Machine Operator

Aerotek; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off after 90 days

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring an Assistant Machine Operator in Waukegan, IL. This full-time role supports high-volume production, supplying materials, basic changeovers, and packing to keep machines running smoothly on either 1st or 2nd shift in a spacious paper product facility.

You will work with safety-first processes, handle routine machine tasks, and collaborate with an experienced team to meet production goals while maintaining a clean, orderly work area.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in mechanical, production, or machine operating work.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with production equipment.
• Ability to pass a math, ruler, and mechanical test.
• Ability to follow instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail for setup, operation, and packing.
• Ability to work safely alongside other adjusters and machine operators.
• Willingness to perform lifting and standing for long shifts.
• Reliable, with a steady work history in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of debris to support safe and efficient machine operation.
• Keep machines supplied with paper, ink, glue, and other required materials throughout the shift.
• Change paper rolls on the machines as needed to maintain continuous production.
• Change printing plates according to job requirements and production schedules.
• Assist with packing finished products as needed to meet production and quality standards.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately to complete tasks in the correct sequence.
• Work alongside and support other machine adjusters and operators to ensure smooth production flow.
• Use basic hand tools safely and correctly when performing machine-related tasks and adjustments.
• Monitor work for accuracy and quality, applying strong attention to detail.
• Perform job duties that involve regular walking, bending, reaching, and lifting in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

1+ year experience

Mechanical aptitude

Basic hand tools

Attention to detail

Follow SOPs

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Tools

Basic hand tools

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Machine Operator Job Description

The Assistant Machine Operator supports the safe and efficient operation of production machinery in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role focuses on keeping machines running smoothly by supplying materials, performing basic changeovers, and assisting with packing, while maintaining a clean and organized work area. The position offers stable, full-time work on either 1st shift (6:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.) or 2nd shift (2:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.) in a spacious facility producing specialty paper products for the food service industry.

Responsibilities

• Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of debris to support safe and efficient machine operation.

• Keep machines supplied with paper, ink, glue, and other required materials throughout the shift.

• Change paper rolls on the machines as needed to maintain continuous production.

• Change printing plates according to job requirements and production schedules.

• Assist with packing finished products as needed to meet production and quality standards.

• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately to complete tasks in the correct sequence.

• Work alongside and support other machine adjusters and operators to ensure smooth production flow.

• Use basic hand tools safely and correctly when performing machine-related tasks and adjustments.

• Monitor work for accuracy and quality, applying strong attention to detail.

• Perform job duties that involve regular walking, bending, reaching, and lifting in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in mechanical, production, or machine operating work.

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to work with production or machine operating equipment.

• Ability to use basic hand tools safely and effectively.

• Ability to pass a math, ruler, and mechanical test.

• Capability to perform physical tasks including regular walking, bending, reaching, and lifting.

• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate setup, operation, and packing.

• Ability to follow instructions and standard operating procedures consistently.

• Ability to work collaboratively alongside other adjusters and machine operators.

• Highly motivated work ethic with a steady work history, including at least one role of more than 2 years at a single company in the past 10 years.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.

• Experience in packaging, metals, printing, or converting industries is highly desirable.

• General production, assembly, or general labor experience in an industrial setting is beneficial.

• Background in operating or setting up machines in production is a plus.

• Experience working with printing, inks, or paper products is an advantage.

• Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through prior roles involving equipment or machinery.

• Reliable attendance and a history of consistent employment in production or manufacturing roles.

• Comfort working around large industrial machinery and following safety protocols at all times.

Why Work Here?

You will join an established manufacturer with a long-standing presence in the community and a modern, spacious facility equipped with numerous production lines. The company offers clear pathways to become a permanent employee, along with comprehensive benefits upon hire, including paid time off after 90 days, medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance, voluntary life insurance options, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Team members on 2nd shift receive a shift premium, and employees work in an environment focused on safety, stability, and long-term growth opportunities in the specialty paper and packaging industry.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large, spacious, and clean warehouse-style manufacturing facility with approximately 40 machines producing specialty bags and paper goods. Work is performed on either 1st shift (6:00 a.m.2:00 p.m.) or 2nd shift (2:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.), with a shift premium available for 2nd shift upon permanent hire. The building does not have air conditioning and can become hot during the summer months. The position involves working with inks and paper, and the work can be dirty at times, especially when manually feeding machines. Ear plugs are required while on the manufacturing floor due to noise levels, and steel toe boots are mandatory as part of the safety dress code. The environment is fast-paced, mechanically oriented, and focused on safe operation of industrial equipment and adherence to safety procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of WAUKEGAN, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in WAUKEGAN, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.