Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator

Silgan Containers; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting pay $28.24/hour

Promotion to $32.46/hour after program

Paid on‑the‑job training

Overtime opportunities

401(k) with 3% company match

Two weeks paid vacation

10 paid holidays

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Disability coverage

Tuition reimbursement

On-site fitness center

Employee appreciation meals

Safety glasses allowance

Job summary

Silgan Containers is America’s largest metal food packaging producer, offering a Mechanic Trainee / Production Operator path with on‑the‑job training and a clear promotion track. Starting at $28.24/hour, pay rises to $32.46/hour after training, with the potential to advance in as little as six months.

This role emphasizes hands‑on learning, safety, and long‑term career growth through internal promotion and continuous training across manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Mechanical aptitude or hands-on technical interest.
• Willingness to learn manufacturing equipment and maintenance.
• Ability to follow instructions and work responsibly.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to operate a forklift or other material-handling equipment.
• Ability to successfully complete the Battery X Mechanic assessment within six months.

Responsibilities

• Learn to set up, start up, operate, and monitor manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with routine maintenance on assigned machines under supervision.
• Learn proper machine changeover procedures.
• Assist with equipment shutdown and startup procedures.
• Participate in equipment overhaul and maintenance activities.
• Develop knowledge of mechanical tools, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
• Learn to identify and report equipment problems or unusual conditions.
• Complete maintenance and production documentation accurately.
• Learn and follow safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, working at heights, confined-space procedures, and hazardous-material handling.
• Operate or learn to operate forklifts and other lifting equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Forklift operation

Lockout/Tagout

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Measuring tools

Job description

Mechanic Trainee / Production Operator – Build a Career, Not Just a Job

Ready to turn your mechanical interest into a rewarding career? Start as a Production Operator and build the skills you need to advance into a Mechanic role!

At Silgan Containers, we believe in promoting from within and investing in our employees. This position gives you the opportunity to earn $28.24 per hour while receiving hands‑on, on‑the‑job training in a manufacturing environment.

For employees who demonstrate strong performance, mechanical aptitude, and successfully complete the required training and testing, pay increases to $32.46 per hour upon completion of the Mechanic training program.

In many cases, advancement to a Mechanic role can happen in as little as six months.

If you're mechanically inclined, dependable, eager to learn, and looking for a company where you can build a long‑term career, this could be your opportunity to get your foot in the door and grow with us.

Why Join Silgan?

We offer more than a paycheck — we offer a path forward.

• $28.24/hour starting pay
• Increase to $32.46/hour after successful completion of the Mechanic training program and testing requirements
• Paid on‑the‑job training and opportunities to develop valuable mechanical skills
• Overtime opportunities
• Shift differential for eligible permanent night‑shift positions
• Opportunities for career advancement and promotion from within
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing employee training
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage
• 401(k) with an automatic 3% company match
• Two weeks of paid vacation during your first year
• 10 paid holidays annually
• Telemedicine and wellness programs
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts and pet insurance
• Safety glasses allowance
• Steel‑toed boots are not required
• Access to an on‑site fitness center
• Catered employee appreciation meals
• Community volunteer opportunities and plant‑wide events
• A strong commitment to safety through our Drive to Zero Injuries initiative

What You’ll Learn & Do

As a Mechanic Trainee / Production Operator, you’ll gain hands‑on experience with manufacturing equipment while learning from experienced team members.

You’ll Have The Opportunity To

• Learn to set up, start up, operate, and monitor manufacturing equipment
• Assist with routine maintenance on assigned machines under supervision
• Learn proper machine changeover procedures
• Assist with equipment shutdown and startup procedures
• Participate in equipment overhaul and maintenance activities
• Develop your knowledge of mechanical tools, equipment, and manufacturing processes
• Learn to identify and report equipment problems or unusual conditions
• Complete maintenance and production documentation accurately
• Learn and follow safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), PPE, working at heights, confined‑space procedures, and hazardous‑material handling
• Operate or learn to operate forklifts and other lifting equipment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area

The goal is simple: learn the equipment, build your mechanical skills, prove yourself, and advance your career.

What We’re Looking For

You don't have to be a seasoned mechanic to succeed here.

If you have mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn, we’ll help you develop the skills.

Successful Candidates Will Have

• A High School Diploma or equivalent
• Mechanical aptitude or an interest in hands‑on technical work
• A willingness to learn manufacturing equipment and mechanical maintenance
• The ability to follow instructions and work responsibly
• Strong attention to detail
• A commitment to workplace safety
• The ability to learn and operate a forklift or other material‑handling equipment
• The ability to successfully complete the Battery X Mechanic assessment within six months

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods
• Kneel, stoop, squat, crawl, and work in various positions while learning and performing maintenance tasks
• Use hand tools and assist with machine adjustments
• Demonstrate adequate hand‑eye coordination
• Distinguish minor variations in materials and machine components
• Safely handle tools and equipment as required

Build Your Future With Silgan

Silgan Containers is America’s largest metal food packaging producer.

We play an important role in the food supply chain and are committed to creating quality products while building a safe, sustainable workplace.

We are also committed to sustainability, including reducing our carbon footprint, increasing renewable energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and diverting waste from landfills.

Mechanically inclined? We want to meet you!

Whether you have experience working on cars, machines, tools, farm equipment, or other hands‑on projects — or you’re simply someone who loves learning how things work — this is your opportunity to turn that interest into a career.

Start at $28.24/hour. Train on the job. Build your skills. Advance to Mechanic. Earn $32.46/hour.

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at‑will” basis.

Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.

Silgan is a drug‑free workplace.