Machine Operator

ALPLA Group; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

ALPLA is seeking an entry-level Manufacturing Operator in Iowa City. Start your career with a global leader in sustainable packaging, working on the production line and supporting packaging operations.

You’ll monitor machines, assist changeovers, and help maintain quality and safety standards in a team-focused environment. Ideal candidates bring a high school diploma, basic computer skills, and a demonstrated mechanical ability; experience in plastics helpful but not required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical/mechanical background in Plastics Industry preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrated mechanical ability.

Responsibilities

• Overall line responsibility from production to packaging.
• Start / Stop the machine and monitor operation.
• Perform parison controls and material checks.
• Maintain quality checks and document production.
• Assist with mold/color changes and changeovers as needed.
• Maintain housekeeping and support team efficiency.

Skills

Demonstrated mechanical ability

Basic computer skills

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Build a Career, Not Just a Job

Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands, including P&G, Unilever, L'Oréal, PepsiCo, and many more.

As a family-owned company with locations around the world, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Whether you're an experienced manufacturing professional or looking to start a new career, we provide the support and development you need to succeed.

At ALPLA, we invest in our people, promote from within, and foster a culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. From apprenticeship programs and technical training to leadership development opportunities, ALPLA is committed to helping employees build long-term careers.

What You Can Expect from ALPLA

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Childcare and dependent care savings programs
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition programs
• Hands-on training and professional development
• A stable, growing company committed to sustainability

Ready to Build Your Future?

Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is supported, and your career can grow with a global industry leader.

Main Responsibilities:

• Overall line responsibility from production to packaging
  • Start / Stop the machine
  • Performs parison controls Monitor Material control (weight distribution, regrind levels, watch tail lengths, etc)
  • Performs regular quality control throughout the shift and visual quality checks
  • Prepare machine for mold change
  • Ensure goods are produced in correct quantity and in accordance with agreed specifications
  • Accurately records goods produced, and problems encountered during shift
  • Line clearance performance
  • Autonomous maintenance activities
• Assists Machine Operator II/Shift Supervisor/Mold Change Team with mold/color changes as needed
• Working together in a Team
  • Ensure team works together as efficiently as possible
• Maintain good housekeeping in and around the machine and within department

Performance Metrics:

• Waste
• Quality checks
• Material Change efficiency and accuracy
• Autonomous maintenance completion
• Ensures Accountability
• Decision Quality
  Communicates Effectively
• Values Differences
• Drives Results

Qualifications and Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Technical/mechanical background in Plastics Industry preferred
• Basic computer skills
• Demonstrated mechanical ability

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job:

• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and very occasionally to climb or balance.
• The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 30 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #IOWA1 #entrylevel

ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ALPLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ALPLA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ALPLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.