Machine Assistant 1 - 1st Shift

ND Paper; Sturtevant (WI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K with company match

Paid holidays and vacation days

On-site clinic or wellness programs

Job summary

ND Paper is seeking a Machine Assistant 1 to support the Operator in setup, operation, and changeovers on the Converting floor. You will perform first-article quality inspections, monitor quality during runs, and assist with ink/glue tasks while developing toward Operator competency.

The role requires 6–12 months manufacturing exposure, the ability to read job tickets, and a safety‑minded approach. This is a 1st shift position with regular hours and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High school or GED required.
• 6–12 months of manufacturing/converting experience.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets.
• Basic understanding of corrugated quality standards.
• Able to operate at machine speed while maintaining quality.
• Bilingual in English/Mandarin/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and maintain a safe work environment.
• Assist the Operator with all phases of job changeover and setup.
• Set up glue systems, temperatures and application weight at job start.
• Perform first‑article quality inspections and document results.
• Conduct in‑process quality checks and communicate deviations promptly.
• Make minor press adjustments under Operator direction and learn to adjust independently.
• Assist with outfeed, stacking, and quality sampling tasks.

Skills

Quality awareness

Multitasking

Reading job tickets

Safety minded

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title: Machine Assistant 1
Department: Converting
Reports to: Converting Supervisor
Location: Converting Floor
Position Summary
The Machine Assistant 1 supports the Operator in the setup, operation, and changeovers. This role bridges hands‑on machine work with quality accountability, serving as the primary quality check point during production runs and taking an active role in changeovers and minor adjustments. The Machine Assistant 1 is expected to be capable of safely operating the machine for short periods in the Operator's absence and actively developing toward full Operator competency.
1st Shift: 6AM - 2PM M-F, occasional weekends and overtime as needed

Compensation

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job‑related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

About Us

ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high‑quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
• Assist the Operator with all phases of job changeover: removing and staging plates, dies, anilox rolls, and ink systems; setting up fold sections and glue systems per job specifications.
• Set up and verify glue system temperatures, bead placement, and application weight at the start of each job; monitor glue quality throughout the run.
• Perform and document first‑article quality inspections at job startup: verify dimensions, score depth, fold quality, print registration, and glue placement against approved specifications.
• Conduct in‑process quality checks at defined intervals; document results on the quality log and communicate deviations to the Operator immediately.
• Make minor press adjustments (fold, score, glue, infeed timing) under Operator direction; develop independent adjustment capability over time.
• Outfeed, stacking, and quality sampling tasks.
• Monitor production counts, speed, and waste rate; alert the Operator to trends or anomalies.
• Assist with ink mixing, color matching, and ink viscosity checks as directed; maintain ink station cleanliness as assigned.
• Lead outfeed and cleanup at job end; ensure changeover area is ready for next job before shift handoff.
• Operate the machine independently for short durations (e.g., Operator break, brief absence) at the Supervisor's authorization.
• Participate in downtime logging: record reason, duration, and corrective action for any unplanned stop exceeding 5 minutes.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Skills /Education And Experience

• High school/GED required.
• Minimum 6–12 months of experience in a manufacturing environment, converting experience is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets including board specification, print spec, die layout, fold style, and bundle count.
• Basic understanding of corrugated quality standards: acceptable scoring, print defects, glue bond, and dimensional tolerances.
• Comfortable operating at machine speed while maintaining quality awareness — multitasking under production pressure.
• Bilingual English, Mandarin, or Spanish a plus

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting and handling of print plates, dies, anilox rolls, and corrugated bundles — up to 60 lbs.
• Standing, walking, and reaching for the full duration of shift (8–12 hours).
• Exposure to ink, glue, and cleaning solvents — appropriate PPE required at all times.
• Required PPE: steel‑toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, chemical‑resistant gloves when handling inks/solvents.

What Success Looks Like-First 90 days

• Executes a full changeover alongside the Operator with minimal direction; changeover time is within the target range for the job type.
• Catches a print registration or glue placement issue during a first‑article check and correctly holds the job pending Operator review.
• Demonstrates correct glue system setup independently for at least three different job configurations.
• Demonstrates clear, calm communication on stacking, quality pulls, and safety expectations.
• Logs downtime events accurately and completely for every event on the shift.
• Completes LOTO and PPE training and demonstrates correct application on the floor.

Working Conditions

Plant Site

Attributes for Success

• Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
• Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day‑to‑day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
• Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
• Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
• Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast‑paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
• Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.

ND Paper Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work‑life balance.
• A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on‑site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.