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Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CPP Industries

CNC Operator

Burlingame, CA

$35/hr

Operate CNC Machinery as it relates to plastic thermoforming * Programming * Assist extrusion operators as needed * Tend to machines as needed * Maintain/sanitize workstations as needed

Novolex

Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$20.45 - $27.84/hr

Thermoforming Machine Operator | Now Hiring | Santa Fe Springs, CA Compensation * Competitive ... plastics manufacturing industry * Successfully completed all training for Machine Operator ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$20.45 - $27.84/hr

Thermoforming Machine Operator | Now Hiring | Santa Fe Springs, CA Compensation * Competitive ... plastics manufacturing industry * Successfully completed all training for Machine Operator ...

Amcor

Thermoforming Operator

Fremont, OH · On-site

$22.74 - $28.29/hr

In this machine operator role, you'll operate thermoforming equipment, support a small production team, and help maintain safe, efficient, high-quality production. What You'll Do * Operate ...

Amcor plc

Thermoforming Operator

Fremont, OH · On-site

$22.74 - $28.29/hr

In this machine operator role, you'll operate thermoforming equipment, support a small production team, and help maintain safe, efficient, high-quality production. What You'll Do * Operate ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$20.45 - $27.84/hr

Thermoforming Machine Operator | Now Hiring | Santa Fe Springs, CA Compensation * Competitive ... plastics manufacturing industry * Successfully completed all training for Machine Operator ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Macedonia, OH · On-site

$18/hr

This position involves operating CNC, thermoforming, and rotational mold machines. You will be ... Familiarity with rotational mold, plastic forming, and thermoforming. Why Work Here? Join a family ...

Novolex

Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$20.45 - $27.84/hr

Thermoforming Machine Operator | Now Hiring | Santa Fe Springs, CA Compensation * Competitive ... plastics manufacturing industry * Successfully completed all training for Machine Operator ...

Griffin Associates

Plastic Machine Operator

Arab, AL

$570/wk

GRIFFIN Recruiters Job Openings >> Plastic Machine Operator Plastic Machine Operator Summary Title: Plastic Machine Operator ID: 1282 Location: Arab, AL More about this job > Description Machine ...

NPX ONE

Be Seen First

Thermoforming Set Up Operator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

The Thermoforming Set Up Operator is to safely operate and change tooling on assigned thermoforming machines within prescribed time frames in accordance with NPX ONE standard operating procedures.

NextGen Bioplastics

Machine Operator

Sunbury, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The Machine Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and ... Experience with plastics manufacturing, including extrusion, thermoforming, blow molding, or ...

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Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator information

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$12

$18

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How much do plastic thermoforming machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic thermoforming 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 does a plastic thermoforming machine operator do?

A Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator sets up, operates, and monitors machines that heat and mold plastic sheets into specific shapes for products or packaging. They are responsible for adjusting machine settings, loading materials, and inspecting finished parts for quality. Operators also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues to ensure efficient production. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with thermoforming machinery, quality control systems, and basic mechanical tools is typically required, with some employers preferring candidates who have completed safety or manufacturing certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, dependability, and effective communication help operators address issues quickly and work efficiently within production teams. These skills ensure the safe and consistent production of high-quality plastic products while minimizing downtime and waste.

What are some common challenges plastic thermoforming machine operators face during production runs?

Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and minimizing material waste. Operators must closely monitor machine settings and product output to quickly identify defects or irregularities. Effective communication with maintenance staff and quality control teams is essential to resolve issues promptly and keep production on track. Being proactive and detail-oriented helps operators manage these challenges and ensure smooth, efficient operations.

What is the difference between Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator vs Plastic Fabricator?

AspectPlastic Thermoforming Machine OperatorPlastic Fabricator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, operating machineryWorkshops, fabrication shops, using hand tools and machinery
Industry UsagePlastic manufacturing, packaging, automotive partsCustom plastic products, prototypes, and assemblies

The Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator primarily focuses on operating and maintaining thermoforming machines to produce plastic parts, while the Plastic Fabricator handles cutting, assembling, and finishing plastic components. Both roles require knowledge of plastics and safety procedures, but the Machine Operator emphasizes machinery operation, whereas the Fabricator emphasizes manual craftsmanship and assembly skills.

What are popular job titles related to Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator jobs?

For Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plastic Thermoforming Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% 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.

Thermo Forming Operator - 2nd Shift

Zebulon, NC • On-site

ADVANCED PLASTIFORM INC
Plastics Product Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about ADVANCED PLASTIFORM INCexternal

$14.50/hr

Full-time, Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description:

Job Description 


Title: Thermoforming Machine Operator


Reports To: Shift Supervisor


FLSA status: Non-exempt


Schedule: Second Shift Mon-Thur 300pm - 130am, Half day Fridays as needed


Salary: $13/HR, plus $1.50/hour shift differential, total $14.50/hour


What is the overall objective/purpose of this position?

To load and unload a thermoforming machine, Operating the machine to ensure the parts produced meet the required specifications.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Loads and unloads forming machine with appropriate materials to facilitate forming requirements using oven

· Reads and interprets work instructions, and any other related documentation to determine methods and sequence of operations and dimensional and finish specifications

· Performs de-burring, sanding, grinding operations necessary meet specifications

· Cuts/trims plastic pieces as necessary using hand routers or a band saw

· Inspects each parts to ensure quality standards

· Monitors machine for any mechanical problems

· Completes all necessary paperwork and entering computer production information; cycle times, daily production numbers, scrap

· Can advance to completing set up and change over procedures of the molds and fixtures

· Troubleshoot and make adjustments to equipment to ensure quality standards

· Follow all clean up and housekeeping procedures

· Comply with all quality, safety and work rules and regulations

· Other duties may be assigned as necessary


Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic are necessary

Ability to follow detailed work instructions

Basic computer understanding

Knowledge of machinery preferred

Employees doing Set ups and Changeovers must have a strong mechanical aptitude with a great knowledge and experience using various hand tools and power tools.


Education and Experience: 

High school diploma, GED or equivalent experience

Previous machine operations experience preferred 


Physical Demands:

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and listen. The employee is required to use their hands and fingers to handle and feel. Vision requirements of this job include close vision, color vision and moderate distance vision. The employee is required to stand most of the shift, occasionally walk around from machine to machine. The employee may be required to bend, stoop, and reach while performing the duties of this position. The employee may occasionally need to lift moderate weights up to 35 – 50lbs, much of this lifting will to up to shoulder height and on occasion higher.

When completing Set-ups and Changeovers, employees will need to use ladders to reach molds and fixtures. Upper body strength is necessary to make moves and adjustments to molds and fixtures.


Work Environment:

The work setting of this manufacturing facility provides adequate lighting, noise levels will be moving between moderate to high noise levels. Required Personal Protection Equipment includes Safety Glasses and Hearing Protection for any person in the production area. Additional PPE may be required, i.e. gloves, face masks, face shields, dependent on the specific job being performed and company safety rules and regulations. Because of the nature of this business, the temperature in the production facility can be very hot during the hotter times of the year. Typically, the temperature is more comfortable during the more moderate temperature times of the year. Employees are strongly encouraged to have water at their work area to stay hydrated during their work shift.

Requirements:


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