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Thermoforming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Operates thermoforming machines, trim presses, and immediate support equipment in a safe and efficient manner to produce a maximum quantity of high-quality product with minimal scrap and ...

Machine Operator with Thermoforming Experience Location: Huntley (F135 Main - 11320 E. Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142) Shift: 1st Shift | 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM Pay Rate: $24.89/hour Summary Description ...

Thermoforming Machine Operator

Keyport, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Method Associates, Inc. in Keyport, NJ is looking for a Thermoforming Machine Operator to join our team. We are looking for someone who is dependable, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working ...

Machine Operator with Thermoforming Experience Location: Huntley (F135 Main - 11320 E. Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142) Shift: 1st Shift | 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM Pay Rate: $24.89/hour Summary Description ...

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 ...

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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thermoforming information

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How much do thermoforming jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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 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.

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 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 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 other helpful pages are available for Thermoforming?

Other pages related to Thermoforming:

Infographic showing various Thermoforming 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 $37,750 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Thermoforming Operator

Coleman, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet

We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We're on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.

You could be part of our vision. Because it's our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It's every one of us working together.

We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.

Job Summary

Operates thermoforming machines, trim presses, and immediate support equipment in a safe and efficient manner to produce a maximum quantity of high-quality product with minimal scrap and downtime.

Essential Functions

This list is not all encompassing and other duties may be assigned.

Works safely and applies safe practices at all times. Removes and installs form tool inserts, when applicable. Verifies and documents the equipment settings, process settings, and product specifications prior to start up and/or taking over the line. Starts up the former, trim press and support equipment in a safe, efficient manner. Operates former adhering to predetermined parameter settings for the specific job. Troubleshoots the process by identifying, analyzing, and correcting problems in form, trim, lip roller, and bagging processes. Immediately notifies Packers and QA of defective product. Inspects finished product routinely and records inspections. Accurately records process data including downtime, etc. on daily shift reports and/or project reports and forwards reports to the Supervisor. Communicates and coordinates activities with appropriate personnel, both inside and outside of the department including Maintenance, Warehouse, Tooling, and QA. Performs Line Clearance at the end of each production run and prior to initiating the following start up of the next job. Identifies and labels film, corrugate, and other process materials. Perform general housekeeping tasks throughout the plant as assigned. Cleans former, trim press, and immediate support equipment and maintains a clean, organized, safe work area continuously throughout the shift. Adheres to and complies to all General Manufacturing Practices (GMP's). Applies knowledge to improve production processes and procedures within set standards.

Job Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

  • Requires valid forklift license or ability to obtain a forklift license, and safe driving record.
  • Requires valid aerial lift license, excluding boom lift.

Education and/or Experience

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent

Possess a valid State of Michigan drivers license. Previous forklift driving experience helpful.

Preferred

  • Previous grinder experience helpful and one to two years of previous thermoforming experience preferred.

Communication/Language Skills

  • Ability to read and interpret documents including, but not limited to, safety rules, policies, procedures, quality specifications, and written reports or correspondence.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Mathematical Skills

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in small units of measure using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

  • Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in a standardized situation.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

  • While performing the duties of this job the employee must be able to:
  • stand in a designated area for long periods of time.
  • lift 30 pounds on a regular basis with no assistance and heavier weights with assistance.
  • occasionally lift 30 pounds above shoulder height.
  • stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, squat, and crouch.
  • reach above, at, below, and to the side, while twisting body and twisting at waist.
  • climb stairs and ladders on an occasional basis.
  • pull non-powered pallet jacks while loaded with up to 1000 lbs of material.
  • work on platforms at various heights.
  • grip small pieces/parts
  • twist hands at wrist while gripping and/or carrying items
  • Employee must have vision abilities required by this job which include:

- close vision

- peripheral vision

- distance vision

- depth perception

- color vision

- ability to adjust focus

  • Employee must have sufficient hearing to be aware of sirens and horns which alert people to danger.
  • While performing this job, the employee must wear PPE, follow GMP's, be trained in knife safety.

Environment

This is a full-time position. Employee must be able to work various hours and various shifts which may include overtime. The facility is a 24/7 operation which includes weekdays and weekends. Maintaining good attendance is required.

Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.