Machine Operator; Bander - 1st Shift

Posted Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 5:00 AM

As a Fortune 500 company, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. Our corrugated packaging business seeks to be the leader in helping our customers — large and small — package, transport and display products of all kinds. Our white paper business delivers Paper With Purpose by providing the highest level of customer service and operational excellence.

We have approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States that strive to meet the local needs of our customers. Our mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

Operate pallet centering device, auto banding software (hot key system), two stage banding units, conveying system and stretch wrapping equipment.

Perform basic computer functions to input and retrieve information from system.

Operate equipment at a pace to avoid gridlock of upstream production equipment.

Read factory card and execute customer requirement/specification for finishing units for delivery.

Add proper dunnage to protect customer product and load tags per customer specs.

Add special protective devices on corners or top as specified in customer instructions.

Program auto banding software (hot keys) for large orders.

Maintain inventories of dunnage in various sizes, tapes, load tags and stretch wrap.

Understand control to safely position unitized for clearing jams and loading strapping reels.

Understand manual override of automation to manually operate equipment if failures or faults occur within the sequence.

Perform basic maintenance and troubleshoot issues that arise.

Communicate with maintenance department or supervisor any needed repairs.

Monitor the quality of output from the machine, communicating back to supervisor any issues.

May be required to obtain and maintain forklift license.

Maintain neat, orderly, and safe area.

Adhere to all safety and work rules, company policies and procedures.

Perform other duties, as needed.

High school diploma or GED.

Ability and willingness to work overtime on short notice, both during the week and weekends.

Ability to work in manufacturing environment, with varying temperatures, around machinery, and heavy forklift traffic.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Experience in a packaging or other manufacturing environment.

• Starting salary for position: $20 per hour.
• Bonus:
  Annual – Based upon achievement of plant performance metrics.
• Paid Vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year. Pro-rata Vacation during the initial year of hire based upon start date within the calendar year.
• Paid Holidays.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, an employee (and their dependents) is eligible to enroll in certain benefit coverages -- medical, dental, and vision – and are automatically enrolled in life, AD&D, and disability coverages.
• Upon hire, an employee is automatically enrolled in the 401k plan. The plan offers both pre-tax and Roth contribution options along with employer provided matching contributions.
• Disclaimer:
  The Compensation and Benefits information in this posting represents PCA’s good faith and reasonable estimate of what it may pay for this position. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

PCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified Applicants must apply at  to be considered.