Machine Operator (3rd Shift - $1,500 Sign on Bonus)

Mars; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University

Job summary

Mars is seeking a production operator for night shift in Illinois to support efficient, high‑quality manufacturing. You will operate machinery, perform changeovers, and uphold 5S and TPM standards while ensuring safety and quality. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications include a Grade 12 diploma (associates preferred), experience with automated processes (PLC/HMI) and a mindset for continuous improvement. The role offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Grade 12 or High School diploma, or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associates degree, or higher, in an engineering or manufacturing related discipline.
• Two+ years in a food manufacturing environment with automated processes, including PLC/HMI, is preferred.
• Experience in a TPM environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with team leader and peers.
• Follow escalation protocols as required.
• Complete HACCP and related sheets correctly.
• Maintain a safe working environment and clean, organized manufacturing area per 5S standards.
• Perform cleanouts and changeovers per work instructions and checklists.
• Participate in TPM teams and promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team Building

Math

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Education

Grade 12 / High School diploma

Associates degree

Tools

PLC/HMI

Job description

Shift: 11:00 pm - 7:30 am
Operators are system experts in their assigned area and are highly functional in multiple areas. Operators must also ensure efficiency, operational conformance, product quality and continuous improvement. Functions as a member of an area team which is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. Operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area. Operators must have the skill set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires Strong Communication, Interpersonal and Team Building skills to support site objectives.

Job Description:
Shift: 11:00 pm - 7:30 am
Operators are system experts in their assigned area and are highly functional in multiple areas. Operators must also ensure efficiency, operational conformance, product quality and continuous improvement. Functions as a member of an area team which is directly responsible for the efficient production of quality products in the required quantities. Operate/change over specified machinery in the assigned area. Operators must have the skill set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed. This job requires Strong Communication, Interpersonal and Team Building skills to support site objectives.
Functions include but are not limited to perform changeovers as needed, perform period deep cleanings, maintain supplies for your designated work area, properly fill out all paperwork and perform all cleaning/inspection/lubrication tasks (CIL'S). This is all to be performed while adhering to and encouraging the Five Principles of Mars.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications

• Minimum: Grade 12 or High School diploma, or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associates degree, or higher, in an engineering or manufacturing related discipline.

Preferred

• Preferred: Two (2) or more years of experience in a food related manufacturing environment with automated processes, including PLC/HMI. Experience in a lean manufacturing environment or equivalent is preferred.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Minimum: Medium: math, communications, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Preferred: Strong: math, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a TPM environment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent pushing, pulling, dumping and rolling of barrels (25-105 kgs)
• Frequent clean out of extruders, cooling tunnel and conveyor systems using scraping tools
• Frequent lifting/carrying of materials
• Frequent standing
• Frequent use of moving of skids using a pallet jack or forklift
• Frequent walking
• Frequent reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Frequent stooping and bending

What will be your key responsibilities?

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with team leader and peers.
• Be responsible for following proper escalation protocol.
• Be responsible for filling out all HACCP and military sheets correctly
• Encourage and support a safe working environment.
• Ensure the manufacturing area is kept clean and organized at all times in accordance with 5S standards.
• Perform cleanouts and changeovers according to standards (i.e. work instructions and checklist).
• Actively participate in TPM (Total Productive Management) teams

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPACT

• Incumbent will have the ability to stop the process after a non-conformance is noticed while following the proper escalation protocol.
• Incumbent is also responsible for identifying and implementing improvement opportunities and making recommendations to their team lead.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 22.50 - USD 30.93

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 105,600.00 - USD 158,400.00