The Assistant Machine Operator supports Machine Operators in setting up and running production equipment. This role plays a key part in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production by following all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). The Assistant Machine Operator position is designed to develop the skills and technical knowledge needed to progress into a Machine Operator role as experience is gained. Currently hiring for 1st shift Converting Department.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist Operators with machine setups, including gathering tools, preparing materials, positioning components, supporting alignment and calibration activities, and performing quality checks.
- Help Operators complete changeovers by removing old materials, cleaning machine components, staging new tooling, and participating in setup steps under supervision.
- Assist with threading film, adjusting tension, and preparing machine paths as directed by the Operator.
- Participate in machine startups and shutdown procedures under Operator guidance.
- Verify that correct job specifications, materials, and tooling match the production order before startup.
- Prepare machine tooling for upcoming jobs (e.g., new Teflon, rubber components, clean bars).
- Ensure materials are correctly staged for each order.
- Restock supplies for production equipment and maintain organized tools and workstation materials to support efficient setups and adjustments.
- Tend machines during Operator breaks to maintain continuous, safe, and productive operation; provide break coverage for Operators and Packer/Catchers.
- Change rolls of film and zipper.
- Make small machine adjustments to maintain efficient and stable production.
- Monitor machine performance and communicate unusual noises, slowing production, tracking issues, or other equipment concerns.
- Participate in basic troubleshooting activities, such as identifying jams, checking material paths, and suggesting appropriate corrective actions.
- Inspect quality of materials produced, reporting any defects or concerns to the Operator.
- Monitor product for accuracy and ensure proper packing procedures and correct quantities for shipment.
- Operate rewinding machines as needed, including combining rolls for pouch machines.
- Assist with line changeovers, including removing waste and preparing the area for setup.
- Support scrap removal, waste tracking, and material accountability activities.
- Complete required paperwork and enter production data into the ERP system (EPS Radius).
- Perform minor maintenance tasks as directed by Maintenance personnel.
- Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times, including general cleaning, organizing, and housekeeping during line changes and downtime.
- Ensure that the packaging line runs productively in accordance with all Packaging Operation SOPs and GMPs.
- Learn to read and interpret work orders and specification sheets.
- Ask questions and actively participate in cross-training opportunities provided by Operators and Leads
- Ask questions and actively engage in cross-training opportunities provided by Operators and Leads.
- Ensure that all company food safety and quality assurance procedures are followed. Escalate any issues/concerns to management.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- High school degree or equivalent (GED).
- Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in equipment operation.
- Demonstrated safety mindset, including awareness of hazards and consistent use of safe work practices.
- Ability to safely work in a fast-paced production environment while managing multiple responsibilities.
- Sense of accountability, including a record of good attendance.
- Excellent work ethic with willingness to learn, teach, and grow.
- Effective time-management skills with the ability to maximize productivity.
- Ability to maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas in accordance with food safety and GMP standards.
- Demonstrated sense of personal accountability, including record of good attendance.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail, including accurate counting skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, including reading and following paper instructions and labeling requirements.
- Physical requirements: ability to stand and walk for multiple hours, lift to 75 pounds, stoop, kneel, climb, and hold and manipulate objects with hands.
- Enthusiasm for the Eagle Flexible Packaging mission of embracing our Guiding Values that focus on developing and empowering our team members to create valued, trusted, and lasting relationships with both customers and suppliers.
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in the flexible packaging industry.
- Prior experience in manufacturing, machine operation, or machine assisting roles.
- Familiarity with quality checks and/or basic mechanical troubleshooting.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish a plus.
Pay: $18.00 to $22.00 per hour
Flex Your Potential with Eagle! We are committed to supporting our employees’ career growth and aspirations and provide full-time team members with the following benefits:
- Medical Insurance– On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can choose from 1 PPO/HRA plan, 2 PPO/HSA plans, and 1 HMO/HRA plan, all provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
- HRA / HSA Contributions– Participants in the employer-provided medical insurance program will receive funds from Eagle for either their HRA (for PPO/HRA and HMO/HRA enrollees) or HSA (for all PPO/HSA enrollees). The annual amount provided to each participant is based on one’s enrollment tier per the following schedule: $1,500.00 for Employee Only coverage, $3,000.00 for Employee + Spouse or Employee + Child(ren), and $4,500.00 for Family coverage.
- Dental Insurance– On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can enroll in dental insurance provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
- Vision Insurance– On the first of month following 60 days of employment, employees can enroll in this voluntary benefit through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
- 401K Plan – Plan entry date is the first of the month following 6 months of service. Eagle provides its employees with a 100% match up to 1% and 50% match up to 6%.
- Company Paid Short Term Disability– The Short-Term Disability premium is 100% paid by Eagle.
- Company Paid Long Term Disability– The Long-Term Disability premium is 100% paid by Eagle.
- Life Insurance– The Basic Life premium is 100% paid by Eagle and is a flat $20,000 benefit for all FT, benefit eligible employees. Employees have the option to purchase additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse, and dependent children.
- Vacation/PTO – The amount of vacation/paid time off (PTO) employees receive each year starts at 80 hours (2 weeks) each year, which accrues at a rate of 1.538 hours per week, and increases with the length of employment.
- 8 Company Paid Holidays– Eligible after 60 days of employment.
- Sick Leave– Eligible for paid sick days at the rate of 3 days (24 hours) per year after 6 months of service (prorated for per the calendar year).
- Tuition Reimbursement– Following 6 months of employment, employees are eligible for reimbursement for courses, certifications, and training programs that support their Eagle careers.
Part-time team members are provided with the following benefits:
- Vacation/PTO – Eligible to earn 1 hour of vacation/PTO for every 40 hours worked up to a maximum of 40 hours of vacation/PTO.
- 401K Plan– Plan entry date is the first of the month following 6 months of service. Eagle provides its employees with a 100% match up to 1% and 50% match up to 6%.
Eagle Flexible Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer
