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Plastic Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Century Mold Co

Machine Operator - A (Day) Shift

Pulaski, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

The plastics industry is full of challenges and the Century Mold team prides themselves on their ... Our Machine Operators are essential to Century Mold's success by ensuring that our manufacturing ...

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CRH

Machine Operator (2nd Shift)

Franklin, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Machine Operator (2nd Shift) Architectural Products Group Franklin, Tennessee, United States Job ID ... plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle ...

CRH

Machine Operator (2nd Shift)

Franklin, TN

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

... plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle ... Performs routine machine maintenance * Assists other operators to set up machines and any other ...

Victaulic

Machine Operator-Bristol,Tennessee

Gray, TN

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Retrieve all packaging and safety supplies as needed (Pallets, cardboard, plastic wrap, gloves, etc ... machine tools including the set-up and the selection of the proper operating parameters. Why ...

Clayens

3rd Shift - Machine Operator I

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$15.25/hr

Performs inspection and packaging of plastic parts. Adheres to all plant and OSHA safety policies ... Must be able to run 2 Injection Mold machines independently by six month mark. * Processes ...

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All JobsPlastic Machine Operator JobsPlastic Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Plastic Machine Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$14

$17

How much do plastic machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic machine operator in Tennessee is $14.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plastic Machine Operator vs Injection Molding Technician?

AspectPlastic Machine OperatorInjection Molding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsFactories, manufacturing plants, often working directly with molds
Job FocusOperating plastic extrusion or molding machinesSetting up, maintaining, troubleshooting injection molds
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in some industries, but generally distinct roles

While both roles work within plastic manufacturing, Plastic Machine Operators primarily focus on running and monitoring plastic extrusion or molding machines, whereas Injection Molding Technicians specialize in setting up and maintaining injection molds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is plastic injection molding a good career?

Plastic machine operators specializing in injection molding play a key role in manufacturing, operating and maintaining molding machines to produce plastic parts. The career offers steady employment opportunities, requires technical skills, and often involves working in a factory environment with safety protocols. Advancement can include supervisory roles or specialized technical positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Machine Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. To address these issues, operators typically follow preventive maintenance schedules, closely monitor equipment settings, and quickly troubleshoot minor problems. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams are essential to minimize downtime and ensure smooth workflow. Continuous training on new technologies and safety procedures also helps operators stay effective in their roles.

How much does a mold setter make?

A mold setter, often working in manufacturing or plastic production, typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled mold setters who operate complex machinery and have certifications may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical manufacturing, where operators may earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements. Senior or lead machine operators with advanced certifications and extensive experience tend to earn the highest salaries in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with on-the-job training or technical coursework. Familiarity with injection molding machines, CNC equipment, and quality control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient production and maintaining high product quality in a manufacturing environment.

What are Plastic Machine Operators?

Plastic Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that mold, form, or fabricate plastic products. They ensure the machinery runs smoothly, monitor product quality, and make necessary adjustments to maintain production standards. These operators often work in manufacturing environments and must follow safety protocols while handling equipment and materials. Their role is crucial in producing various plastic items used in everyday life.

What is a plastic machine operator?

A plastic machine operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used to produce plastic products, such as injection molding or extrusion machines. They monitor machine performance, ensure quality standards, and troubleshoot issues during production shifts, often requiring knowledge of safety procedures and technical skills.
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Machine Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Machine Operator jobs in TN? For Plastic Machine Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plastic Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Machine Operator job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,405 per year, or $14.6 per hour.
Assistant Machine Operator

Assistant Machine Operator

Sealed Air Corporation

La Vergne, TN • On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Sealed Air rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 112 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Sealed Air designs and delivers packaging solutions that protect essential goods transported worldwide, preserve food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We strive to foster a caring, high-performance growth culture that will deliver consistent, sustainable profitable growth and accelerate our performance – a culture where accountability is clear and aligned, and where we reward business outcomes and impact. That culture guides everything we do, including how we partner with our customers and suppliers, how we attract and retain top talent, and how we create and deliver value for our stakeholders. In 2024, Sealed Air generated $5.4 billion in revenue and had approximately 16,400 employees distributing products and services to 117 countries/territories around the world. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.

Job Description

Shift: Day shift
Schedule: 6 AM to 2:30 PM; Monday - Friday
Pay Rate: $22.00 - $23.00/hr (Depending on experience)


As an Assistant Operator, you will work as part of a team, having responsibility for helping with foam fabrication. Set up and operate various machines to cut, form, shape, and wrap foam or plastic parts for assembly, storage, and shipping.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Ability to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Review work orders or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for machine setup and operational specifications. 
  • Set up and operate a specific production equipment or machinery (i.e., die cutting machine, skiver, Bruno).
  • Monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems.
  • Adjust machines as necessary to synchronize the speed of machine components.
  • Clean and lubricate machines, conveyors, blades, saws, or knives. 
  • Load or unload material or work pieces into machinery.
  • Position, adjust, and secure material or work pieces against stops or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using tools.
  • Machine setup instructions should be posted near the machine. Always ask questions to clarify instructions.
  • Responsible for product quality and accuracy.
  • Examine work to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Inspect products for defects, and measure work pieces to determine the accuracy of machine operation, using a tape measure or other measuring instruments. 
  • Maintain accurate inventory, production, and timekeeping records.
  • Enter data into production software.
  • Operate all foam machines on the floor and lease assistant foam fabrication operators and foam assemblers.  
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Practice personal safety and follow all safety practices and procedures.
  • Comply with all policies, practices, and procedures.
  • Report all unsafe activities to management.
  • Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 3 to 6 months or more of experience in a manufacturing setting
  • Ability to add and subtract 2-digit numbers and to multiply and divide by 10s and 100s

Physical Requirements:

  • Regularly required to lift up to 25 lbs, sit, stand, or walk.
  • Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Must have manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, work with the fingers, and perceive attributes of objects and materials.
  • Regularly required to talk and hear.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits and Perks

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discounts
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid elder care
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

 Requisition id: 53524 

Relocation: No  

Sealed Air is committed to attracting, selecting, and developing talent that reflects the diversity of the communities and customers we serve. We take pride in our selection process to identify,  infuse, and grow talent to align with our culture, values, and norms. Sealed Air prioritizes talent development, fostering a culture of continuous growth and career progression. The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and to all employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, protected disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. 

*Please be cautious of fraudulent recruiting efforts using the Sealed Air name or logo. Sealed Air will never request private information during the application process, such as a Driver's License or Social Security Number. If you have any concerns about information received from SEE during the application process, please reach out to us directly at globalta@sealedair.com. 

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