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Thermoforming Operator Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you have experience working in Automation, Extrusion Operator, Thermoforming Operator, and/or ... Strong interpersonal skills to be able to train, communicate, and lead effectively * Ability to ...

Extrusion Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Overview The Thermoforming/Extrusion Operator works at the direction of the Production Senior Lead and the Production Supervisor to ensure that the company safely and efficiently produces the highest ...

Performs other duties as assigned by the Production Lead, Shift Supervisor or Department Manager ... Previous machine operator experience in plastics or foam industry or extrusion or thermoforming ...

Warehouse Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Overview The Warehouse Operator works at the direction of the Senior Lead and the Warehouse ... Experience in Plastics Thermoforming & Extrusion is a plus. Warehouse Operator Equal Opportunity ...

Thermoform Primary Operator - 1st

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Team Supervisor At MAKS Plastics, we are a rotational molding and thermoforming plastic component ... Notify team lead 15-20 minutes before scheduled mold changes * Assist with mold changes in a timely ...

Thermo Material Handler

Mcqueeney, TX · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

... Thermoforming/Extrusion Material Handler works at the direction of the Production Senior Lead and ... Extrusion Operator position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with ...

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Thermoforming Operator Lead information

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$15

$24

$35

How much do thermoforming operator lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for thermoforming operator lead in the United States is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a thermoforming operator lead?

A Thermoforming Operator Lead is a supervisory role in manufacturing facilities that use thermoforming equipment to shape plastic sheets into specific products. This person oversees the operation of thermoforming machines, ensures quality and safety standards are met, and leads a team of machine operators. Additional responsibilities often include troubleshooting equipment, training new staff, scheduling shifts, and coordinating with other production departments to meet targets efficiently. Strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and experience with thermoforming processes are essential for this position.

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

To thrive as a Thermoforming Operator Lead, you need in-depth knowledge of thermoforming processes, equipment setup, troubleshooting, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by manufacturing experience. Familiarity with machinery controls, quality inspection tools, and safety systems, as well as certifications like OSHA, are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for overseeing teams and maintaining production standards. These abilities ensure efficient operations, minimize downtime, and uphold product quality and workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by a thermoforming operator lead, and how can they be addressed?

A Thermoforming Operator Lead often encounters challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machinery issues, and ensuring smooth workflow among team members. To address these, it's important to have a strong understanding of thermoforming processes, stay proactive with machine maintenance, and foster clear communication within the team. Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to train and mentor operators can help prevent production bottlenecks and ensure that safety and quality standards are consistently met.

What is the difference between Thermoforming Operator Lead vs Thermoforming Machine Operator?

AspectThermoforming Operator LeadThermoforming Machine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires experience and sometimes certifications in thermoforming processesUsually requires basic manufacturing or machine operation certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises and coordinates team in a manufacturing settingOperates thermoforming machines on the production line
ResponsibilitiesOversees production, ensures quality, trains staffRuns and maintains thermoforming machines, monitors quality

The Thermoforming Operator Lead generally has more supervisory duties and oversees a team, while the Thermoforming Machine Operator focuses on operating and maintaining the equipment. Both roles require knowledge of thermoforming processes, but the lead position involves additional leadership responsibilities.

What states have the most Thermoforming Operator Lead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Thermoforming Operator Lead jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Thermoforming Operator Lead jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Thermoforming Operator Lead job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,047 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL • On-site

Novolex
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 29 days ago


Novolex rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 105 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 122 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

Why Choose Us?

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

Our Sustainability Commitment

The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.

Job Description

Do you have experience working in Automation, Extrusion Operator, Thermoforming Operator, and/or Plastics Machine Operator???  If so WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!

Thermoforming Process Technician, HIRING IMMEDIATELY, Bridgeview IL

Compensation: Pay Range is $38.81 to $49.89 - paid weekly (additional $1 per hour as shift differential)

Process Technician Night Shifts 7PM - 7AM - 2-2-3 Schedule

Position Responsibilities:

The Hourly Process Tech will guide the overall team's mission in productivity, safety, quality, operations, continuous improvement and team effectiveness. Must have extensive background in Thermoforming and Extrusion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with performing changeovers with minimal downtime
  • Ensure all products are running at standard production rate for assigned shift
  • Update, review and provide recommendations to plant Process Engineer for process sheet updates
  • Develop, implement and execute programs to improve overall product quality and line efficiencies.
  • Ability to operate and troubleshoot processes and equipment at an elevated level to resolve complex issues with supporting plant maintenance, automation, and tooling teams

Technical Knowledge:

  • Process expert in the areas of sheet extrusion, forming and trimming of thermoformed products.  
  • Good understanding of mechanical and electrical principles and applications.
  • Ability to operate thermoforming and extrusion equipment.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of company specific product, material and/or production technological methods and procedures, and capabilities of machines and equipment in manufacturing facilities.
  • Demonstrates advanced mechanical aptitude and abilities.
  • Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot and efficiently identify appropriate course of action through leverage problem solving activities.

Safety:

  • Demonstrated ability to comply with all Company policies and procedures and to uphold, support and exemplify the safety programs and standards.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5 years relevant experience (or similar combination of education and experience).
  • Experience in plastics processing, including forming and extrusion required
  • Experience working with machinery
  • Understanding of tooling, machining, material flow practices for extrusion and thermoforming
  • Strong interpersonal skills to be able to train, communicate, and lead effectively
  • Ability to work a 12 hours COP shift

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two or four year technical degree or certification
  • Project team coordinator experience
  • Experience with FEA (finite element analysis) and quality gauges to support a zero part defect environment.
Company BenefitsWhat You'll Get From UsBenefits

With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.

Community Engagement

At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.

Training and Development

We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.

Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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