Career & application guide

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

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What do packaging and filling machine operators and tenders do?

Operate or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment. Includes cannery workers who pack food products.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Bundler
  • Closing Machine Operator
  • Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator)
  • Filler Operator
  • Machine Operator
  • Packaging Operator
  • Packing Attendant
  • Packing Machine Operator

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Attach identification labels to finished packaged items, or cut stencils and stencil information on containers, such as lot numbers or shipping destinations.
  • Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products, verifying and adjusting product weight or measurement to meet specifications.
  • Stop or reset machines when malfunctions occur, clear machine jams, and report malfunctions to a supervisor.
  • Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products to standards.
  • Remove finished packaged items from machine and separate rejected items.
  • Monitor the production line, watching for problems such as pile-ups, jams, or glue that isn't sticking properly.
  • Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material.
  • Start machine by engaging controls.
  • Tend or operate machine that packages product.
  • Clean, oil, and make minor adjustments or repairs to machinery and equipment, such as opening valves or setting guides.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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