Machine Operator

Location: Gardner, MA
Pay: $18.00–$22.00 per hour (2nd Shift pay differential)
Schedule: Full-Time | 1st Shift 7:00am - 3:00pm 2nd Shift 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Keep Production Moving. Build Your Skills.

Seaman Paper is a global manufacturer of sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions. Family-owned and headquartered in Leominster, Massachusetts, we've been manufacturing in Massachusetts since 1946 and continue to grow our operations around the world.

We're looking for a dependable and motivated Machine Operator to join our manufacturing team in Gardner, MA. You'll help produce high-quality paper products by operating and monitoring converting equipment while maintaining a safe, efficient, and quality-focused production environment.

What You'll Do

• Set up and operate paper converting equipment, including sheeters, slitters, and crepe streamer machines.
• Load and unload paper rolls using forklifts, clamp trucks, and overhead hoists.
• Thread materials through machines and adjust equipment settings as needed.
• Monitor equipment during production and make adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
• Perform quality checks, including measuring roll length, weight, and diameter.
• Maintain adequate supplies of packaging materials, adhesives, and other production materials.
• Complete production and quality documentation accurately.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and report maintenance concerns.
• Rotate duties and support team members to keep production moving.
• Identify and report product defects, equipment problems, and safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Participate in cross-training and continuous improvement activities.
• Follow all company safety procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and quality standards.

Who We're Looking For

• Previous machine operating or manufacturing experience preferred but not required.
• Comfortable working with machinery, tools, and production equipment.
• Forklift, clamp truck, or overhead hoist experience is a plus.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Good problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Dependable, motivated, and willing to learn.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Why Join Seaman Paper?

• Competitive pay — $18.00–$22.00 per hour. (2nd Shift pay differential)
• Stable company — Join a family-owned organization with a long history of success.
• Meaningful work — Help produce sustainable paper and packaging solutions used by customers around the world.
• Sustainability-focused — Be part of a company committed to environmentally responsible products and manufacturing.
• Team environment — Work alongside people who value safety, quality, and collaboration.
• Training and development — Build your machine operation and manufacturing skills through hands-on training and cross-training.
• Comprehensive benefits — Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Company-Funded HRA Contributions, Company-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, and Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Coverage.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is a hands-on manufacturing position. The role requires standing and walking throughout the shift, bending, reaching, and working around operating machinery and production equipment.

The position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, and move throughout the production facility for extended periods.
• Lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Safely operate tools, machinery, and material-handling equipment after completing required training and certification.
• Work safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with moving equipment and materials.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and a job-related physical examination. The physical examination will assess the candidate's ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

All pre-employment screening will be conducted in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts laws and company policies.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Seaman Paper is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs.

Ready to Join Seaman Paper?

If you're dependable, safety-focused, and ready to build your skills in a hands-on manufacturing environment, apply today and become part of the Seaman Paper team!

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time based on business needs.