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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 ...

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How much do thermoforming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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.
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Thermoforming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Thermoforming job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,750 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Thermoforming Manager, Beaver

Klockner Pentaplast

Beaver, WV • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Thermoforming Manager sought by Klockner Pentaplast of America, Inc. in Beaver, WV, to oversee all operational aspects of the thermoforming department, driving for results and delivering on objectives and initiatives outlined by leadership.

Kloeckner Pentaplast of America, Inc. designs and markets polyester and vinyl films, shrink sleeve labels, and pharmaceutical blister packaging products. Also, we serve customers in the pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, construction, and packaging markets worldwide.

Accountabilities: Responsible for delivering on thermoforming KPI's; Ensure all TF line employees are adequately and appropriately trained; Create, review, and maintain standard operating procedures and processes that ensure repeatable and consistent operations throughout all shifts; Establish troubleshooting guidelines for systemic approach to operation issues; Manage and participate in improvement initiatives; Ensure equipment and tool operational health at all times, with supervising PM's, tool care practices, and TPM; Manage housekeeping and TF area organization; Ensure customer focus by adherence to all quality inspection and control procedures as well as schedule adherence in support of service to customers; Manage the department through expansion and participate in related expansion tasks and activities; Manage or participate in new business / product onboarding; Manage or participate in equipment sign offs, process validation, and product qualifications.

Requires 60 months of experience in the recyclable packaging industry in a technical-related role. Strong knowledge of PET thermoforming, Elite application, TF tools, 5S, autonomous maintenance, and continuous improvement techniques. Competencies: DMAIC / PDCA, SMED, new equipment commissioning FAT/SAT sign-off requirements, change management, process validation, product qualification, TPM, and SAP.

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