Plastics Packaging Molding Line Operator
Bring your mechanical know-how to a fast-paced manufacturing floor. If you enjoy running multiple machines, dialing in setpoints, and keeping quality front and center, this role is for you.
What you’ll do
- Start up and verify: Power up lines and confirm all machine setpoints match specifications
- Run equipment: Operate extrusion blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, injection blow molding, lining, labeling, pad printing, and silk-screen systems
- Maintain performance: Clean filters, perform minor maintenance, monitor purges, and keep machines in optimal condition
- Use the right components: Check sleeves, cartons, labels, and materials against part numbers before and during runs
- Hold the line on quality: Conduct in-process inspections and verify samples meet specifications
- Fix fast: Respond to line problems, adjust machines, and escalate repairs to your supervisor as needed
- Restart confidently: Bring equipment back online after maintenance
- Own the paperwork: Document issues, root causes, and fixes; record production and quality data (manual or via data collector)
- Close it out: Properly complete end-of-run procedures and documentation
- Lead by example: Keep your work area clean; follow and reinforce all safety and housekeeping policies
- Support the team: Help train Technician Operators and provide break/lunch relief
- Pitch in: Handle other related duties and special projects
Also may include
- Box making, packing, and/or testing products
- Applying labels to finished goods
What you bring Education
High school diploma or equivalent, plus mechanical aptitude and technical training focused on packaging, plastics, and printing equipment.
Experience
1–3 years operating packaging/plastics machinery with proven ability to meet output and quality targets.
Core capabilities
- Language: Basic reading, writing, and speaking proficiency
- Math: Comfortable with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; able to calculate fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, variables, and formulas
- Reasoning: Solve practical problems involving several concrete variables; interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions
- Tech: Basic to intermediate computer skills; exposure to CNC machines
Tools & machines you’ll handle
- Mechanic’s tools, calipers, gauges, and weight scales
- Extrusion blow mold, extrusion, injection mold, injection blow mold
- Lining, labeling, pad printing, silk-screen equipment
Physical requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, moving, talking, hearing, pushing, carrying, reaching, and grasping
- Normal mental/visual attention with manual coordination; periods of concentrated attention
- Vision: clarity at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more; sharp focus; depth/space judgment; color differentiation
- Strength: light to medium workexert up to 50 pounds of force continuously and up to 50 pounds frequently
Environment & PPE
Work near moving mechanical parts with exposure to noise, dust, high temperatures, heat from machinery, hot water, hot plastic, and heater bands. Required PPE may include hair net, safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves.
