Gluer Operator Trainee – Entry Level Manufacturing Role

About the role

Join Smurfit Westrock as a Gluer Operator Trainee and learn to run and maintain the glue line that produces high‑quality folding cartons. You will start as a beginner trainee and progress through four proficiency stages, gaining hands‑on experience with gluing equipment, robots, case erectors and packers.

Key responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.
• Set up the folder gluer and ensure all related equipment is correctly positioned.
• Lead the crew throughout the shift, providing work instructions and fostering teamwork.
• Operate straight‑line gluers, robots, case erectors and packers.
• Perform routine quality checks to ensure product conformance.
• Troubleshoot the glue line and resolve downtime events.
• Rotate with other operators to provide ergonomic relief.
• Carry out preventative maintenance, 5S, and general housekeeping.
• Enter production and quality data accurately into the system.
• Execute copy changes following the line‑clearance procedure.

Required profile

• 1‑2 years of experience in gluing folding cartons or comparable manufacturing/mechanical work.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to understand how machine components work together.
• Capability to read and follow instruction manuals, procedure documents, and assembly guides.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Ability to perform tasks that follow a defined sequence of steps.

Required skills

• Operating straight‑line gluers
• Operating robotic equipment on the glue line
• Operating case erectors and packers
• Machine preventative maintenance
• Conducting quality inspections

What we offer

• Pay rate ranging from $26.72 to $29.72 per hour, increasing with training proficiency.
• Structured training program with four proficiency stages.
• Opportunity to develop technical skills in a leading sustainable packaging company.