Entry Level/Machine Operator Production

Graphic Packaging International; Kingston Springs (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

401(k) with employer matching

Health & Welfare Benefits

Short & Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Flexible Spending & Health Savings

Job summary

Graphic Packaging International is seeking entry-level production employees for our 7-day continuous operation in Tennessee. You will assist in operating sheeters, printers, cutters and gluers, performing make-ready tasks and ensuring production and quality standards are met.

We value safety, quality, and continuous improvement and offer competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for overtime. High school diploma or equivalent is required, with 6 months of related equipment experience

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 6 months of experience with the same or similar equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observe company safety rules and comply with safety practices.
• Capable of documenting quality checks required by work center.
• Assist in safe and efficient operation of sheeter, printers, cutters, gluers, and all support equipment.
• Aids in identifying and resolving process and machine problems.
• Participate in make-ready preparation for assigned equipment.
• Prepares necessary reports to accomplish production goals.
• Promote cleanliness and follow GMPs/5S policies.
• Stop any process not meeting food safety or customer quality requirements.

Skills

Safety rules

Documentation

Operate equipment

LEAN principles

Education

High School Diploma/Equivalent

Tools

Sheeter

Printers

Cutters

Gluers

Job description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

NEW WAGES IN 2026! Rates starting at $21.50 with the potential to make up to $24 within the first year!

All entry level production employees assist in operation of assigned and support equipment, including sheeters, printers, cutters, and gluers, by performing make-ready and ensuring that production and quality levels meet established standards. Independent judgment is necessary. Supervisor is usually available.

• Observes company safety rules and complies with safety practices.
• Capable of documenting quality checks required by work center.
• Assists in safe and efficient operation of sheeter, printers, cutters, gluers, and all support equipment.
• Aids in identifying and resolving process and machine problems.
• Participates in make-ready preparation for assigned equipment.
• Prepares necessary reports as required to accomplish production goals.
• Performs general housekeeping functions in assigned area.
• Responsible for compliance with all facility food safety, food defense, and quality policies and procedures including product safety (GMPs)/Sanitation policies and procedures. Employee must continually work to promote the orderliness and cleanliness of their work area in support of SQF/5S and other company standards.
• Must be supportive of GPI’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values (Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Relationships, and Teamwork).
• Must be supportive and involved in GPI efforts for LEAN, 5’s, Six Sigma and other Continuous Improvement programs and processes.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
• Strives to clearly understand customer requirements and delivers results to meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Ability and responsibility to stop any process that is not meeting food safety requirements.
• Ability and responsibility to stop any process that is not meeting customer quality requirements.
• High School Diploma/Equivalent required.
• At least 6 months of experience with the same or similar equipment is preferred.
• Frequent/strenuous physical effort (lifting, moving heavy objects, etc.) required.
• Frequently exposed to conditions involving noise, fumes, and hazardous chemicals.
• Graphic Packaging International is on a 7-day continuous operation. Must be able to work overtime as required.

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

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.