Machine Operator – Nights

Placon Corp.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Placon Corp. in Madison, WI is seeking a Night Shift Machine Operator to join our hands-on manufacturing team. You will set up, operate and troubleshoot thermoforming equipment, with on-the-job training provided for candidates without prior experience.

This full-time role offers growth through opportunities in thermoforming, quality, and process improvement, plus competitive pay and a safety-focused culture. A rotating 12-hour shift is available.

Qualifications

• One year of manufacturing experience preferred; training available.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and technical aptitude.
• Ability to read, write and speak English for training, safety, and quality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot thermoforming equipment.
• Ensure efficient set-ups and proper material usage.
• Inspect machinery and tooling before production.
• Identify and communicate quality issues.
• Perform routine maintenance and housekeeping per Lock-Out/Tag-Out, GMP, SQF, and SPC requirements.
• Complete shift documentation and communicate during shift hand-off.
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment and wear required PPE.
• Use a computer for basic production and quality tasks.

Skills

Machine operation

Mechanical aptitude

English proficiency

Forklift operation

Tools

Forklift

Job description

We’re looking for a dependable Machine Operator to join our Night Shift team. If you enjoy hands‑on work, have strong mechanical aptitude, and want to grow in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, this is a great opportunity. No experience? We will train you.

Compensation

Starting base pay is $21.90/hr.

• 2nd shift: $21.90 base + $.50/hr. shift differential = $22.40/hr.
• Rotational 12-hours: $21.90 base + $1.31/hr. shift differential = $23.21/hr.
• 8-hour traditional 2nd shift nights: +$.50/hr. shift differential
• 8-hour traditional 3rd sift nights: +$1.00/hr. shift differential
• 12‑hour rotating nights: +6% shift differential ($1.31/hr.)

Team Members on the rotating night schedule earn up to an additional $2,985.84 per year – or $114.84 more per bi‑weekly paycheck – compared to day shift.

Work Schedule

• 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Monday – Friday
• 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM | Monday – Friday

OR take advantage of the Rotational 12-hour shift

• Rotating Night Shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM | 12-hour rotation (2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off and repeat)
• Benefits of working a Rotational 12-hour shift:
• More time off: Enjoy 182 days off per year (double a traditional 8-hour schedule)
• Long weekends: 3-day weekend every other week
• Built-In overtime: 8 hours of overtime every two weeks
• Consistent full-time work with predictable time off

Why Placon – You’ll Love It Here

• Machine Operation is hands‑on technical work where your skills matter
• Growth opportunities in thermoforming, quality, and process improvement
• Modern equipment and strong team support
• Competitive pay, great benefits, and stable full‑time hours
• A culture centered on safety, quality, and continuous improvement

What You’ll Do

• Machine Operators set up, operate, and troubleshoot thermoforming equipment
• Ensure efficient set‑ups and proper material usage
• Inspect machinery and tooling before production
• Identify and communicate quality issues
• Perform routine maintenance and housekeepingFollow Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out, GMP, SQF, and SPC requirements
• Complete shift documentation and communicate during shift hand‑off
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment and wear required PPE
• Use a computer for basic production and quality tasks

What You Bring

• One (1) year of manufacturing experience (preferred – we will train)
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Ability to read, write, and speak English for training, safety, and quality requirements
• Ability to operate a forklift safely
• Ability to lift 35 –75 lbs. depending on task, with buddy‑lift support for heavier items
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, reach, twist, and stand for long periods
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle differing opinions and resolve conflict professionally while upholding The Placon Way

Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.