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Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Machine Operator

Harrison, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Safety/GMP/Food Safety/Quality policies followed. * BRC Compliance * Reporting accuracy met * Customer requirements met. EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS - PACKAGING MACHINE OPERATOR * Ability to ...

Packaging Machine Operator

Harrison, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Safety/GMP/Food Safety/Quality policies followed. * BRC Compliance * Reporting accuracy met * Customer requirements met. EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS - PACKAGING MACHINE OPERATOR * Ability to ...

Packaging Machine Operator

Harrison, OH

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Safety/GMP/Food Safety/Quality policies followed. * BRC Compliance * Reporting accuracy met * Customer requirements met. EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS - PACKAGING MACHINE OPERATOR * Ability to ...

Packaging Machine Operator

Harrison, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Safety/GMP/Food Safety/Quality policies followed. * BRC Compliance * Reporting accuracy met * Customer requirements met. EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS - PACKAGING MACHINE OPERATOR * Ability to ...

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We're proud to be stewards of amazing ... snack packaging machinery. * Reads production schedule and plans accordingly. * Efficiently ...

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We're proud to be stewards of amazing ... Rao's Homemade, Snack Factory, Snyder's of Hanover.Swanson, and V8. Here, you will make a ...

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Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator information

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How much do snack food packaging machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for snack food packaging machine operator in the United States is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a snack food packaging machine operator do?

A Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machines that package snack foods such as chips, crackers, and nuts. Their tasks include setting up the packaging equipment, monitoring operations, making minor adjustments, and ensuring that products are packaged efficiently and safely. They also inspect finished packages for quality and may keep records of production. Operators play a key role in maintaining food safety and meeting production targets in food manufacturing plants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a snack food packaging machine operator?

To thrive as a Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated packaging machinery, quality control systems, and basic computer interfaces is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and the ability to follow safety protocols help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize errors, and maintain safety and quality standards in food manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by snack food packaging machine operators and how can they be overcome?

Snack Food Packaging Machine Operators often face challenges such as minimizing machine downtime, ensuring consistent product quality, and maintaining strict hygiene standards. These challenges can be addressed by staying attentive to machine operation, performing regular quality checks, and adhering to safety and sanitation protocols. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors also helps to quickly resolve technical issues, ensuring efficient workflow in a fast-paced production environment.

What is the difference between Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator vs Packaging Technician?

AspectSnack Food Packaging Machine OperatorPackaging Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating packaging machineryManufacturing or packaging facility, overseeing packaging processes
Job FocusOperating and monitoring packaging machines for snack foodsMaintaining, troubleshooting, and improving packaging equipment

The Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator primarily focuses on operating and monitoring packaging machinery, ensuring efficient production. In contrast, the Packaging Technician handles maintenance, troubleshooting, and process improvements. Both roles require similar certifications and work in manufacturing environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and technical focus.

What are popular job titles related to Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs?

For Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Snack Food Packaging Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,564 per year, or $20 per hour.

Packaging Machine Operator - Snack Food Manufacturing

Waterford, PA

Shearer's Foods
Food and Beverage Stores • 1 - 5K employees

$20.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Shearer's Foods rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

274th of 445 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Overview

Shearer’s Foods, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Massillon, OH, is a leading manufacturer of salty snacks, cookies, and crackers. Specializing in private label and co-manufacturing, Shearer’s is the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks and second-largest supplier of private brand cookies and crackers. 

With a strong focus on innovation, service, quality, and sustainability, Shearer’s has been awarded the food industry’s highest award for environmental sustainability, as well as multiple Supplier of the Year awards. 

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer’s is driven by its core values of People, Grow, Impact and Win. The company mission is to deliver exceptional products and services that make snacking a time to celebrate for our customers, colleagues, and community. 

At Shearer’s Foods, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. This means focusing on what you can do and how you can grow, rather than traditional metrics alone. We are committed to adhering to anti-exclusion practices, removing barriers to access, and enhancing opportunities for all individuals based on merit and potential. Your skills, experience, and perspective are valuable—and we want to empower you to make your mark here with us.  


Responsibilities

Packaging Machine OperatorWaterford Plant 821 Route 97 South Waterford, Pennsylvania 16441Days 6:45a - 3:00p (Mon- Friday) must be available for OT Nights 10:45p-7:00a (Sunday-Friday) must be available for OT Hourly Rate - $20.50 with a $2.00/hour shift premium for nights.

$2,500 Hiring Bonus

(Hiring bonus will be paid in two installments of 50% each through the payroll system,  the first paid after 90-days employment and the second paid after120-days of employment. Please note these earnings will be subject to
withholdings applicable to bonus compensation).

Dedication, Dependability, and a Willingness to learn are a must. The PMO will be responsible for running, changing over, efficiency and quality of 3-5 packaging machines. They will have responsibility of communicating changes and plans to Team Member’s in immediate area and supervision. There will be a required set of tasks to be performed on a computer at specific times throughout the shift. As a PMO, job duties include but are not limited to the set up and operation of packaging equipment, following precise recipes and work procedures, monitoring and adjusting variables and performing product quality tests and data collection. Extruded Processor must also be able to react to direction from quality assurance and management personnel. PMO’s will be exposed to allergens, chemicals, extreme equipment and temperatures. They will be expected to multi-task and prioritize throughout the day. Job duties also include use of hand tools.


Qualifications

What you Bring to the Table:

Leadership – The PMO will set the example for the line, as such they will need to follow all policies/procedures set forth by Shearers Foods LLC. The PMO must have the ability to work well with others. Must demonstrate Shearer's Core Values of Respect, Teamwork, and Giving Back.

Troubleshooting Skills – Must have ability to work through problems to find root causes and address issues for Mechanical and Automation Equipment.  2-5 years machine operator or maintenance apprentice experience preferred.

Computer Skills - Must have basic computer skills required to run production. Verifications on computer will be done routinely throughout the day.

Time Management – Will have to effectively manage his/her own time. Quality verifications will be performed at specific intervals throughout the day. The PMO is responsible for completing changeovers in allotted time as well as planning his/her breaks around lulls in activity.

Flexibility – The PMO may need to be flexible for the training period and be available for pre-shift meetings when applicable. Must be able to work weekends and overtime when needed.

Physical Demands – The PMO must be able to move, twist, or lift up to 60lbs and team lift 75 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. Team Member must be able to be on his/her feet for twelve (12+) hours, to keep up with a fast, repetitious pace and to do repetitious lifting.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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