Traveling Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Title: Machine Operator
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Production Supervisor
Supervises: N/A
Travel: As needed according to the essential functions of the position
Department: Production
****** $1,500 SIGN ON BONUS ELIGIBLE*******
JOB PURPOSE: The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient setup and operation of Woodland Gourmet’s production and packaging machinery within a dry powder food manufacturing environment. This role ensures all products meet required specifications, quality standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Responsibilities include leading the line crew, maintaining product flow, performing equipment adjustments, reporting production activities, and supporting sanitation and food safety requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Equipment Operation & Line Management

• Set up, operate, and monitor fillers, coders, scales, case sealers, tape machines, and other production machinery or equipment.
• Perform machine changeovers, routine adjustments, and basic troubleshooting to maintain optimal line efficiency.
• Ensure daily on-time line starts and direct the line crew to complete production runs efficiently.
• Verify product quality (weights, codes, seal integrity, appearance) and ensure finished goods meet all specifications.
• Order product and packaging materials from material handlers in a timely manner to support continuous production.
• Report all production activities into the database and complete line paperwork accurately and on time.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all GMPs, hygiene rules, gowning procedures, and sanitary work practices to prevent contamination.
• Complete all required HACCP and quality documentation daily.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or quality issues immediately.
• Ensure all line employees follow safety procedures and operate equipment properly.

Sanitation & Maintenance Support

• Conduct allergen and line changeovers following SOPs.
• Perform thorough cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work areas.
• Assist maintenance with minor repairs, preventative maintenance tasks, and basic mechanical needs.

General Duties

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment always.
• Operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or other material-handling equipment as required (certification may be required).
• Support production needs on other lines, including non-machine operator tasks as assigned.
• Collaborate effectively with supervisors and team members to meet daily production targets.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Machine operator experience required; experience with dry powder food packaging strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2 years’ operating manufacturing equipment; food industry background a plus.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety principles.
• High attention to detail and commitment to product quality and accuracy.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for machine setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of general warehouse operations preferred.
• Must follow all Woodland Gourmet GMPs, safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• Must be flexible with hours, possibility for OT
• Ability to lift 50lbs

Skills/Abilities

• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to direct and support line crew.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt to different production lines.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting.
• Ability to read and write English and interpret production, safety, and maintenance documents.
• Strong math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide (fractions, decimals, all units of measure).
• Understanding of weights, measurements, and scale operations.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others.
• Ability to learn quickly and assist with minor maintenance adjustments.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.  Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and frequently bend and move about the facility. Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small spaces. Able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive physical tasks. Ability to lift, push, or pull materials up to 50 pounds.
Able to work in a typical manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to noise and non-toxic dust.
Personal Protective Equipment
The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing and warehouse areas, which may, under certain conditions, require the use of personal protective equipment.
Work Environment
The work environmental characteristics described here represent those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions. This position does not allow for remote work.

• Works in a manufacturing environment
• Exposure to dust, odors, and noise

This document does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization.  We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits.  The estimated hourly salary range for this role is $17.50 - 26.00. This position is eligible for an annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions).  Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.
Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off. 
Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States.  E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website. 
Woodland Gourmet assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices. This includes all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as:  race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.
 

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