Packaging Operator- Can Start ASAP

Aerotek; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Packaging Operator for a contract-to-hire role in North Chicago, IL. The position focuses on inspecting, labeling, and packaging pharmaceutical products in a cleanroom, following GMP and procedures.

You will operate automated packaging equipment, assist in line setups, monitor performance, and maintain accurate documentation in a fast-paced, regulated setting. Weekend availability may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to perform repeatable tasks daily with consistent quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and speak English to understand procedures, safety information, and documentation.
• Willingness to work weekends when required based on production needs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Basic understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, label, and package products according to GMP and procedures.
• Operate automated packaging equipment and production lines to ensure output and quality.
• Support setup of production lines, including change parts and tooling.
• Perform line setup activities and cleaning to prepare lines.
• Monitor production lines for performance and OEE; resolve issues.

Skills

English proficiency

Attention to detail

Team player

Stand for long periods

Weekend availability

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Packaging equipment operation

Vision system basics

QA documentation tools

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Operator

Job Description

The Packaging Operator inspects, labels, and packages raw and finished pharmaceutical products while following Good Manufacturing Practices in a clean-room environment. This contract-to-hire role involves operating and setting up automated packaging equipment, supporting production line performance, and maintaining accurate documentation in a fast-paced, highly regulated setting.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, label, and package raw and finished products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices and established procedures.
• Operate automated packaging equipment and production lines effectively, ensuring consistent output and adherence to quality standards.
• Support setup of production lines and equipment in primary and secondary packaging areas, including change parts and tooling.
• Perform line setup activities such as equipment set‑ups, adjustments, and cleaning to prepare lines for production.
• Monitor assigned production lines for performance and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), identifying and resolving performance-related issues.
• Perform line clearance and housekeeping cleans on finishing lines to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work area.
• Complete quality-related tasks throughout the production run, including challenges, parameter checks, sample pulls, in‑process checks, and bulk/commodity accountability.
• Identify product defects and elevate quality concerns promptly to the appropriate personnel.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment-related issues and perform minor adjustments to improve equipment efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Use operating systems or programs associated with packaging equipment to run, monitor, and document production activities.
• Apply basic knowledge and understanding of vision systems used on the equipment to support accurate labeling and packaging.
• Sustain 5S practices for parts and tooling across the production floor to promote organization and efficiency.
• Follow written procedures, work instructions, and other documentation similar to recipes, blueprints, or high-regulation guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation as required by Good Manufacturing Practices and company policies.
• Adhere to safety, quality, and regulatory guidelines, and actively participate in maintaining a safe work environment.
• Communicate safety, quality, technical, and operational issues in a timely manner to appropriate groups and leadership.
• Share learning experiences and collaborate with peers and leadership through open, constructive dialogue.
• Perform repeatable tasks throughout the shift with attention to detail and consistency.
• Work overtime and weekends as required based on production workload, including mandatory overtime when needed.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to perform repeatable tasks daily with consistent quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to read and speak English to understand procedures, safety information, and documentation.
• Willingness to work weekends when required based on production needs.
• Ability and desire to work in close proximity with other employees in a team-oriented environment.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced production or warehouse setting.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during the shift.
• Capability to operate, load, and unload production or packaging equipment after training.
• Basic understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices or willingness to learn and follow GMP guidelines.
• Ability to document work accurately and follow established processes and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating packaging equipment or similar technical equipment, preferably in a pharmaceutical or highly regulated environment.
• Background in safety, quality, and GMP guidelines from previous roles in manufacturing, warehouse, or production.
• Experience following detailed procedures such as recipes, blueprints, or other high-regulation instructions.
• Maintenance or technical Background with experience troubleshooting equipment, performing set‑ups, and cleaning equipment.
• Experience using operating systems or computer-based programs associated with production or packaging equipment.
• Cleanroom experience in manufacturing, medical device, or related industries.
• Pick and pack experience in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Previous operating experience on production lines or automated equipment.
• Experience in medical device manufacturing or similar highly regulated industries.
• Demonstrated strong performance history and high aptitude for learning new processes and equipment quickly.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy working for a well-established, reputable organization that offers competitive pay rates, non-rotating shifts, and the opportunity to grow into permanent roles. The company promotes a stable, structured environment with clear processes and guidelines, providing strong support for professional development and long-term career growth.

Work Environment

The role is based in a cleanroom warehouse environment with production lines and automated packaging equipment. Employees work in close proximity to one another and must be comfortable standing for the majority of the shift in a fast-paced setting. Good Manufacturing Practices attire is required and must be worn consistently to maintain clean-room and safety standards. Shifts are non-rotating, with first shift typically Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., second shift Monday through Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and third shift Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Weekend work, including mandatory overtime, may be required depending on production needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of NORTH CHICAGO, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.53 - $21.48/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in NORTH CHICAGO, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.