Machine Operator

ePac Flexible Packaging; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Profit sharing

Full benefits package

401K with employer match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

ePac Flexible Packaging seeks an Advanced Pouch Machine Operator for the evening/2nd shift at our Middleton, WI facility. You will set up, operate, and maintain multi-web pouch machines, ensure product quality, and keep a safe, organized work area.

This role emphasizes mechanical troubleshooting, learning Totani pouch machines, and continuous improvement. A strong math/mechanical aptitude is needed; a High School Diploma is required, with 2+ years of machine operations preferred.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in machine operations or equivalent
• Knowledge of flexible packaging is a plus
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Flexible in work schedule
• Totani pouch machine experience is a significant advantage

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-web pouch machines, including job changeovers and adjustments
• Monitor machine performance and perform quality checks (seal tests, drop tests, etc.)
• Measure product dimensions to ensure accuracy and compliance with specs
• Maintain production documentation and logs in ERP
• Support daily performance of Pouch Assistant duties and roll changes
• Complete monthly preventive maintenance on equipment

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Math & Measurement

Manual Dexterity

Problem-Solving

Communication & Teamwork

Ability to follow directions

Edge position control (EPC)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Totani pouch machine

Job description

ePac Madison is looking for an Advanced Pouch Machine Operator to join our expert production team on the evening/2nd shift! If you are a mechanically-minded problem solver who loves dialing in precision automated equipment, troubleshooting systems, and mastering complex machine configurations, this role is built for you.

What We Offer:

• Shift Differentials (2nd shift premium)
• Opportunity for Profit Sharing
• Full Benefits Package
• Web Tension Control: Unwind systems, film guiding, and accurate pouch feature placement.
• PLC & HMI Navigation: Monitoring functions, inputting recipes, and troubleshooting machine issues.
• Precision Measurement: Live quality audits and confirming strict material specs.
• No direct pouch experience? If you have strong mechanical aptitude from roles like Industrial Mechanic, Automotive Tech, Manual Machinist, or Flexographic Printing, we have the state-backed training paths to get you certified!

Benefits package includes:

• 3 Medical Options
• Vision
• Employer paid Short and Long term disability
• 401K with employer match
• 120 hours Paid Time off
• Paid holidays
• Potential for profit sharing
• Opportunities to cross train
• and more!

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SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Pouch Machine Operator is tasked to set up, operate, and maintain multi-web pouch machines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality, meeting production standards, and maintaining a safe and clean work area while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure personal compliance with all company Quality System, Operational, and Human Resource policies and procedures.
• Set up and operate multi-web pouch machines, including job changeovers, machine adjustments, and trial runs per job specifications.
• Monitor machine performance to detect defects or malfunctions and perform quality checks such as seal tests, Haug tests, drop tests, and valve tests.
• Measure product dimensions to ensure accuracy and compliance with specifications.
• Meet or exceed established standards for line speed, scrap rates, and setup times.
• Ensure machines are operating safely with all required safety equipment in place and functional.
• Set guides and detection devices to ensure proper film tracking and automatic rejection of defective pouches.
• Able to distinguish different pouch types, features and necessary tools needed for such features.
• Able to understand different material structures to adjust heats and tension controls accordingly.
• Use basic math before & during setups to calculate & measure precise tooling placement.
• Stage raw materials (printed film, zippers, valves) to maintain efficient production. Prepare tooling in advance for the next changeover.
• Regularly work around heated seal bars to make segment adjustments
• Perform minor machine maintenance and assist management with troubleshooting mechanical issues.
• Complete monthly preventative maintenance (PMs) on equipment.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, including production reports, first article inspections, quality logs, and skid tickets.
• Oversee and support the daily performance of Pouch Assistant duties.
• Assist with roll changes, splice removal, trash and trim removal, and finished goods handling.
• Accurately log production time & costs to jobs in ERP (Microsoft Dynamics)
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including end-of-shift housekeeping.
• Participate in ongoing training and contribute to a continuous improvement culture.
• Provide recommendations to management to improve production efficiency and workflow.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management or supervisors.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Could be asked to support other parts of the operations including press assistant, slitting, and lamination.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Possess and foster a positive attitude of learning and respect
• Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform machine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment and line issues.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and resolve difficult issues as they arise.
• Math & Measurement Skills: Proficiency in basic math and use of measurement tools. Able to read both English & metric units on a ruler.
• Manual Dexterity: Strong hand-eye coordination for working with various hand tools and machine components.
• Visual Acuity & Attention to Detail: Critical for quality monitoring, defect detection, and specification compliance.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify issues quickly and take corrective action to reduce downtime and waste.
• Communication & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with other operators, assistants, quality personnel, and management; ensure smooth shift handoffs.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions
• Ability to take ownership of work and also work as part of a team.
• Able to understand repeat, tracking, mark sensors and the use of EPC (edge position control).

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Minimum of 2 years experience in machine operations required.
• Knowledge of flexible packaging is a plus.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be flexible in work schedule.
• Totani pouch machine experience is a significant advantage.
• Experience in automotive, construction, trades, manufacturing, machinist or maintenance roles is beneficial.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is around, moving mechanical parts and vibration.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Requires certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as hairnets, steel-toed shoes, and facility specific uniform requirements
• ePac believes in a collaborative and cross trained workforce and encourages all employees to learn all facets of production. This role will have the ability to learn and train on operational functions throughout the plants.

ePac Flexible Packaging has locations across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Built on break-through digital printing, ePac is at the crossroads of advanced technology and manufacturing. ePac’s mission is to provide consumer packaged goods companies the ability to compete with large brands with great packaging. Our customers are predominantly small and medium-sized CPGs, many of whom are focused on creating natural and innovative products for their consumers. Since opening our first manufacturing facility in 2016, our mission has been clear – to help small brands obtain big brand presence, give back to the communities we serve and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, circular economy.

https://epacflexibles.com/

This 2nd shift position at our Middleton, WI facility has a competitive salary ranges starting at $25 / hour plus shift differential depending on skills and experience, with a generous leave and benefits package: