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

Spine Senior Sales Leader

Lisle, IL · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

... and plasma-rich protein products for indicated use throughout the body). The Spine Sales Leader ... operating room. You will work with a high degree of intensity and commitment to selling Arthrex ...

Perfusionist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65.45 - $109.96/hr

Operating Room Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 ... Summary: The staff perfusionist sets-up the heart-lung machine, intra-aortic balloon pump ...

Perfusionist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65.45 - $109.96/hr

Operating Room Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 ... Summary: The staff perfusionist sets-up the heart-lung machine, intra-aortic balloon pump ...

Spine Senior Sales Leader

Lisle, IL · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

... and plasma-rich protein products for indicated use throughout the body). The Spine Sales Leader ... operating room. You will work with a high degree of intensity and commitment to selling Arthrex ...

Perfusionist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65.45 - $109.96/hr

Operating Room Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule ... Summary: The staff perfusionist sets-up the heart-lung machine, intra-aortic balloon pump ...

Spine Senior Sales Leader

Lisle, IL · On-site

$85K - $150K/yr

... and plasma-rich protein products for indicated use throughout the body). The Spine Sales Leader ... operating room. You will work with a high degree of intensity and commitment to selling Arthrex ...

Uses fabrication machines such as sheet metal shears, press brakes, hand brakes and lock formers ... Cuts sheet metal to size by using reciprocating saws, sabre saws, hand and power shears and plasma ...

Uses fabrication machines such as sheet metal shears, press brakes, hand brakes and lock formers ... Cuts sheet metal to size by using reciprocating saws, sabre saws, hand and power shears and plasma ...

... machines such as sheet metal shears, press brakes, hand brakes and lock formers. • Cuts sheet ... plasma cutters and joins metals together using spot welders. • Complies with all applicable ...

Showing results 41-60

Plasma Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do plasma machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for plasma machine operator in Chicago, IL is $18.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Plasma Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and machine operation, typically supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC plasma cutting machines, CAD/CAM software, and safety protocols is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for minimizing errors and ensuring smooth workflow. These abilities are vital for producing precise parts efficiently and maintaining a safe, productive work environment.

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

Plasma Machine Operators often face challenges related to maintaining precision and safety while working with high-temperature equipment. Ensuring accurate cuts and minimizing material waste requires strong attention to detail and ongoing calibration of the machinery. Operators may also encounter issues with equipment malfunction or material inconsistencies, which can be addressed through regular maintenance checks and clear communication with the maintenance team. Staying updated on safety protocols and collaborating with teammates in fabrication or quality control helps ensure smooth workflow and high-quality output.

What is a plasma machine operator?

A Plasma Machine Operator is a skilled worker who operates plasma cutting machines to cut, shape, or modify metal and other materials based on specific blueprints or instructions. They are responsible for setting up the machine, selecting the correct settings, loading materials, and ensuring precise and safe operation throughout the process. Plasma Machine Operators often work in manufacturing, fabrication, or metalworking environments, and may also be responsible for routine maintenance and quality control checks on the equipment.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Plasma Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,967 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Maintenance Technician - 2nd Shift

MSI Express, Inc.

Portage, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


MSI Express rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:

Role Purpose/Position Summary

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for troubleshoot, repair, and maintain equipment in accordance with electrical diagrams, sketches, operation manuals, and/or manufacturer's specifications. This while adhering to safety procedures and/or protocols and established Good Manufacturing Processes to ensure that product integrity and customers' specifications are preserved. The Maintenance Technician will utilize an electronic CMMS system to document work orders for work performed.

Key Accountabilities/Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Performs routine maintenance, such as inspecting drives, or belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, or doing other preventive maintenance actions such as lubrication of shafts, bearings, gears, and other parts of the machinery.

  • All work will utilize an electronic CMMS system using a mobile device to document work performed

  • Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains mechanical and electrical equipment such as: motors, pneumatics, electronic boards, PLC's, touch screens, displays, contactors, conveyors, blending, scaling, filling, cartoning coding/printing, electrical, compressed air, vacuum hydraulic and bulk-filling systems using appropriate tools, precision measuring instruments, or electrical or electronic testing devices.

  • Electricity systems related to production and plant support equipment ranging from single phase to three phase equipment along with voltages ranging from 5VDC - 480 VAC

  • Electrical wiring, relay logic, control and safety circuits

  • Uses checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalogs, as necessary.

  • Teardown and rebuilds gearboxes, clutches, actuators, and other assembles related to equipment repairs

  • Records and reports damaged, worn, or broken parts

  • Thoroughly cleans machines and machine parts, removing parts and reinstalling as necessary

  • Proficient in using all hand tools, power tools, shop equipment such as: drill press, surface grinders, torch, plasma cutter, pipe threader, breaks, presses, calipers, micrometers, other measuring instruments, and test equipment

  • Fabricates parts, guarding, and parts modifications for equipment repairs and improvements

  • Welds different grades of metal for repairs and fabrication using different plant welding techniques (i.e. MIG, TIG, and Arc)

  • Troubleshoots HVAC systems as needed

  • Follows all company policies including but not limited to general manufacturing and safety practices

  • This position has responsibility for Food Safety and Quality within their influence. The associate in this job has the responsibility to report, in a timely manner, Food Safety and Quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action on those problems

  • Train junior or new technicians on equipment, procedures and troubleshooting practices

  • Trains operators or other support staff in best practices, operation, and setup of equipment.

  • Completes Preventative maintenance, product changeovers, corrective and breakdown maintenance as requested.

  • Perform any other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (education, skills, knowledge, and abilities)

Entry Level and Above

  • Ability to write work orders, parts requests, shift logs, routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance manuals

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, stoop, reach, stretch, step, climb and/or sit frequently or through the duration of the shift

  • Required to reach with hands and arms, climb, or maintain balance

  • Ability to use ladders and/or climb stairs

  • Have appropriate eye, hand and foot coordination to properly execute tasks

  • PC or tablet competency, and ability to use handheld devices

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly; and occasionally lift and or move up to 100 pounds with or without assistance

  • Minimum of High School Diploma required

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in an industrial setting required. Preferably in the food manufacturing industry

Mid-Level and Above

  • 2 - 6 years of experience in an industrial setting, in similar role required, preferably in the food manufacturing industry

  • 2-year technical or community college degree preferred

  • Experience with electrical controls

  • Experience in maintaining and troubleshooting electrical and electronic experience preferred

  • Basic to intermediate knowledge of PLC troubleshooting preferred

Advanced Level

  • 7 years of experience in an industrial setting, in similar role required. Preferably in the food industry

  • 2-year AAS degree preferred

  • Advanced skills with troubleshooting PLC's preferred

  • Electrician's license preferred

  • Welding experience/certification preferred

  • Metal fabrication experience preferred

MSI Express is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


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