Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Overview
Machine feeders and offbearers work in manufacturing facilities where they load materials into automated machines and remove finished products from production lines. You'll inspect items for quality, operate control panels to start and stop equipment, and package products for shipping. This hands-on job involves working with conveyor systems, robotic equipment, and quality control technology in modern factories that often use teamwork and safety protocols. Many workers enter this field with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training in manufacturing processes and safety procedures.
Did you know?
This occupation requires standing for long periods, lifting materials, and strict adherence to safety protocols when working with industrial machinery.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$40,789.30 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Management of Material Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
- Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.
- Open and close gates of belt and pneumatic conveyors on machines that are fed directly from preceding machines.
- Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
- Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
- Add chemicals, solutions, or ingredients to machines or equipment as required by the manufacturing process.
- Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
- Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
- Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- Fasten, package, or stack materials and products, using hand tools and fastening equipment.
- Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport.
Career Considerations
Physical Demands and Safety Requirements
This occupation requires standing for long periods, lifting materials, and strict adherence to safety protocols when working with industrial machinery.
Technical Skills and Training
Workers need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and often require on-the-job training or vocational education to operate specialized feeding equipment.
Manufacturing Job Market Outlook
Employment opportunities are closely tied to the health of American manufacturing sectors, with automation potentially affecting long-term job availability.