Assistant Machine Operator

Smurfit Westrock; Pleasant Prairie, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in Wisconsin is seeking a Machine Operator Assistant to support setup, operation, and monitoring of manufacturing equipment.

You will perform quality checks, assist with preventive maintenance, and document production data while contributing to safety and continuous improvement. This role requires a high school diploma, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfortable with overtime in a non-climate-controlled plant.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in manufacturing or machine operation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to read tape measures and perform basic math.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to work daily overtime and in a non-climate-controlled environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with machine setup, calibration, and operation.
• Monitor machine performance and product quality.
• Record production data and maintenance activities.
• Support safety procedures and housekeeping.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to minimize downtime.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Reading tape measure

Mathematics basics

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tape measure

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.

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.