Machine Helper - 1st Shift

prattexternalcareersite; Town of Hammond (WI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits

Wellness reimbursement

Paid holidays from day one

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision

Short-term disability

HSA

Parental leave

Annual incentive bonus

Job summary

Pratt Industries – Hammond is seeking a Machine Helper on 1st shift to support the safe operation and setup of production equipment. You will assist with machine setup, run processes, perform clean-up, and help troubleshoot to keep lines running smoothly.

This entry-level role emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork, with training provided and opportunities for advancement. Starting pay is $16.00 per hour, with benefits from day one and eligible for company-wide incentives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Ability to read instructions and perform basic math for setup and adjustments.
• Basic safety training and willingness to learn plant procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with machine setup, operation, and cleanup to keep lines running smoothly.
• Support operators by monitoring performance and reporting malfunctions.
• Follow safety policies and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Help with basic troubleshooting and equipment maintenance requests.
• Document production data and report progress to supervisors.
• Collaborate with team to meet production schedules and quality standards.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Mechanical aptitude

Manual dexterity

Basic math

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Machine maintenance tools

Job description

Machine Helper – 1st Shift

Shift/Hours: Monday - Friday 5:00AM - 1:00PM

Starting Pay Rate: $16.00/hr

As a Machine Helper at Pratt Industries - Hammond, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of production machinery. This position involves a variety of tasks, including machine setup, operation, cleanup, and troubleshooting, with a focus on safety, meeting customer demand, and maintaining high-quality standards. You’ll work in a fast-paced environment, constantly striving for improvements in equipment efficiency while ensuring safety and cleanliness in your work area.

What You’ll Get:

• Insurance Benefits and wellness reimbursement within one month
• Paid holidays from day one and 401(k) with match at 3 months
• Tuition reimbursement at one year
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, short-term disability and HSA
• Paid Childbearing/parental leave at one year
• Healthy Lifestyle program with up to $1,200 awarded each year to your HSA
• Employee Assistance Programs to help you manage your life at work and at home
• Safety and PPE Reimbursements
• Cell phone discount with 2 major providers
• Monthly incentive bonus if plant goals are met

What You’ll Give:

• A Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Dedication to maintaining equipment and production area cleanliness
• Leadership in training and assisting fellow team members, including machine operators and helpers
• Active participation in meeting production schedules and resolving challenges proactively

Key Duties and Success Factors

• Safety & Compliance: Follow all company safety policies and procedures, maintain a clean and hazard-free work area, and ensure compliance with operational guidelines and OSHA regulations
• Quality Assurance: Inspect materials and products to ensure they meet company standards, report any quality concerns to operators and supervisors, and assist in sorting and maintaining product quality
• Operational Efficiency: Set up slotting, feed, and die-cut sections on machines accurately, assist machine operators with equipment operation, work at the pace set by the machine operator, monitor machine performance and report malfunctions, and turn in maintenance work orders for necessary repairs
• Training & Development: Participate in periodic training sessions to enhance skills, cross-train on different machines and processes, and show initiative in learning new tasks and procedures
• Reporting & Maintenance: Document production data accurately and in a timely manner, communicate with supervisors regarding production progress and challenges, and proactively maintain and report equipment issues
• Flexibility & Teamwork: Adapt to changes in work assignments, shifts, and production needs, collaborate with coworkers to meet production goals, and be willing to move up the line of progression to operator, regardless of shift
• Additional duties may be assigned by management.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• Experience: High school diploma or GED required, prior experience in the corrugating industry preferred, 6 months of experience as a Flexo or a DieCut Helper preferred, and 6 months of experience in Press and Finishing Departments preferred
• Machine Setup: Ability to follow instructions for machine adjustments and basic maintenance
• Material Handling: Load and unload materials safely and efficiently, and operate forklifts and other equipment as needed (training provided)
• Quality Control: Conduct visual inspections and measurements using basic tools, and maintain accuracy and consistency in production processes
• Production Monitoring: Observe and track machine performance for optimal efficiency.
• Basic Troubleshooting: Identify minor equipment issues and communicate with maintenance personnel
• Skills:
  • Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
  • Basic computer skills for data entry and reporting
• Physical Requirements: Regularly required to stand, walk, and communicate effectively, frequent use of hands for handling, reaching, and operating machinery. Ability to lift regularly, and vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Certifications: May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License and compliance with physical, drug screening, and background check requirements
• Work Environment: Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts, frequent exposure to wet and humid conditions, occasionally exposed to high places, airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pratt Industries provides equal employment (and affirmative action) opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veterans status, or disability.

Pratt Industries is America's 5th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000 highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.

Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.

Pratt Industries is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - M/F/V/D