Packaging Equipment Operator (1st shift)

ITW; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,866 - 33,992; Full time

Job summary

ITW Mechanical Fastening is seeking a Packaging Equipment Operator in Chicago, IL (1st Shift: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM). You will set up and run packaging lines, perform quality checks, troubleshoot issues, and document production data. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and teamwork in a hands-on environment.

You will handle polybag and blister packaging and hand-pack processes, with opportunities to contribute to a growing facility. Prior packaging or manufacturing experience is valued.

Qualifications

• 6 months of manufacturing, production, machine operation, warehouse, or related work experience preferred.
• High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a team.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to identify and troubleshoot routine equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust packaging equipment to safely produce quality products while meeting productivity, efficiency, and quality goals.
• Monitor equipment performance, clear jams, troubleshoot routine issues, and communicate concerns with team members, maintenance, quality, and supervisors.
• Package products using polybag, blister packaging, and hand-pack processes according to established specifications and quality standards.
• Perform quality inspections, operate testing equipment as required, and complete production and quality documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain material flow by keeping packaging lines supplied with the correct materials and ensuring proper labeling and identification of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Independent worker

Teamwork

Quality checks

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Scales

Labelers

Printers

Tapers

Electric pallet jacks

Job description

Why This Role Matters

At ITW Mechanical Fastening, our packaging team plays a critical role in ensuring customers receive high-quality products that are accurately packaged, properly labeled, and ready for use on jobsites across North America. As a Packaging Equipment Operator, you will help keep production moving safely and efficiently by operating packaging equipment, performing quality checks, troubleshooting routine issues, and supporting day-to-day packaging operations. Success in this role comes from attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and quality. This role combines packaging equipment operation with hands‑on production work, including polybag, blister packaging, and manual hand-pack processes.

Job Description

Packaging Equipment Operator

Location: Chicago (Austin), IL

1st Shift | 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM

At ITW Mechanical Fastening, our packaging team plays a critical role in ensuring customers receive high-quality products that are accurately packaged, properly labeled, and ready for use on jobsites across North America. As a Packaging Equipment Operator, you will help keep production moving safely and efficiently by operating packaging equipment, performing quality checks, troubleshooting routine issues, and supporting day-to-day packaging operations. Success in this role comes from attention to detail, reliability, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and quality. This role combines packaging equipment operation with hands‑on production work, including polybag, blister packaging, and manual hand-pack processes.

What You Will Do

• Set up, operate, and adjust packaging equipment to safely produce quality products while meeting productivity, efficiency, and quality goals.
• Monitor equipment performance, clear jams, troubleshoot routine issues, and communicate concerns with team members, maintenance, quality, and supervisors.
• Package products using polybag, blister packaging, and hand-pack processes according to established specifications and quality standards.
• Perform quality inspections, operate testing equipment as required, and complete production and quality documentation accurately and on time.
• Maintain material flow by keeping packaging lines supplied with the correct materials and ensuring proper labeling and identification of raw materials, work‑in‑process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area while following all safety procedures and standard operating practices.

What You Bring (Requirements)

• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• At least 6 months of manufacturing, production, machine operation, warehouse, or related work experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently while contributing as part of a team.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to identify and troubleshoot routine equipment issues.
• Ability to safely operate equipment such as scales, labelers, printers, tapers, and electric pallet jacks.
• Willingness to work assigned shift, overtime, and occasional weekends as needed.

What's In It For You

As part of our newer Chicago (Austin) operation, you'll have an opportunity to contribute to a growing facility, work closely with a small team, and help support the success of the operation as it continues to evolve. If you enjoy working in a hands‑on environment where teamwork, reliability, and quality matter, you'll find opportunities to make a meaningful impact every day.

Grounded in our four Core Commitments, we aim to ensure all colleagues, regardless of segment, division, geography, or title, experience what differentiates ITW as a great employer. Learn more at ITW Careers.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be exposed to heat, dust, climate variances and moving mechanical equipment typically found in a distribution warehouse environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Certain personal protective equipment is required when in the manufacturing areas. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to be present and walk through an active construction site in various weather conditions. Be able to follow and use specific job site safety equipment and procedures. Must be able to handle various company products such as steel products, tools, and construction chemicals while following proper safety guidelines established by the company. Ability to hear safety noises in the facility as well. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk; sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.

About ITW Mechanical Fastening

ITW Residential Mechanical Fastening offers a broad range of professional grade tools and fasteners for numerous construction applications. Our products include structural wood fasteners (GRK Fasteners™), concrete anchoring systems (Tapcon®, Red Head®, Ramset®), underlayment screws (Backer‑On‑Rock‑On ®), self‑drilling screws (Teks®) and drywall anchoring systems (E‑Z Ancor®). ITW Residential Mechanical Fastening excels in meeting the growing demands from Pro end‑users for high‑quality home improvement and construction fastening products. Our products are trusted by industry professionals and each brand is the market leader in its respective category in terms of quality, performance and ease of use.

About ITW

Founded in 1912, Illinois Tool Works Inc. is a Fortune 300 global multi‑industry manufacturing leader with revenue of $16 billion in 2025. The company’s seven industry‑leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive growth through innovative, customer‑focused solutions. ITW’s approximately 43,000 colleagues around the world thrive in a decentralized and entrepreneurial culture.

Compensation Information

We believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we invest in creating an environment where you can thrive—both personally and professionally. For more details, visit our Benefits page.

• In addition, our benefits include paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental leave.

Hourly base salary for this position is $21.00.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.