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What does a pack machine operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a pack machine operator do

A pack machine operator is an employee who is responsible for operating and maintaining packaging machines to prepare industrial and consumer products for storage or shipment. Pack machine operators observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products are up to standards. They monitor the production line to avoid problems such as pile-ups or jams while removing defective products and packaging material. Pack machine operators must also conduct maintenance of the packaging machines on a weekly to monthly basis.

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Pack machine operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real pack machine operator resumes:

  • Insure that products pass inspection according to FDA contracts.
  • Perform CIP procedures on machinery when changing yogurt brands.
  • Maintain and operate machine and equipment quality control FDA approval identify good or bad parts
  • Observe quality of finish parts to prevent oversight by packer/inspector & prevent QA direction to rework/reinspect.
  • Perform QA checks, rework when need, cleaning, and transporting cages to the cooler.
  • Review other inspectors GMP forms; verify calibration and functionality of GMP instrumentation perform in-process tests and product audits.
  • Assist with work center change-overs and materials movement with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency in accordance with GMP standards.
  • Conduct exceptional monthly safety inspections following OSHA guidelines.
  • Prepare silkscreen stencils and operate machines to label containers for various product-lines.
  • Maintain technical data/records for mechanical/electrical repair and adjustments to assure product conformance with SPC specifications.
  • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
  • Obtain and move specified patterns to work stations, manually and using hoists and secure patterns to machines, using wrenches.
  • De-Manufacture PC'S and relate parts for credits back to company.
  • Coordinate and allocate components need to create PC boards on high volume.
  • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Pack machine operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Pack Machine Operators are proficient in Basic Math, Defective Products, and Team-Oriented Environment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Mechanical skills.

We break down the percentage of Pack Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Basic Math, 12%

    advance in batch record information and using basic mathematical skills,records and prepare accurate and complete information.

  • Defective Products, 8%

    Notified supervisor of faulty operations and defective product.

  • Team-Oriented Environment, 7%

    Work effectively and efficiently in a team-oriented environment to ensure maximum and high-quality output.

  • Quality Checks, 7%

    Perform and documenting all inspection and quality checks, including component and product verification.

  • Safety Procedures, 6%

    Followed safe operation of Industrial Packing machine and adhered to company safety procedures.

  • Math, 6%

    Paper work, Math skills & Maintenance.

"basic math," "defective products," and "team-oriented environment" are among the most common skills that pack machine operators use at work. You can find even more pack machine operator responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a pack machine operator to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what pack machine operators do because "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Additionally, a pack machine operator resume shows how pack machine operators use communication skills: "change machine parts shift reporting and documentation skills used good attention to detail math skills communication skills"

Coordination. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling pack machine operator duties is coordination. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." According to a pack machine operator resume, here's how pack machine operators can utilize coordination in their job responsibilities: "operated production machinery utilized good communication skill to interact well with co-workers possess good hand-eye coordination ability to perform repetitive tasks"

Mechanical skills. This is an important skill for pack machine operators to perform their duties. For an example of how pack machine operator responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a pack machine operator: "assist maintenance with mechanical troubleshooting. ".

Visual ability. A big part of what pack machine operators do relies on "visual ability." You can see how essential it is to pack machine operator responsibilities because "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical pack machine operator tasks: "completed detailed line inspections and visually inspected bottles for consistent product quality. "

See the full list of pack machine operator skills

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Compare different pack machine operators

Pack machine operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator

A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.

If we compare the average pack machine operator annual salary with that of a machine operator/forklift operator, we find that machine operator/forklift operators typically earn a $2,705 lower salary than pack machine operators make annually.Even though pack machine operators and machine operator/forklift operators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require quality checks, safety procedures, and safety rules in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between pack machine operators and machine operator/forklift operator. For instance, pack machine operator responsibilities require skills such as "basic math," "defective products," "team-oriented environment," and "math." Whereas a machine operator/forklift operator is skilled in "drive forklift," "load trucks," "machine operation," and "cnc." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Machine operator/forklift operators earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $36,711. On the other hand, pack machine operators are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $39,255.The education levels that machine operator/forklift operators earn slightly differ from pack machine operators. In particular, machine operator/forklift operators are 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a pack machine operator. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Pack machine operator vs. Cell operator

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

On average, cell operators earn a $2,709 higher salary than pack machine operators a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Pack machine operators and cell operators both require similar skills like "quality checks," "safety procedures," and "math" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real pack machine operator resumes. While pack machine operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "basic math," "defective products," "team-oriented environment," and "safety rules," cell operators use skills like "hand tools," "cnc," "calipers," and "micrometers."

Cell operators earn a higher average salary than pack machine operators. But cell operators earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $41,770. Additionally, pack machine operators earn the highest salaries in the manufacturing with average pay of $39,255 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Cell operators tend to reach similar levels of education than pack machine operators. In fact, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Pack machine operator vs. Oven operator

A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.

An average oven operator eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of pack machine operators. The difference in salaries amounts to oven operators earning a $904 lower average salary than pack machine operators.pack machine operators and oven operators both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "quality checks," "safety procedures," and "safety rules," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, pack machine operators are more likely to have skills like "basic math," "defective products," "team-oriented environment," and "math." But a oven operator is more likely to have skills like "food safety," "product specifications," "haccp," and "ppe."

Oven operators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $38,984. Comparatively, pack machine operators have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $39,255.oven operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to pack machine operators. Specifically, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Pack machine operator vs. Manufacturing operator

Manufacturing operators tend to earn a lower pay than pack machine operators by an average of $700 per year.According to resumes from pack machine operators and manufacturing operators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "basic math," "quality checks," and "safety procedures. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A pack machine operator uses "defective products," "team-oriented environment," "troubleshoot," and "product quality." Manufacturing operators are more likely to have duties that require skills in "hand tools," "lean manufacturing," "iso," and "quality products. "In general, manufacturing operators earn the most working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $37,500. The highest-paying industry for a pack machine operator is the manufacturing industry.In general, manufacturing operators hold similar degree levels compared to pack machine operators. Manufacturing operators are 3.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of pack machine operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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