Wet End Operator - Corrugated Industry bei undefined

Wet End Operator– 2nd Shift (Monday–Friday, 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.)

Who We’re Looking For

Hood Container is looking for a dedicated Wet End Operator to join our high-performing Corrugator team in Chicago. If you’re hands-on, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced production environment, this is your opportunity to grow with a national leader in sustainable packaging.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare and load rolls into roll stands and set up for splicing.

• Check roll size and grade to ensure alignment with line-up and production order.

• Remove barcoded tags, scan under the correct program, and manage roll tracking using Kiwi.

• Cut steel bands and remove outer wraps until good paper sheets are visible.

• Prepare roll tails for threading with caution when using razor knives.

• Align rolls accurately using tape measures and double-sided tape for splicing.

• Splice rolls of medium and liner at end of runs to start new production.

• Manage paper flow, glue dams, and starch levels to prevent defects or downtime.

• Control wrap arms for heat balance to minimize warp issues.

• Communicate with clamp truck drivers to ensure paper availability and correct setup.

• Monitor bridge and web flow to prevent breaks and unnecessary downtime.

• Perform roll and machine recordkeeping: mark paper width, grade, and diameter; create barcoded tags for leftover rolls.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience: Previous experience in corrugated manufacturing or paper machine operations preferred.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Skills:

  • Ability to read a tape measure and identify paper grades.

  • Strong communication skills with team members (stacker, clamp driver, and supervisors).

  • Knowledge of paper warp (up warp and down warp) and starch usage.

  • Ability to adapt to changing workloads and maintain focus under pressure.

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety procedures.

Job Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work in varying temperatures (40°F–120°F) for extended periods.

• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.

• Standing and walking for prolonged periods required.

Why You’ll Love Working at Hood Container:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits: We offer competitive hourly pay, shift differentials, and a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being. Learn more at www.hoodcontainer.com/benefits.

• Career Growth: We invest in training and development to help you advance within our growing organization.

• Supportive Culture: Join a team that values collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Sustainable Industry: Build your career in the corrugated packaging industry with a company that’s expanding nationwide.

Who We Are:

Hood Container Corporation is a family-owned, mill-to-market company specializing in containerboard, kraft paper, corrugated boxes, high-graphic displays, and contract packaging. Over the past decade, we’ve grown into one of the top ten Paper & Packaging Companies in the U.S. Our success is driven by our commitment to our customers, our people, and our guiding principles — Care, Serve, Evolve, Empower, and Trust.

We believe in building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome different backgrounds, perspectives, and skills—because the more inclusive we are, the better we work together.

Ready to Join Us?

Apply today and become part of a company where your work truly makes a difference!

Learn more about us at www.hoodcontainer.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.