Assistant Machine Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Machine Operator Assistant to support safe, efficient operation of manufacturing equipment in a fast-paced plant. You will assist with machine setup, operation, quality checks, troubleshooting, and production support activities to help deliver high-quality packaging products.

The role offers third shift opportunities with starting pay of $30.64 per hour plus a $0.70 shift differential, reflecting a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and teamwork in a collaborative

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Manufacturing or machine operation experience preferred.
• Detail-oriented with ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive tasks.
• Willing to work daily overtime, weekends, and varying shifts.
• Pass pre-employment background, physical, and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, operate, and monitor equipment for safe production.
• Monitor performance and quality to meet specifications.
• Troubleshoot equipment and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Document production data, quality checks, and maintenance activities.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Reading tape measure

Mathematical ability

Safety awareness

Communication

Physical stamina

Machine operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Opportunity

When you join Smurfit Westrock, you will be joining a team that creates sustainable paper and packaging solutions that help move the world forward. As a Machine Operator Assistant, you will play a critical role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment that produces high-quality packaging products. Working in a fast-paced production environment, you will assist with machine setup, operation, quality checks, troubleshooting, and production support activities. This position offers the opportunity to develop technical manufacturing skills while contributing to a collaborative team focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Third Shift Available - Starting pay- $30.64 plus a shift differential 0.70

How You Will Make an Impact

• Support the setup, calibration, operation, and monitoring of manufacturing and powered equipment to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Monitor machine performance and product quality to ensure compliance with customer specifications and company standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment issues and performing routine maintenance activities to minimize downtime.
• Accurately document production data, quality checks, and maintenance activities.
• Follow all safety procedures and actively contribute to a culture focused on workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with operators, maintenance personnel, and production teams to achieve productivity, quality, and customer service goals.
• Identify and communicate operational, safety, or quality concerns to supervisors and team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment that supports operational excellence.

What You Need to Succeed

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous manufacturing, production, industrial, or machine operation experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with others.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic mathematics required in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to safely operate equipment and comply with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, climb stairs, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the work shift.
• Ability to work daily overtime, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts as required by business needs.
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment, including hot and humid conditions.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, physical examination, and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating manufacturing, converting, packaging, or production equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience performing routine equipment inspections and preventive maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of quality inspection processes and production documentation requirements.
• Experience working in a paper, packaging, corrugated, or other industrial manufacturing environment.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.