1st Shift Production Assembler

Aerotek; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual merit-based raises

On-site gym

Golf range

Employee events

Promotional growth opportunities

Job summary

Aerotek in Waukegan, IL seeks a Production Associate for a full-time, first-shift role (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) in a clean, climate-controlled environment.

You will be trained as a Manufacturing Operator across Assembly, Lapping, Conveyance, and Shipping/Receiving, gaining broad knowledge of product flow and departmental interactions. Responsibilities include mechanical assembly of pumps and valves from drawings, using hand and power tools, performing multiple quality checks, and supporting

Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates welcome if they pass basic math and English tests.
• Experience in mechanical assembly is beneficial.
• Experience in warehouse, shipping, receiving or order picking is a plus.
• Familiarity with production tooling and safety practices is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail to avoid assembly errors.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly on pumps and valves from drawings.
• Use hand and power tools safely and accurately.
• Carry out first-piece, in-process, and final inspections and testing.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Lift and move materials up to 25 pounds.
• Collaborate with team in a cell-based production environment.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Read drawings

Small parts handling

Quality inspections

Tool use (hand & power)

English & math

Dexterity tests

Count parts

Team collaboration

Tools

Lapping machines

Hand tools

Power tools

Test equipment

Air hoses

Job description

Job Title: Production Associate

Job Description

This role is a full-time, first-shift Production Associate position (7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.) in a clean, climate-controlled manufacturing environment. You will be trained as a Manufacturing Operator across multiple areas, including Assembly, Lapping, Conveyance, and Shipping/Receiving, gaining a broad understanding of how products and work flow across departments. The position involves mechanical assembly of various products such as pumps and valves, working from drawings and diagrams, using hand and power tools, and performing quality checks throughout the production process.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly on various products, including pumps and valves such as cartridge, in-line, and check valves.
• Work from drawings and diagrams to correctly assemble parts according to specifications.
• Handle and assemble small parts and metal components with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Utilize hand and power tools safely and effectively during assembly and production tasks.
• Carry out first-piece, in-process, and final assembly inspections and testing to ensure product quality.
• Perform quality checks on products at multiple stages of the manufacturing process.
• Lift and move materials and components weighing up to 25 pounds as part of daily tasks.
• Rotate and train across four key departments: basic assembly, electrical assembly, and advanced assembly in the Assembly Department; operating lapping machines in the Lapping Department; order picking and parts distribution in the Conveyance Department; and warehouse, shipping, and receiving activities in the Shipping/Receiving Department.
• Operate lapping machines to smooth product surfaces to required specifications in the Lapping Department.
• Pick and deliver parts for assembly areas using carts in the Conveyance Department to support production flow.
• Assist with warehouse operations, including shipping and receiving of products and materials.
• Follow written, step-by-step directions for assembly and testing tasks, including basic rotary unions and similar products.
• Identify and count parts accurately, including small components such as springs, within specified time limits.
• Connect and operate test equipment, such as air hoses, to perform functional tests on assembled products.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with facility standards.
• Collaborate with team members and participate in a supportive, cell-based production environment.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform mechanical assembly using hand and power tools.
• Capability to work from drawings and diagrams to assemble products accurately.
• Comfort working with small parts and metal pieces, maintaining precision and focus.
• Ability to perform quality checks, including first-piece, in-process, and final inspections and testing.
• Physical ability to lift materials and components up to 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Sufficient math and English skills to pass a timed basic math and English test (6 questions each).
• Manual dexterity to pass an assembly-based dexterity test similar to building a product from a kit.
• Ability to identify and count individual parts quickly, such as counting 27 springs within one minute.
• Grip strength of at least 65 pounds, measured by a digital hand device.
• Ability to follow detailed, step-by-step written instructions for assembly and testing tasks.
• Comfort connecting and using equipment such as air hoses for product testing.
• Reliability and willingness to work a consistent first-shift schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates are welcome, provided they can successfully pass the basic math, English, and dexterity tests.
• Experience with mechanical assembly, especially in basic, electrical, or more sophisticated assembly environments, is beneficial.
• Experience in warehouse, shipping, receiving, or order picking environments is a plus.
• Familiarity with production, packing, and tool usage in a manufacturing setting is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail to avoid common assembly errors, such as incorrect orientation of retaining rings.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, cell-production environment.
• Willingness to learn multiple manufacturing processes across different departments.

Why Work Here?

You will join a well-established, highly regarded manufacturer that offers competitive pay, annual merit-based raises, and a strong commitment to promoting from within. There is significant opportunity for advancement, including progression into team lead roles with higher pay, and a track record of multiple internal promotions each year. The environment is clean, climate-controlled, and organized, with excellent room for growth. The company fosters a supportive culture with employee events such as parties and picnics, holiday appreciation gestures, and on-site amenities including a gym and a golf range, creating an engaging and rewarding place to build your career.

Work Environment

The facility operates as a temperature-controlled, cell-based manufacturing shop that has grown from a small operation into a large, modern production environment. Work areas are very clean, organized, and designed for efficiency and safety. You will work on first shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in departments such as Assembly, Lapping, Conveyance, and Shipping/Receiving, using hand and power tools, lapping machines, carts for parts picking, and standard warehouse and testing equipment. The environment emphasizes structured workflows, clear instructions, and collaborative teamwork. Employees enjoy a climate-controlled shop, well-maintained workstations, and on-site amenities including a gym and a golf range, contributing to a comfortable and supportive workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waukegan, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $21.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waukegan,IL.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.