D&I Operator

Silgan Containers Mfg Corp; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Containers in Saint Joseph, MO, is hiring an entry-level Production Operator to learn machine operation and basic maintenance under supervision. The role focuses on safety, precision, and following SOPs while gaining hands-on experience to progress toward the Press Mechanic position.

You will assist with routine maintenance, machine changeovers, and startup/shutdown procedures, work in a noisy environment, and wear PPE.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to use basic math for machine settings.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
• Desire to learn setup, startup, and operation of manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to follow instructions professionally.
• Basic understanding of mechanical tools and equipment.
• Willingness to learn forklift operation or operate equipment as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing routine maintenance on assigned machines under supervision.
• Support machine changeovers and learn proper procedures.
• Follow guidance on shutdown and startup procedures for auxiliary equipment.
• Participate in equipment overhaul tasks as assigned.
• Promptly report unusual events or emergencies to the supervisor.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including PPE, LOTO, working at heights, confined spaces, and hazardous materials handling.
• Ensure all related documentation is completed accurately with appropriate guidance.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

High school diploma or equivalent

Arithmetic and measurement

Reading/comprehension

Mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn setup/startup

Attention to detail

Basic tools familiarity

Forklift operation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary: The Production Operator position is an entry-level role designed to develop foundational skills in machine operation and basic mechanical maintenance. Under the direction of experienced mechanics, the individual in this role will receive hands‑on training to perform routine maintenance tasks, support machine changeovers, and assist with equipment startup and shutdown procedures. The position requires strict adherence to safety practices, strong attention to detail, and compliance with all standard operating procedures. This role serves as a structured training pathway leading to advancement into the Press Mechanic position. Incumbents will gain the technical knowledge, mechanical skill sets, and operational experience required to support the efficient, safe, and reliable performance of manufacturing equipment, enabling progression to higher-level technical roles within the organization.

Essential Job Functions: (list in order of importance)

• Assist in performing routine maintenance on assigned machines under supervision.
• Support machine changeovers and learn proper procedures.
• Follow guidance on shutdown and startup procedures for auxiliary equipment.
• Participate in equipment overhaul tasks as assigned.
• Promptly report unusual events or emergencies to the supervisor.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including PPE, LOTO, working at heights, confined spaces, and hazardous materials handling.
• Ensure all related documentation is completed accurately with appropriate guidance.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education, Skills, and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude or interest in hands‑on technical work.
• A willingness to learn and assist with the setup, startup, and operation of manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks in a professional and responsible manner.
• Basic understanding or interest in mechanical tools and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow safety protocols. 2
• Ability to operate or learn to operate a forklift or other lifting equipment.

Work Environment And Conditions

• Must be able to work in an environment where ambient temperatures vary significantly, from below freezing to temperatures that can exceed 100°.
• The employee will be subject to noisy conditions of more than 80 dB, continuous vibration, and various atmospheric conditions, such as fumes, odors, dust, and gases.
• Must be able to safely maneuver while exposed to a variety of physical conditions, such as being in proximity of moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and exposure to hot mechanical components or hazardous chemicals.
• Must be able to wear all protective equipment, such as hearing protection and glasses.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to kneel, stoop, crawl, squat, and stand for extended periods of time while running machinery. This could last up to 12 hours.
• Adequate hand‑eye coordination to assist in machine adjustments under supervision.
• Must be able to distinguish slight imperfections in the ends, plate, and can bodies.
• Must be able to tear down the double seam for wrinkle and impression checks.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities reasonably. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to their own health and safety or that of other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements represent minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the skills or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at‑will” basis. Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at‑will” basis. Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.

This page is specific to Silgan Containers, Silgan Closures, Silgan Plastics, Silgan Plastics Food Containers and Silgan Specialty packaging.