Machine Operator I 3rd Shift

Ferrero SpA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrara Candy Company in Chicago is seeking a Packaging Machine Operator to safely set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain wrapping equipment for continuous production. This role ensures accurate packaging, quality standards, and timely shipment to customers.

You will lead changeovers, follow SOPs, verify materials meet specs, inspect products, and collaborate with maintenance to resolve mechanical issues while upholding GMP and safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience operating packaging machinery in food manufacturing.
• Good written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead packaging machine set up and changeover for production runs.
• Follow work instruction, standards and SOPs for equipment set up and changeover.
• Identify and resolve issues during set up and changeover.
• Ensure packaging material meets specifications and quality standards; replenish packaging supplies as needed.
• Operate packaging equipment and program data on touch screen (code date, product weight, etc.).
• Conduct detailed quality checks and inspect filled containers for compliance.

Skills

Math skills

Equipment knowledge

Forklift certification

Stamina

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Job description

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At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox’s Burton’s, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we’re loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry’s. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Position requires the ability to work overtime. As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.

Core Hours: 10pm-6:15am

Want to make an impact?

The Packaging Machine Operator plays a key role in delivering high-quality products by safely setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining wrapping equipment to support continuous, efficient production. This role helps ensure products are packaged accurately, meet quality standards, and are ready for shipment to customers.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead packaging machine set up and changeover for production runs
• Follow work instruction, standards and SOP’s for equipment set up and changeover
• Identify and resolve issues during set up and changeover
• Ensure packaging material, including but not limited to film, cartons, boxes and labeling meets specifications and quality standards; replenish packaging supplies as needed
• Feed product to conveyors, hoppers, scales, or other feeding devices
• Operate packaging equipment, including troubleshooting and making adjustments in accordance with established work standards; operate touch screen to program code date, product weight and other relevant product data
• Conduct detailed quality checks at regular intervals; inspect filled containers to ensure product is packaged according to specifications
• Remove rejected product as instructed by metal detector alarm
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues with equipment at the entry maintenance mechanic level
• Follow escalation protocol in a timely manner when troubleshooting efforts fail
• Work closely with maintenance when escalation to maintenance support is needed for a mechanical issue
• Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values and operating principles
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, GMP and safety standards
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Ferrara Candy Company business objectives

Skills that will make you successful

• Basic mathematical skills
• Basic understanding of equipment capabilities, standards and proper set points including but not limited to metal detectors, check weights and Ishida scales
• Ability to pass certification test on pallet jack and forklift
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and understanding how to carry out detailed written and/or oral instructions
• Promote teamwork; possess a good attitude, and exhibit flexibility and willingness to perform tasks as needed
• Ability to problem solve by adjusting variables in standardized situations

Experiences that will support your success

• Minimum of 1 year experience operating packaging machinery and/or working in food manufacturing strongly preferred
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary for this role is $25.50 per hour plus .25 cent shift differential per hour.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.