ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Thermoforming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

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 ...

Novolex

Thermoforming - Process Technician

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$38.81 - $49.89/hr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsThermoforming Jobs

Thermoforming information

See salary details

$5

$18

$22

How much do thermoforming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for thermoforming in the United States is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Thermoforming vs Vacuum Forming?

AspectThermoformingVacuum Forming
ProcessHeating plastic sheets and forming them over a mold using pressure or mechanical meansHeating plastic sheets and forming them primarily using vacuum pressure
ComplexityCan produce complex shapes with additional toolingTypically simpler, suited for basic shapes
EquipmentIncludes molds, presses, and heating elementsPrimarily vacuum forming machines and molds
ApplicationsPackaging, automotive parts, consumer productsPackaging, trays, blisters

Thermoforming and vacuum forming are closely related manufacturing processes. While both involve heating plastic sheets and shaping them over molds, thermoforming often uses additional pressure or mechanical means to achieve complex shapes, whereas vacuum forming relies mainly on vacuum pressure for forming. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right process for specific product requirements.

What Are Thermoforming Jobs?

Thermoforming involves using machines to heat plastic and form it into specific shapes. Thermoforming jobs are found in the manufacturing industry. As a thermoforming process engineer, you work to improve plastic production and materials, design machinery, and test various processes. As a thermoforming technician or machine operator, your duties involve setting up a machine to create molded plastic pieces. You operate the equipment during a production run and ensure that the resulting pieces meet quality standards. You also make adjustments during production if necessary. Other responsibilities include performing essential maintenance on the thermoforming machinery.

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

Thriving as a Thermoforming Machine Operator requires a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with thermoforming machinery, quality inspection tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certification in machine operation or safety standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient production and maintaining high product quality in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in thermoforming, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in thermoforming often encounter challenges such as material inconsistencies, machine downtime, and maintaining product quality. Ensuring proper material selection and thorough pre-production testing can help mitigate inconsistencies. Regular maintenance and calibration of thermoforming equipment are essential to reduce downtime and maintain efficiency. Additionally, close collaboration with quality control and engineering teams helps identify and resolve production issues quickly, ensuring high-quality output and smooth workflow.

What is thermoforming?

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, shaped into a specific form using a mold, and trimmed to create a finished part or product. This method is widely used to produce items such as packaging, trays, disposable cups, lids, and automotive parts. Thermoforming is valued for its ability to create lightweight and cost-effective products with a variety of shapes and sizes. The process can be divided into two main types: vacuum forming and pressure forming, depending on how the plastic is shaped over the mold.
More about Thermoforming jobs
What cities are hiring for Thermoforming jobs? Cities with the most Thermoforming job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Thermoforming jobs? The most popular types of Thermoforming jobs are:
What states have the most Thermoforming jobs? States with the most job openings for Thermoforming jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Thermoforming jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Thermoforming jobs are:
Thermoforming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermoforming job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,750 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Molding - Thermoforming Process Technician

polyinc

Lees Summit, MO

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

As a growing facility with a rich, 52-year history, Polytainers is looking for a Thermoforming Process Technician to help drive and improve our thermoforming capabilities!

AN OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Molding Manager, the Thermoforming Process Technician’s responsibility is to provide day-to-day technical process support leading to process capability and reliability in the Thermoforming area. The Thermoforming Process Technician will identify and drive CI projects leading to Thermoforming achieving or exceeding its performance targets and drive CI projects to improve product quality, overall manufacturing efficiency and productivity while reducing cost and waste. The Thermoforming Process Technician will also foster a working environment that is fair, equitable and driven to continuously improve.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITES:

 

Machine Start-Up Duties

• Successful startup of Extruder, Thermoformer and the rest of the Thermoforming line components.

• Troubleshoot process to produce quality parts at Standard cycle times and obtain QC part approval

• Verify the standard operating conditions to ensure product quality requirements.

• Document and communicate any changes needed in the standard operating conditions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other documentation.

Technical Support

• Work collaboratively and strategically with Tool Room and Maintenance to ensure plans are in place for proactive preventive measures that ensure efficiency, minimizing overtime and minimizing machine downtime.

• Demonstrate a proactive and forward-looking mindset by (1) anticipating possible machine issues and addressing these in a timely manner and (2) considering future planned TF production needs and accounting for any measures to be taken to prepare for future needs.

• Lead troubleshooting efforts of Thermoforming line quality issues by root cause determination

• Change molds and inserts based on Production schedule or as instructed by leadership when necessary.

• Lead new product launches by determination of machine and process parameters to produce desired results.

• Assist in determination and verification of machine and process standard operating conditions and Master set-up sheets.

• Assist in machine and mold upkeep from housekeeping and maintenance standpoints by determining requirements and by participating in the execution of the same.

• Proactively identify process improvement opportunities to improve safety, quality and efficiency.

• Proactively engage in and actively participate in CI initiatives and opportunities.

Product Quality

• Measure produced parts and ensure compliance to First off and other established quality standard processes

• Make necessary process adjustments to ensure parts conform to established standards

• Follow Quality procedures and instructions

Documentation

• Calculate and complete the shift attainment figures

• Document downtime reasons on the attainment boards

• Document shift technical issues in the provided log book and attainment boards

• Ensure line inspection reports are completed by both the Thermoforming Operator and Packers.

• Recommend updates to SOPs and other documentation

Training:

• Participate in new products training

• Provide hands-on training to Thermoforming Operators using SOPs

• Teach troubleshooting techniques to Thermoforming Operators

• Provide guidance and coaching and escalating to manager where necessary for non-compliance or poor performance

 

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Educational Requirements: High school diploma required. Community college certificate/diploma from Injection Molding Institutes preferred or equivalent experience.

Minimum Experience/Field: Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Thermoforming operations environment

Courses Required: Certificate from plastics training facilities preferred

Computer Skills: Good PC skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Additional Certificates/Diplomas:

Licenses/Permits Required:

Physical Requirements:

Communication Skills: Fluent in English with good verbal and written communications skills.

Additional Education/Experience/Skills: Mechanical aptitude and strong troubleshooting skills. Has previously written SOPs for improvements surrounding Thermoforming processes and quality control.

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR THIS POSITION:

  • Ability to anticipate and handle challenging situations effectively, seeking input and involving others when possible
  • Subject matter expert for Thermoforming operations.
  • Consistently uses good judgement while decision making, analyses problems from different angles to seek alternatives before determining best solutions
  • Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, assuming responsibility without being asked in order to achieve results
  • Outstanding interpersonal and people management skills.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement solutions at a tactical level.
  • Demonstrated strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and applications.

Apply