Experienced Machine Operator

Morris Packaging, LLC; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plans with company match

Comprehensive benefits package

Bonus programs

Job summary

Morris Packaging, LLC in Jefferson City is looking for an experienced operator for their production team. This full-time position requires operating complex machines, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring product quality.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, prior manufacturing experience, and strong mechanical aptitude. Shifts are available with a competitive pay rate of $23-$25/hour plus a shift differential.

Qualifications

• Efficiently adjust machine components to produce products to specifications.
• Monitor production line for malfunctions and ensure quality.
• Perform changeovers and safely troubleshoot machines.

Responsibilities

• Operate complex production machinery and achieve quality standards.
• Train and mentor new operators on best practices.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Strong troubleshooting skills

Proficient math skills

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Morris Packaging is a manufacturer of sustainable, flexible packaging products such as bags, pouches, and rollstock. Morris Packaging provides end-to-end packaging solutions, including design, printing, warehousing, and logistics support.

By joining the Morris Packaging team, you will become part of one of the most exciting teams in the packaging industry. If you are looking for a great career that provides job satisfaction and professional advancement with a company that values YOU, join our team today!

This position is for Morris Packaging’s more complex machines with a need for prior experience in operating print or converting machines.

Positions available is an 8-hour shift Monday through Friday position from either 2:30pm-10:30pm or 10:30pm-6:30am (2 nd or 3 rd Shift) working in our state of the art, climate controlled facility, with the opportunity for voluntary overtime and, at times, may require overtime beyond the normal workday. Individuals will be considered for either 2 nd or 3 rd shift depending upon availability and applicable experience.

Pay is $23-$25/hour plus $2 shift differential.

Related or transferrable experience required; for no or minimal experience, please check out Morris Packaging’s other job posts.

Essential Functions

• Efficiently adjust machine components to produce products to specifications.
• Perform changeovers independently, including tooling changes, machine setup, and adjustments of components based on product specifications.
• Regulate and fine‑tune machine flow, speed, and temperature to maintain consistent production and quality.
• Inspect product for quality making sure to remove and record non‑conforming product.
• Monitor the production line, watching for malfunctions such as pileups, jams, or glue that is not sticking properly.
• Stop, reset, and safely troubleshoot machines during malfunctions; clear jams and perform basic mechanical/electrical adjustments, escalating more complex issues to maintenance or supervision.
• Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity.
• Clean, oil, and adjust and complete minor repairs to machinery and equipment such as replacing expended components.
• Pack finished goods in boxes, attach identification labels, and package according to customer shipping specifications.
• Must have strong working knowledge of machine functions, controls, and operating principles to independently perform all tasks listed above.
• Must be able to perform the following tasks: Push, pull, stack, cut, etc.
• Comply with Safe Quality Food and Safety standards by maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Responsible for assisting in training and mentoring new operators, including sharing best practices and supporting skill development on equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to independently set up, adjust, and operate complex production machinery.
• Proficient math skills including calculations related to measurements, tolerances, rates, and production yields.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret tape measures, blueprints, work instructions, and technical specifications.
• Clear and effective communication skills, including ability to coordinate with maintenance, supervision, and team members in real time during production.
• Some positions may require the ability to become forklift certified (company provided).
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to understand machine functions, controls, and production flow to troubleshoot issues independently.
• Strong record‑keeping and documentation skills, including quality logs, downtime tracking, and non‑conformance reporting.
• Advanced quality control analysis skills, including ability to identify trends, diagnose defects, and take corrective action without direct supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills with ability to diagnose mechanical issues, identify root causes, and implement immediate corrective actions or escalations.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be primarily in our climate‑controlled facility. The plant floor is subject to vibration and equipment noise leading to a loud environment. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and might also be exposed to outside conditions, tight spaces, cleaning solvents and heights.

Physical Demands

• Continuous (6 or more hours per day) bending, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting, and grasping.
• Continuous (6 or more hours per day) talking, listening, teaching, and repetitive motion, hand/wrist movement.
• Continuous (6 or more hours per day) standing and walking.
• Frequent (1 to 3 hours per day) work in a stooped position.
• Good eyesight and normal hearing.
• Ability to move and lift objects, frequently 50 lbs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full‑time position. Days, nights and hours may vary depending on assigned shift and production requirements. This position may require significant work hours beyond the normal workday based on the demands of the business cycle or customer volume of business.

Travel

Should not be required.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior related manufacturing experience required, with demonstrated experience operating and/or setting up production machinery in a packaging environment preferred.
• Experience performing machine changeovers, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining production quality standards strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

None.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

AAP/EEO Statement

Morris Packaging, LLC. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Other Duties

All employees must comply with all company policies including but not limited to those outlined in the Employee Handbook, Safety Manual, and Safe Quality Foods documents.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Benefits

Morris Packaging offers a comprehensive benefits package to provide the protection you need today and in the future. Benefits may include but are subject to change: time off plans, medical coverages, bonus programs, disability coverages, company paid & voluntary life insurance, 401K plans with company match, & HSA contributions (when applicable).