Production Associate

Danfoss; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13th salary

Annual bonus

Paid vacation

Pension plans

Personal insurance

Job summary

Danfoss in Loves Park, IL is seeking a 1st Shift Production Associate to join a fast-moving manufacturing team. You will assemble components, operate material handling equipment, and perform quality checks to ensure reliability and performance.

You should be ready to rotate across areas, report shortages, and support continuous improvement, with a HS diploma or GED and willingness to learn. We offer growth, benefits, and a safe, inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or 3 months experience with Danfoss products.
• Able to read hydraulic and electrical schematics and use basic MS Office.
• Must be 18+ years old and eligible to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Assemble components from start to finish, including set-up, testing, and quality checks.
• Operate forklifts, tuggers, and hand trucks to move materials and keep production running.
• Refill and deliver Kanban bins, handle various part numbers, and perform routine machine cleaning.
• Identify and report part shortages, inspect assemblies for quality, and support continuous improvement in the production process.
• Rotate across production areas and take on cross-functional tasks, including material handling.

Skills

English communication

Read schematics

Quality awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience with Danfoss products (3 months)

Tools

PPAP

8D

PFMEA

Capability studies

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

At Danfoss, your work powers more than machines - it powers progress. As a 1st Shift Production Associate in our Loves Park facility, you'll be part of a team that builds solutions shaping a better tomorrow. From climate-friendly technologies to sustainable manufacturing, your contributions will help create products that matter. You won't just be assembling components - you'll be ensuring every product meets the highest standards of quality and performance. You'll play a vital role in delivering what our customers count on: reliability, precision, and innovation built into every solution. If you're hands-on, safety-conscious, and want to grow your skills in a fast-moving environment where your work has real impact, this could be your next step. Join us and become part of a global company that invests in your development.

What You'll Be Doing

• Assemble components from start to finish, including set-up, testing, and quality checks, ensuring every product meets Danfoss' high standards.
• Operate forklifts, tuggers, and hand trucks to safely move materials throughout the plant and keep production running smoothly.
• Refill and deliver Kanban bins, handle various part numbers, and perform routine machine cleaning to maintain an efficient workflow.
• Identify and report part shortages, inspect assemblies for quality, and support continuous improvement in the production process.
• Rotate across production areas and take on cross-functional tasks - including material handling - to meet evolving customer and business needs.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED, or at least 3 months of experience with Danfoss products.
• At least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S.
• Valid Class C (or higher) driver's license for potential backup truck driving responsibilities.
• Comfortable reading hydraulic and electrical schematics; familiarity with Microsoft Office, PLCs, and test stands.
• Basic knowledge of quality tools like PPAP, 8D, PFMEA, and capability studies.
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal, to follow safety procedures and work instructions.

What You'll Get From Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You'll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You'll receive benefits like 13th salary, annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they're worth asking about - we think they're pretty great.

The US base hourly range for this full-time position is $19.00 + bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including role-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.