Pouch Operator

Aerotek; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek in Addison, IL seeks a Pouch Operator to set up and run pouch-making equipment, inspect output, and uphold quality standards in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

You will read blueprints, perform measurements, maintain GMP and cleanroom protocols, and collaborate with lab and production teams. This contract-to-hire role offers onsite work with shift schedules and opportunities for growth within a global organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production, or general labor.
• Hands-on machine operation or operator experience with packaging equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to adjust machines.
• Knowledge of GMP and quality cleanliness standards.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints or product specs.

Responsibilities

• Set up pouch-making equipment per specs and work instructions.
• Operate and monitor pouch-making machines to ensure output and quality.
• Review work orders and verify product requirements and materials.
• Perform machine adjustments to maintain seal, dimensions, and print registration.
• Inspect pouches during production and document measurement results.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Machine operation

Quality inspection

GMP knowledge

Blueprint reading

Job description

Job Title: Pouch Operator

Job Description

The Pouch Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring pouch-making equipment to produce high-quality packaging that meets precise customer specifications and internal quality standards. This role involves working in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment, performing machine adjustments, conducting thorough inspections, and supporting consistent, efficient production. The ideal candidate brings prior manufacturing or production experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and attention to detail, particularly in quality control and inspection tasks.

Responsibilities

• Set up pouch-making equipment according to production specifications and work instructions.
• Operate and monitor pouch-making machines to ensure consistent production output and adherence to quality standards.
• Review work orders prior to each production run to verify product requirements, materials, and specifications.
• Perform machine adjustments to maintain seal integrity, dimensions, print registration, appearance, and overall product quality.
• Inspect pouches throughout the production process to ensure compliance with customer requirements and company quality standards.
• Monitor seal integrity, pouch dimensions, print registration, and overall pouch appearance during quality checks.
• Conduct detailed quality checks by making multiple measurements per pouch and documenting results as required.
• Communicate any detected defects or quality issues to the machine operator or appropriate personnel so adjustments can be made promptly.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and cleanroom protocols at all times.
• Use hand tools, tape measures, and other inspection equipment to perform accurate measurements and adjustments.
• Read and interpret blueprints or product drawings related to pouch specifications and packaging requirements.
• Assist with general production and packaging tasks as needed to support overall throughput and efficiency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area within the cleanroom and production floor.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers in the lab and on the production floor to meet production goals and resolve issues.
• Troubleshoot basic machine and process issues within scope of responsibility and elevate more complex problems as needed.
• Adhere to all safety guidelines when working with films, foils, chemicals, and peelable solutions.
• Follow all facility rules, including restrictions on fragrances and phone use in the lab.

Essential Skills

• Experience in manufacturing, production, or general labor in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on machine operation or machine operator experience, ideally with packaging or production equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic machine adjustments and troubleshoot minor issues.
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and adherence to quality and cleanliness standards.
• Ability to perform detailed inspections and measurements, including making multiple measurements per pouch during quality checks.
• Proficiency using hand tools and measurement tools such as tape measures for accurate quality verification.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints or product specifications related to packaging and pouch dimensions.
• Comfort working in a cleanroom environment and following strict PPE and cleanliness protocols.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Effective communication skills to report defects and collaborate with machine operators and production personnel.
• Ability to work well in a team-based environment with lab coworkers and production staff.
• Reliability in following established procedures, safety guidelines, and production schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in packaging, inspection, or quality control roles within a manufacturing setting.
• as a production operator, general production worker, or packager.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting basic production or packaging equipment issues.
• Comfort working with films, foils, chemicals, and peelable solutions in a regulated environment.
• Ability to adapt to different shifts and cross-train on various equipment or processes.
• Interest in developing leadership skills and growing into roles across different departments over time.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers the chance to join a highly stable and growing global organization that has expanded significantly and continues to build a strong reputation in the healthcare packaging industry. Employees benefit from exposure to innovative, engineered flexible materials and cutting-edge solutions used in medical device, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and life sciences applications. The company values internal mobility and actively promotes from within, providing clear opportunities to grow into different departments and leadership roles. Team members work in an environment that emphasizes continuous innovation, agile and responsive support, and collaboration across functions, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of the business while contributing to impactful, high-quality products.

Work Environment

The role is based in a cleanroom and production facility with a structured shift schedule: 1st shift runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 2nd shift runs from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. New hires train on 1st shift for approximately 46 weeks before transitioning to their regular shift. The work is primarily performed in a cleanroom environment where personal protective equipment (PPE) and steel-toed shoes are required, and strict protocols apply, including no fragrances and no phone use in the lab. The setting is team-based, with close collaboration between lab staff and production personnel on the floor. A significant portion of the role involves seated work, performing detailed quality checks and making multiple measurements per pouch alongside several colleagues in the cleanroom. Employees work with films, foils, chemicals, and peelable solutions and follow established safety and cleanliness standards to maintain a controlled, professional manufacturing environment.Experiance

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Addison, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $22.05/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 jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Addison, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Addison,IL.

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.

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.