Packaging Operator — $20+/hr + Growth in Naperville, IL

Packaging Operator — $20+/hr + Growth | Naperville, IL - Craftsmith Beverage is a fast-growing, state-of-the-art facility producing 50,000+ barrels annually of craft beer, non-alcoholic beer, seltzers, and water. We're hiring Packaging Operators across all shifts—first, second, and flex—to join our team and drive consistency and quality best-in-class packaging.

This is a hands-on role with advanced packaging equipment (filler, cartoner, tray packer, detection systems, and more), where your leadership and technical skills come together and shape the products we put into the world.

Position Summary

The Packaging Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving key packaging line equipment across our facility. This includes primary machines such as the filler, cartoner, and tray packer, as well as auxiliary equipment like detection scanners, date coders, and poly-pro applicators. Operators at Craftsmith are cross-trained to provide flexibility, ensure redundancy, and support smooth production across all equipment centers.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate & maintain packaging equipment (filler, cartoner, tray packer, labeler, date coder, poly-pro applicator)
• Set up, calibrate, conduct changeovers, and troubleshoot—ensuring quality output
• Perform in-process checks (seams, fills, weights, carbonation)
• Stage materials and maintain accurate logs of downtime, maintenance, and performance
• Maintain accurate logs of production performance, downtime, and maintenance activity.
• Adhere to all safety, GMP, and sanitation protocols while maintaining a clean work environment.
• Clean, sanitize, and help build better SOPs; participate in continuous improvement
• Contribute to SOP development, continuous improvement projects, and efficiency initiatives.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members.
• Assist in other brewery areas (cellar, warehouse, shipping/receiving) as needed to meet production demands.

Qualifications

• Core Requirements
  • HS diploma or equivalent
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
  • Comfort using computers, iPads, and PLC-based interfaces
  • Able to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods
• Preferred—Not Mandatory
  • 1+ year manufacturing/CPG or food/beverage experience
  • Brewing industry familiarity
  • Forklift or pallet jack certification (training available)
  • Preventive maintenance or SOP development experience

Your Role & Growth

At Craftsmith, Packaging Operators are hands-on contributors, problem-solvers, collaborators, and teammates whose work drives our success. Here's what you'll gain:

• Career growth: Learn every piece of the line and cross-train across multiple machines so you're always in demand.
• Skill-building: Get hands-on with continuous improvement, SOPs, and new processes that shape how our facility runs.
• Team environment: Join a collaborative crew where your input matters and your work directly impacts quality and consistency.
• Stability: Enjoy a steady Monday–Friday second shift schedule in a company that's growing fast.

Schedule & Compensation

• Available Hours:
  • 1st Shift: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Mid Shift: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • 2nd Shift: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Hours: ~40 per week, with overtime as needed (weekdays and occasional weekends)
• Pay: $20+/hr, negotiable based on experience, with growth opportunities
• Priority Consideration: Candidates with filler or packaging experience will be highly valued and factored into compensation

Join a growing team where your work has real impact. Learn advanced skills, shape quality, and build your future at Craftsmith.