Production Technician

Washington Mills; Hennepin (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-class medical and dental plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

Company-paid life insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Family-friendly personal leave

Job summary

Washington Mills in Hennepin, IL seeks a Production Technician for full-time, hourly pay. The role covers hands-on furnace cycle work, graphite core handling, and operation of mixing stations with sampling responsibilities in a fast-paced plant environment.

The incumbent supports safety-first operations, works outdoors in varying weather, and collaborates with a skilled team to optimize production efficiency. Overtime is available, with competitive benefits and onboarding progression.

Qualifications

• Must maintain a strong focus on safety.
• Demonstrate adaptability in a team-oriented production environment.
• Exhibit clear and effective communication, written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Assist and participate in all phases of the furnace cycle, including removal of graphite from furnace cores.
• Engage in leveling, laying out, forming, and constructing graphite cores.
• Operate at the mixing station and rock/graphite screeners; collect samples at the mixing station.
• Guide Mobile Equipment Operators by signaling.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication skills

Tools

Industrial equipment

Job description

Position type: Full-Time, Hourly

Pay Range: $26.35 per hour, after 180-day probationary period

Shift & Work Schedule:1st Shift, 6AM-4PM Saturday - Tuesday

Overtime: Available

Location: Hennepin, IL

Ask Yourself This…

Spark your career as a Production Technician with an exciting opportunity brimming with innovation and growth! If you're fascinated by the world of production operations, this role is tailor‑made for you. At our unparalleled facility, you'll find ample room to develop. Join our dynamic team in Hennepin, IL, where you'll immerse yourself in hands‑on learning, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to make a significant impact. Thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment? Your passion for optimizing production efficiency is exactly what we're seeking.

What You’ll Do

• Assists and involved with all phases of the furnace cycle, including removal of graphite from furnace cores
• Directly engaged in leveling, laying out, forming, and constructing graphite cores
• Run operations at the mixing station and operate rock and/or graphite screeners, ensuring all necessary samples are collected at the mixing station
• Guide Mobile Equipment Operators by signaling

What You’ll Need

To be successful in this position, you must:

• Have a strong focus on safety
• Demonstrate adaptability in a team‑oriented work environment, adjusting to evolving production requirements
• Exhibit clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Possess the capability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions throughout the year

Who We Are

Washington Mills is built on values that matter. Founded more than 150 years ago, we have earned our reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and reliable producers of abrasive, ceramic and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest selection of abrasive grain and specialty electro‑fused minerals in the market today, we constantly pursue growth in our products, our approach, and our people. Our founding principles of honesty, integrity and reliability still guide our business today, and we are a proud community of hands‑on problem solvers, committed to shaping the materials applications of the future. With global distribution and sites located throughout North American and Europe, Washington Mills opens the door to a world of opportunity, creativity, and challenge.

Compensation

• Competitive pay, with opportunities to advance
• World‑class medical and dental plans
• Employer‑sponsored retirement plan
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and generous holiday time
• Family‑friendly personal leave policies

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

Washington Mills is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.