Production Associate-Aurora, IL

Smurfit Westrock Company; Aurora, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Holidays

Overtime

Tuition Reimbursement

Boots & Safety Glasses Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance

Paid Vacation & Sick Leave

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock Company is seeking a Machine Operator Assistant to support production by setting up, operating, and maintaining packaging machines while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will monitor output, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with a team to meet production deadlines in a fast-paced packaging environment. Prior manufacturing experience and a strong safety mindset are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic math.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for long shifts.
• Work in a hot, non-climate-controlled environment.
• Willingness to work daily overtime, weekends, and various shifts.
• Background check, pre-employment physical and drug screen completed.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate and operate manufacturing equipment.
• Monitor machine operations and ensure production quality.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot machinery.
• Document production data and maintenance activities.
• Follow safety protocols and collaborate with the team to meet targets.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Safety compliance

Read tape measure

Manufacturing math

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Available Shifts:

• 2nd Shift: 3 PM - 11 PM (Monday - Friday)
• 3rd Shift: 11 PM - 7 AM (Sunday - Thursday)

Must be able to work any shift, as well as daily or weekend overtime as required.

Starting Wage Range: $23.70/hr with potential for increases to at least $26.45 after qualifying in the position

Additional Incentives:

• Shift Differentials ($0.50/hr for 2nd shift, $0.65/hr for 3rd shift)
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) available immediately
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Overtime Potential
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• 11 Paid Holidays and Vacation Pay
• Reimbursements for Boots & RX Safety Glasses
• Employee Referral Program: $1,250 per hourly employee
• Tuition Reimbursement

Primary Job Duties:

In this role, you will play an integral part in the production process, ensuring that our machinery operates efficiently and produces high-quality products. You will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining various packaging machines while adhering to stringent safety and quality standards. As a Machine Operator Assistant, you will also monitor production output and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the manufacturing process. Your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions will contribute to the timely delivery of our products to customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of safety practices and machine operation, along with the ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment. As a key player in our operations, you will be instrumental in driving productivity and helping us meet our clients’ needs. If you are passionate about manufacturing and have a technical background, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to further your career in the paper and packaging industry.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Set-up, calibration and operation of manufacturing equipment / powered equipment.
• Monitoring machine operations and production quality to ensure compliance with standards.
• Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting on machinery as needed.
• Documenting production data and maintenance activities accurately.
• Following safety protocols to promote a safe working environment for all employees.
• Collaborating with team members and supervisors to meet production targets and deadlines.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team setting
• Ability to work safely and comply with all safety regulations.
• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic math used in the manufacturing process.
• Ability to lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs., navigate stairs, stand, walk, and bend throughout the entire shift with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment that is hot and humid in the Summer/Fall.
• Ability to work daily overtime, weekend work and various shifts depending on workload.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and pre-employment physical and drug screen

The starting rate is $23.70 per hour, depending on your role, level, and location. The benefits for this role may include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 10 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your actual pay will be based on your work location and other factors, such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about the specific salary range for your preferred location, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at www.westrock.com/company/careers and the application window is expected to close by 8/31/26

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.