Senior Machine Operator - 1st Shift

MacLean-Fogg; Sterling (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement and development

Job summary

Mallard Manufacturing, a MacLean-Fogg Company, is seeking a Senior Machine Operator at our Sterling, IL facility. In this hands‑on role, you'll lead machine setups, troubleshoot equipment issues, train fellow operators, and help ensure safe, efficient production.

The 1st shift runs 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, on-site, with pay between $21.50 and $23.00 per hour and overtime as needed. You will monitor quality, maintain production records, and support continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of machine operator experience with setups and troubleshooting.
• Ability to train and mentor operators.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Maintains production documentation and QA practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead machine setups, changeovers, and adjustments across multiple production machines.
• Operate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and diagnose production issues.
• Coordinate machine assignments and production workflow to meet daily goals.
• Train and mentor Machine Operator Levels 1–3, building skills and performance.
• Monitor product quality, review inspections, and ensure QA standards.

Skills

Machine operation

Troubleshooting

Training others

Quality documentation

Safety compliance

Job description

Job Summary

Mallard Manufacturing, a MacLean-Fogg Company, is seeking a Senior Machine Operator at our Sterling, IL manufacturing facility. In this hands‑on role, you'll lead machine setups, troubleshoot equipment issues, train fellow operators, and help ensure safe, efficient, high-quality production.

• Location: Sterling, IL
• Work Arrangement: On-site
• Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-2:30 PM
• Pay: $21.50-$23.00/hour
• Employment Type: Full-time / Hourly
• Overtime: Overtime may be required based on business needs.

What You'll Do As a Senior Machine Operator

• Lead machine setups, changeovers, and adjustments across multiple production machines to support efficient operations.
• Operate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment, diagnose production issues, and collaborate with maintenance personnel to resolve technical problems.
• Coordinate machine assignments and production workflow to help achieve daily production goals.
• Train, mentor, and provide hands‑on technical support to Machine Operator Levels 1 through 3, helping build skills and improve performance.
• Monitor product quality, review inspections and operator documentation, and ensure compliance with quality assurance standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, and other required operational information.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for production and technical issues, assisting supervisors with process improvements, scrap reduction, and efficiency initiatives.
• Reinforce safety, environmental, and quality standards while maintaining equipment cleanliness, accountability, and a safe work environment.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• 4-5 years of machine operator experience, including equipment setup and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to other operators.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, machine operations, and production processes.
• Proficiency in maintaining production documentation and following quality assurance practices.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position involves hands‑on work in a manufacturing environment with the following requirements:

• Standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods, including shifts that may extend up to 12 hours.
• Regularly lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Using manual dexterity for tool changes, equipment adjustments, and material handling.
• Performing precision inspections and reading technical drawings, requiring appropriate visual acuity.
• Working in an environment that may include noise, vibration, dust, oil, and temperature variations.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and following established safety procedures.

The physical requirements described above represent those needed to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

Eligible employees across MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies have access to a comprehensive benefits program designed to support health, financial well‑being, time away, and development. This position is eligible for benefits that include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match and potential profit sharing
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources
• Virtual healthcare resources
• Tuition reimbursement and development opportunities
• Additional wellness, financial, and employee programs

Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Explore our full benefits and interactive resources: https://explore.benefits.macleanfogg.app

Pre-Employment Requirements

After a conditional offer, this position requires a pre‑employment drug screen. Testing and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.

About MacLean‑Fogg

MacLean‑Fogg is a fourth‑generation, family‑owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.

Our portfolio includes MacLean‑Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Integrity, People, Customers, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodations

MacLean‑Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact [e-mail].

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