Assembler I - 1st Shift

Rheo Engineering; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with 4% match

Paid time off starting at 11 days + 10

Holidays

Job summary

Rheo Engineering in Peoria, IL is seeking an Assembler I to build Rheo Flexibles products used in medicine manufacturing. The role operates in an ISO 7 cleanroom and follows detailed procedures with a strong emphasis on quality and reliability.

First shift hours run 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. You will read blueprints, perform basic CNC tasks, and conduct pre- and post-assembly inspections while adhering to PPE and cleanroom protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Read and interpret blueprints and multi-step written instructions.
• Detail-oriented—quality is non-negotiable in this environment.
• Dependable—team relies on you.
• Hands-on aptitude and pride in precise physical work.
• Adaptable—procedures evolve and you adjust quickly.
• Basic computer proficiency (Windows-based systems, data entry).
• Basic familiarity with ERP software (Epicor Kinetic preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assemble Rheo Flexibles products in an ISO 7 cleanroom, following all procedures and quality standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints and multi-step work instructions to produce assemblies that meet design specifications.
• Operate custom plastic heat sealing equipment to weld and assemble flexible components.
• Operate vacuum forming equipment as assigned.
• Perform pre- and post-assembly quality inspections to verify conformance to standards.
• Run basic CNC machine operations (no programming required) per standard procedures, as assigned.
• Adhere to all cleanroom cleaning and contamination control protocols.
• Wear required PPE consistently while in applicable areas.
• Contribute to team production targets — in both throughput and quality.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Quality inspections

CNC operation

PPE compliance

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Epicor Kinetic

CNC equipment

Job description

Pay: Starts at $20.50 per hour with fast growth

Interesting, challenging work with a big impact and room to grow on a team with excellent benefits. If you take pride in doing careful, hands-on work well — and you want that work to actually mean something — keep reading.

Rheo Engineering is a fast-growing team of roughly 100 engineers, craftsmen, and professionals building the powder handling systems and products that help pharmaceutical manufacturers produce medicine safely, efficiently, and reliably. We’re a critical link in the medicine supply chain, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our values — Bold Humility, Reliability, Collaboration, Competence, and Initiative — aren’t just words on a wall. They shape who we are and who we hire.

As an Assembler I on our Rheo Flexibles production team, you’ll build custom powder handling products used to manufacture medicine around the world. You’ll work with specialized equipment in a cleanroom environment, follow detailed procedures, and hold yourself to a standard our customers depend on.

This is a first-shift role: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday.

If you thrive in a structured, hands-on environment and want room to grow, there’s a real path here.

What You’ll Do

• Assemble Rheo Flexibles products in an ISO 7 cleanroom, following all procedures and quality standards
• Read and interpret blueprints and multi-step work instructions to produce assemblies that meet design specifications
• Operate custom plastic heat sealing equipment to weld and assemble flexible components
• Operate vacuum forming equipment as assigned
• Perform pre- and post-assembly quality inspections to verify conformance to standards
• Run basic CNC machine operations (no programming required) per standard procedures, as assigned
• Adhere to all cleanroom cleaning and contamination control protocols
• Wear required PPE consistently while in applicable work areas
• Contribute to team production targets — in both throughput and quality

What Success Looks Like

• Your assemblies are completed on time, to spec, and pass inspection without rework
• Cleanroom protocols and PPE requirements are followed consistently and without exception
• The team doesn’t have to slow down or compensate for gaps in your execution — they know they can count on you

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED
• Someone who embodies Rheo’s core values:
  • Bold Humility
  • Reliability
  • Collaboration
  • Competence
  • Initiative
• Experience in a manufacturing, production, or assembly environment
• Ability to read and follow blueprints and multi-step written and verbal instructions
• Detail-oriented — quality is non-negotiable in this environment
• Dependable — the team knows they can count on you to show up ready and follow through
• Hands-on aptitude — you take pride in doing precise, physical work well
• Adaptable — you learn quickly and adjust as products and processes evolve
• Basic computer proficiency (Windows-based systems, data entry, standard applications)
• Basic familiarity with ERP software (Epicor Kinetic preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a cleanroom or regulated manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with heat sealing, vacuum forming, or CNC equipment

Why Rheo

• Meaningful work — the products you build help make life-saving medicine around the world
• Room to grow — a real starting point with a clear path forward for people who show up and follow through
• A steady schedule you can count on — first shift, Monday through Friday
• A values-driven team where reliability and craftsmanship get noticed and rewarded

Benefits are available to full-time team members following the probationary period.

• Medical insurance (multiple plan options — PPO and High Deductible / HSA plans)
• Vision insurance
• HSA with employer contributions (for qualifying plan enrollment)
• Company-paid Term Life & AD&D insurance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• Short-term & long-term disability
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Generous PTO (starting at 11 days for hourly, growing with tenure) + 10 paid holidays
• Paid maternity (6 weeks) and paternity (2 weeks) leave
• T-Mobile phone plan paid by Rheo + $750 smartphone stipend every two years
• Identity protection through Aura Identity Guard
• $500 employee referral bonus program
• Equipment reimbursement (safety footwear, prescription safety glasses)

Working Conditions

This role is performed primarily on the production floor and within an ISO 7 cleanroom, with cleanroom-appropriate PPE required at all times in applicable areas. You must be able to stand for extended periods throughout a standard workday, and physical activities include bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, and lifting up to 50 lbs. The scheduled shift is first shift, 7:00AM - 3:30PM, Monday through Friday. Overtime may be required based on production demand, which could include occasional Saturdays.

Applicants must be able to perform the physical requirements of this role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Rheo Engineering is an equal opportunity employer.