Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma Career Overview
As a Packaging Machine Setter, you play a vital role in the manufacturing and packaging industries, where your primary responsibility involves setting up and maintaining machinery that packages products. Your contributions ensure that products are effectively packaged for distribution, directly impacting product quality and production efficiency.
Key aspects of the role include:
Machine Setup: You are responsible for preparing packaging machines for operation by installing and adjusting the necessary components to meet production specifications. This involves selecting the right materials and configuring the equipment for different products.
Operation Monitoring: Throughout the production process, you monitor machine performance to identify issues such as malfunctions or inefficiencies. Your attention to detail helps maintain optimal production levels.
Troubleshooting: When problems arise, you diagnose and resolve mechanical issues swiftly to minimize downtime. Your technical knowledge is essential for maintaining production schedules and ensuring quality control.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspection of packaging machines are critical. By performing routine checks, you contribute to the longevity and reliability of the equipment.
Collaboration: You often work closely with other team members, including operators and quality control inspectors, to ensure that packaging meets industry standards and customer requirements.
Your work is fundamental to ensuring that products are securely and properly packaged, which not only preserves product integrity but also enhances customer satisfaction. In a landscape where efficiency and reliability are paramount, your role as a Packaging Machine Setter is essential to the success of manufacturing operations.
Packaging Machine Setter Salary in Oklahoma
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma
To become a Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma, you typically need to pursue specific educational qualifications and training programs. The following degree programs are beneficial:
Mechanical Engineering Technology: This program focuses on applying principles of engineering to the design and manufacturing processes. It provides you with a strong foundation in mechanics, thermodynamics, and material science, essential for understanding and setting up packaging machinery.
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology: This degree offers training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial equipment. It emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing you to develop the necessary skills to troubleshoot and optimize packaging machines.
Electromechanical Technologies: By studying electromechanical systems, you will learn about the integration of electrical and mechanical systems. This knowledge is vital for modern packaging machines, which often incorporate both mechanical components and electronic controls.
Machine Shop Technology: A program in machine shop technology provides training in machining processes, tool usage, and workplace safety. Understanding these aspects can be advantageous when setting up, adjusting, and maintaining packaging machines.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology: This program covers various manufacturing processes and systems. It equips you with the knowledge of production methods and quality control that are relevant to the packaging sector.
In addition to formal education, practical experience through internships or apprenticeships is often beneficial in gaining hands-on skills that are directly applicable to the role of a Packaging Machine Setter.
Best Schools to become a Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma 2024
John C Calhoun State Community College
Gadsden State Community College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Owensboro Community and Technical College
- Set up, operate, or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions, such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming, or sealing paper or paperboard sheets into products.
Packaging Machine Setter Required Skills and Competencies in Oklahoma
Technical Proficiency: You need to have a solid understanding of various packaging machinery, including their operation and maintenance. Familiarity with troubleshooting common machine issues is essential.
Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in your role. You should be able to identify discrepancies in packaging specifications and ensure that products are packaged accurately.
Mechanical Aptitude: Comfort with tools and mechanical components is important. You will often handle equipment adjustments and repairs, requiring both skill and dexterity.
Problem-Solving Skills: You must be able to quickly identify problems as they arise and implement effective solutions to minimize downtime in production.
Quality Control Awareness: You should be adept at enforcing quality control standards to ensure that packaged products meet company specifications and regulatory requirements.
Safety Compliance: Understanding and adhering to safety regulations is crucial. You need to recognize potential hazards in the workplace and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe working environment.
Communication Skills: Effectively communicating with team members and supervisors is important for coordinating tasks and addressing any issues that arise during the packaging process.
Organizational Skills: You should be able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, prioritize workflow, and keep workspaces organized to maintain productivity.
Physical Stamina: The job often requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy materials, and performing repetitive tasks. Physical endurance is necessary to perform your duties effectively.
Adaptability: You should be prepared to adapt to new technologies and changes in production methods, as well as fluctuating industry needs and demands.
Job Duties for Packaging Machine Setters
Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
Desktop publishing software
- Adobe InDesign
- Quark enterprise publishing software
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Basic Skills
- Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma
The job market for Packaging Machine Setters in Oklahoma is actively evolving due to the state's robust manufacturing sector. Here are the key aspects to consider:
High Demand: The demand for Packaging Machine Setters is driven by the increasing need for efficiency in manufacturing processes. Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods continue to expand, resulting in a steady requirement for skilled labor in packaging operations.
Growth Potential: As automation and advanced packaging technologies become more prevalent, opportunities for Packaging Machine Setters are projected to grow. Employers are seeking professionals who can adapt to new machinery and maintain high productivity levels.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Oklahoma City: As the state capital, Oklahoma City hosts numerous manufacturing plants that rely on packaging machinery, creating a significant number of jobs in this field.
- Tulsa: Known for its industrial base, Tulsa offers various opportunities for Packaging Machine Setters, especially in sectors like aerospace and energy.
- Norman and Edmond: These areas are seeing growth in manufacturing, contributing to demand for technicians who can set up and maintain packaging systems.
Industry Growth: The overall manufacturing sector in Oklahoma is poised for expansion. This growth is likely to result in more positions for Packaging Machine Setters as companies strive to enhance their output capacity and efficiency.
By keeping an eye on these trends, you can better position yourself to take advantage of the opportunities arising in this dynamic job market.
Top Related Careers to Packaging Machine Setter 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Provides information about workplace safety standards relevant to machinery operation.
- OSHA Website
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Offers research and resources on the health effects of working with packaging machinery and equipment.
- NIOSH Website
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- Features data on employment trends, wages, and job outlook for Packaging Machine Setters and related occupations.
- BLS Packaging Machine Setters Information
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Provides technical resources, networking opportunities, and professional development related to machinery and engineering.
- ASME Website
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
- Focuses on advancing the manufacturing industry and provides resources for skills development, certifications, and networking.
- SME Website
Manufacturers’ Association
- A regional network that offers resources and support for professionals in manufacturing, including Packaging Machine Setters.
- [Manufacturers' Association] (https://www.mfgpa.org)
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
- Offers training programs and resources for those interested in manufacturing and machine operation careers.
- Oklahoma CareerTech
LinkedIn Learning
- Provides online courses relevant to packaging machinery operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- LinkedIn Learning
Trade Magazines: Packaging World and Modern Machine Shop
- Feature articles on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in packaging.
- Packaging World
- Modern Machine Shop
Local Community Colleges and Technical Schools in Oklahoma
- Many schools offer programs related to manufacturing technology that can enhance your skills and employability.
- Check out institutions like:
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT)
- Francis Tuttle Technology Center (Francis Tuttle)
Utilize these resources to enhance your understanding of the packaging machine setter profession and to build a successful career in this dynamic field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma
What are the primary responsibilities of a Packaging Machine Setter?
As a Packaging Machine Setter, your main responsibilities include setting up and adjusting packaging machines, troubleshooting equipment issues, monitoring machine performance, and ensuring that products are packaged accurately and efficiently according to specifications.What skills are essential for a Packaging Machine Setter?
Key skills for this role include mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with packaging machinery. Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team are also important.What qualifications do I need to become a Packaging Machine Setter?
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional training or certification in mechanical technology or a related field can be beneficial, and experience in machine operation or a similar position may be required by some employers.What type of work environment can I expect?
You will primarily work in manufacturing or production settings, which can include factories or warehouses. These environments may involve standing for long periods, and you may be required to lift heavy items occasionally.Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
Yes, there are opportunities for advancement. With experience and additional training, you can move into supervisory roles, become a machine operator, or specialize in certain types of machines or processes.What is the typical salary for a Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma?
As of the latest available data, the salary for a Packaging Machine Setter in Oklahoma averages between $30,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location within the state.What are the typical hours for this job?
You may work full-time hours, and shifts can vary, including nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in facilities that operate around the clock.Is there a demand for Packaging Machine Setters in Oklahoma?
Yes, there is a steady demand for Packaging Machine Setters due to the ongoing growth of the manufacturing sector in Oklahoma. Industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods often require skilled workers for their packaging operations.What safety precautions should I be aware of?
It is important to follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), understanding machine operation procedures, and being aware of your surroundings when operating heavy machinery.What training is available for new Packaging Machine Setters?
Training often includes on-the-job training, which allows you to learn under the guidance of experienced setters. Additionally, vocational programs and community colleges may offer courses aimed at packaging technology and machinery operation.