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Machine Operator (Thermoforming)

TOPPAN Packaging · Huntley, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked with packers or inspectors to fix a quality issue on the line.

What they are checking: Whether they treat inspector feedback as useful information rather than criticism.

Why do accurate job tickets matter, and tell me about a time you caught an error in one?

What they are checking: Whether they see paperwork as part of quality and traceability, not busywork.

This shift starts at 5 AM. Tell me about your attendance at past jobs.

What they are checking: Reliability on an early shift where a missing operator stops a machine.

What would you do

Your machine goes down for troubleshooting. How do you decide where to send your Packers and Inspectors?

What they are checking: Whether they keep people productive and safe during downtime, which the posting assigns to this role.

A new material roll behaves differently than the last one even though it's the same spec. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they adjust carefully, document it and report material variation instead of guessing.

About the work

The role needs three or more years on Kiefel machines. Tell me which Kiefel models you've run and what you did on them.

What they are checking: Whether their Kiefel experience is real and deep enough to set up and run without close supervision.

Walk me through how you set up a thermoforming machine for a new job, from mounting the mold to the first good part.

What they are checking: A full, ordered understanding of setup including tooling, roll loading, heating and first-part checks.

Parts are coming out with webbing in the corners. What do you check first?

What they are checking: Practical troubleshooting of forming defects through heat, vacuum, plug assist and material.

How do you use calipers in your daily checks, and what would you do if a part measured out of spec?

What they are checking: Accurate measuring habits and the judgment to stop and adjust rather than keep running bad parts.

What routine maintenance do you do on a thermoformer, and how do you know when something needs maintenance's help?

What they are checking: Their line between operator care and mechanic work, and whether they catch early signs of failure.

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The full job description

As published by TOPPAN Packaging.

Position: Machine Operator with Thermoforming Experience Location: Huntley (F135 Main – 11320 E. Main Street, Huntley, IL 60142) Shift: 1st Shift | 5:00 AM – 3:30 PM Pay Rate: $24.89/hour Summary Description The Machine Operator I – Thermoforming is responsible for setting up and operating thermoforming equipment to produce quality parts according to job specifications. This position installs the appropriate tooling, loads raw materials, monitors machine performance, performs quality checks, troubleshoots equipment, and completes routine maintenance to support safe and efficient production. Previous thermoforming experience is required for this position. What You’ll Be Doing • Set up thermoforming machines according to job specifications • Mount dies and molds and load rolls of raw material into machines • Operate thermoforming equipment and maintain continuous production flow • Perform troubleshooting and quality checks throughout production • Complete routine maintenance on thermoforming machines • Accurately complete job tickets and production paperwork • Work closely with Packers and Inspectors to resolve quality concerns • Assist with directing Packers/Inspectors to other areas during downtime or setup • Use calipers and measuring devices to verify specifications • Maintain accurate box counts and production records • Verify specification requirements for each job • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment • Assist with additional machine setups and production tasks as needed We’d Love to Hear From You If • You have 3+ years of thermoforming experience. • You have at least 6 months of setup/operator experience. • You have previous experience working as a skilled manufacturing or machine operator. • You have at least one year of previous production-line experience (preferred). • You can read, write, and perform the basic math required to complete production paperwork. • You understand manufacturing processes and quality-control requirements. • You can read and accurately use calipers. • You have strong communication skills and work effectively as part of a production team. • You are self-motivated, willing to learn, and able to take on additional responsibilities as needed. • You can maintain accurate production counts and documentation. • You can stand, walk, bend, reach, read, write, and communicate throughout the workday. • You can lift up to 50 pounds. • You are comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with potential exposure to heat, fumes, grease, and lubricants. • High school diploma or GED preferred but not required. Candidates who demonstrate the necessary manufacturing experience and the required literacy, numeracy, and technical skills will be considered regardless of educational background. Benefits At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support overall wellbeing. Benefits may vary based on location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement and may include: • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options • 401(k) retirement plan with company match • Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources • Paid time off and holidays • Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans including life, accident, and disability coverage • Tuition reimbursement Equal Opportunity Employer TOPPAN Packaging Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

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