Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life.

For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.

At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce.

We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we do—together—to create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.

Graham Packaging Company is seeking a Machine Operator II to join our manufacturing team in Muskogee, OK.

This position will train on day shift and is expected to transition to night shift after training is complete. The regular schedule is 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM on a rotating shift. Other evening and night shifts may be available. 

Candidates must have prior machine operator experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting. Training will focus on operating Graham Packaging equipment, not on basic machine operation fundamentals. This role requires hands-on experience, flexibility, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to safely operate production equipment with minimal supervision.

 

Qualified candidates will have experience such as:

• Operating production or manufacturing machinery (blow molding, injection molding, packaging, palletizing, filling, or similar equipment)

• Making routine machine adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency

• Monitoring equipment performance and troubleshooting minor issues

• Following safety procedures, quality standards, and production documentation

• Working independently during assigned shifts with minimal supervision

This is not an entry-level position. Candidates must be comfortable working around industrial equipment and performing hands-on machine operation.

 

The Operator is responsible for operating a given number of plastic blow molding machines (including in-line equipment), and makes necessary adjustments or minor repairs to ensure production of containers is made in a safe, efficient and high quality manner. The primary duties of an Operator include:

• Understands, follows and enforces all established safety, health, quality GMP and Company policies, procedures and recognized practices.
• Understands, follows and enforces all established policies, procedures and recognized practices.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement projects and other related activities as assigned
• Operate a group of plastic blow molding machines and auxiliary equipment producing a container in a safe and high quality method.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement projects and other related activities as assigned.
• Perform and/or assists in mold, insert and color changes on the line.
• Perform basic processing of injection and/or blow molding machines to improve machine efficiency and reduce scrap.
• Perform tasks and responsibilities of any Utility position during slow periods and/or as needed.
• Monitor HDPE/PET resin (if applicable), dryer, material handling and color systems for appropriate processing conditions.
• Make frequent on time quality checks on products being produced from established quality standards.
• Assist other Operators and maintenance personnel on mechanical repairs.
• Perform assigned preventative maintenance work.
• Maintain work area to acceptable safety and housekeeping standards.
• Complete and file all required documentation in an orderly and timely manner.
• Communicate with the Production Shift Supervisor to coordinate production line support staff in accomplishing the lines’ objectives.
• Verify material usage per standards
• Perform minor troubleshooting and programming on the line. Notify leads and supervisors of any major problems or questions.
• Operate equipment to minimize the generation and maximize the consumption of regrind, purge and scrap within customer specifications where applicable.
• Properly identify regrind and chunk produced.
• Communicate processing information to designated personnel on incoming shift. Assist other Operators as needed.
• Assist in the training of new Operators.
• Limited travel may be required

A minimum of 2 years in manufacturing required.

Operators are required to interact with managers, employees, vendors, and customers. Therefore, the following skills and proficiencies are also essential requirements of the position:

• Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
• Computer usage and typing skills are essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Communicates effectively: conveys facts and information clearly both verbally and orally.
• Collaborates well with others: proactively contributes to group objectives; volunteers to help others.

The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the company’s 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.

Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.