Qualifications:

  • Require BA engineering degree or equivalent work experience
  • Require minimum 5 years plus of paper mill experience
  • Require managerial experience

Other skills:

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite and the ability to learn new applications.
  • Strong understanding of computerized maintenance management systems such as Maximo.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Basic mechanical knowledge and aptitude
  • Well-developed people practice, including strong interpersonal skills, the ability to build lasting relationships, provide recognition and demonstrate integrity and high personal standards.
  • Competencies: detail orientated, managerial courage, problem solving, organizational skills

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