Aerator Operator

Graphic Packaging International, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

401(k) matching

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

FSA & HSA

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International, LLC is seeking an Aerator Operator to support production by handling raw materials and work in process, operating an Aerator, and coordinating with the press team.

This role requires flexibility across shifts, overtime, and weekends, with a 12-hour rotating schedule, and involves lifting up to 52 lbs, moving pallets with hand trucks, and ensuring SQF compliance.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Must be flexible: able to work all shifts, overtime and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Aerate loads prior to printing based on the production schedule.
• Re‑Aerate loads at pressman’s request.
• Return sub quality materials. Separate materials by SBS, SUS, or recycled.
• Communicate required information to press team, supervisors, and manager.
• Straighten loads from air hammer strippers to avoid waste or scrap.
• Identify quality defects with relation to color, visual samples, and job specs.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Flexible shift availability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electric hand truck

Aerator machine

Job description

Aerator Operator

Requisition ID: 15260

Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60624

Department: Manufacturing & Operations

Travel: No Travel Required

JOB SUMMARY: The person who occupies this position is responsible for supporting production with raw materials/and or work in process as required by specific production jobs.

JOB FUNCTIONS: Job functions include but are not limited to the following.

• Aerate loads prior to printing, based on the production schedule.

• Re‑Aerate loads at pressman’s request.

• Return special skids to appropriate department.

• Communicate required information to press team, supervisors, and manager.

• Straighten loads from air hammer strippers to avoid unnecessary waste and or/scarp when needed.

• Remove sub quality materials. Separate materials by SBS, SUS, or recycled.

• The ability to diagnose, trouble shoot equipment by early detection and sound machine while in operation.

• The ability to identify quality defects with relation to quality of color, visual comparison of approved color sample, quality audits by visual inspection including reading job specifications, labels and job file jackets in addition to transferring written information of critical job-related information from paperwork to white boards.

• The Aerator will use the hand truck to bring the pallet of sheets to the Feeder Printer.

• The Aerator will use the hand truck to place loads into the Aerator. They will operate the Aerator from a control panel pressing buttons.

• Picking pallets in warehouse using electrical hand truck.

Safe Quality Food Responsibilities for all employees:

• Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.

• Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe food or noncompliance with SQF related procedures.

• Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.

• Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).

• Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE / SKILLS:

• Manufacturing experience preferred

• Must be flexible: Able to work all shifts, overtime and weekends when needed.

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE:

• May required High School Diploma or equivalent required.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

• Schedule is a 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off. However, employees must have the ability to work alternate schedules and overtime that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.

• Some Departments/Jobs may run a M‑F 8-hour Shift Schedule.

• Must be willing and able to work overtime.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting or standing, depending on changing job assignment, for extended periods.

• Awkward and/or repetitive movements.

• Physical demands and visual activities that are commonly associated* with the performance of the functions of this job:

• Standing, walking, lifting (up to 52 lbs.), carrying (same as lifting), pushing (up to 40 lbs.), pulling (up to 40 lbs.), stooping, bending, reaching, handling, forward reach, simple grasp, ability to communicate with press members, visual acuity (far and near, color vision).

• Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software:

• Electric hand truck, Aerator machine

• Work in areas of fluctuating temperature.

• Inside Conditions noise (from printing presses and forklifts), vibration, odors, and dust.

Succession Program: By accepting this position, you are entering a role that is part of our defined Succession Program. The purpose of this program is to provide structured development and training that prepares employees to progress toward the role of 1st Pressman. Participation in this program requires meeting all performance, skill development, and progression expectations outlined below. The Succession Program is designed with the following career path, Aerator à Feeder Operator → 2nd Pressman → 1st Pressman. As part of this program, you are expected to demonstrate continuous growth and readiness to advance to the next level. This includes completing required training, meeting performance standards, and accepting promotional movement when selected. Failure to demonstrate progress, meet performance expectations, or successfully transition into the next job level (Aerator à Feeder Operator → 2nd Pressman → 1st Pressman) may result in removal from the program and reassignment outside of the succession track. By accepting this role, you acknowledge and agree to the expectations, requirements, and conditions of participation in the Succession Program.

Shift Flexibility Requirement: Advancement within this succession path may require you to transition to the night shift, as certain developmental opportunities and promotional placements occur on that shift. A refusal or inability to transition to the night shift when required will result in disqualification from the Succession Program. If disqualified, you may be reassigned to an available entry‑level role that is not part of the Succession Program (this may result in a demotion or pay reduction).

GPI’s Benefit Program

• Competitive Pay

• 401(k) w/employer matching

• Health & Welfare Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage

• Short and Long-Term Disability

• Life Insurance

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

• Various Voluntary benefits

• Adoption Assistance Program

• Employee Discount Programs

• Employee Assistance Program

• Tuition Assistance Program

• Paid Time Off + 11 paid company holidays each year

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email [e-mail].

Nearest Major Market: Chicago