Machine Assistant

Machine Assistant

The Machine Assistant supports the Operator in the setup, operation, and changeovers. This role bridges hands-on machine work with quality accountability, serving as the primary quality check point during production runs and taking an active role in changeovers and minor adjustments. The Machine Assistant is expected to be capable of safely operating the machine for short periods in the Operator's absence and actively developing toward full Operator competency.

Hiring for 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift!

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.
• Assist the Operator with all phases of job changeover: removing and staging plates, dies, anilox rolls, and ink systems; setting up fold sections and glue systems per job specifications.
• Set up and verify glue system temperatures, bead placement, and application weight at the start of each job; monitor glue quality throughout the run.
• Perform and document first-article quality inspections at job startup: verify dimensions, score depth, fold quality, print registration, and glue placement against approved specifications.
• Conduct in-process quality checks at defined intervals; document results on the quality log and communicate deviations to the Operator immediately.
• Make minor press adjustments (fold, score, glue, infeed timing) under Operator direction; develop independent adjustment capability over time.
• Outfeed, stacking, and quality sampling tasks.
• Monitor production counts, speed, and waste rate; alert the Operator to trends or anomalies.
• Assist with ink mixing, color matching, and ink viscosity checks as directed; maintain ink station cleanliness as assigned.
• Lead outfeed and cleanup at job end; ensure changeover area is ready for next job before shift handoff.
• Operate the machine independently for short durations (e.g., Operator break, brief absence) at the Supervisor's authorization.
• Participate in downtime logging: record reason, duration, and corrective action for any unplanned stop exceeding 5 minutes.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience:

• High school/GED required.
• Minimum 6 months of experience in a manufacturing environment, converting experience is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret job tickets including board specification, print spec, die layout, fold style, and bundle count.
• Basic understanding of corrugated quality standards: acceptable scoring, print defects, glue bond, and dimensional tolerances.
• Comfortable operating at machine speed while maintaining quality awareness multitasking under production pressure.
• Bilingual English, Mandarin, or Spanish a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent lifting and handling of print plates, dies, anilox rolls, and corrugated bundles up to 60 lbs.
• Standing, walking, and reaching for the full duration of shift (812 hours).
• Exposure to ink, glue, and cleaning solvents appropriate PPE required at all times.
• Required PPE: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, chemical-resistant gloves when handling inks/solvents.

What Success Looks Like-First 90 days:

• Executes a full changeover alongside the Operator with minimal direction; changeover time is within the target range for the job type.
• Catches a print registration or glue placement issue during a first-article check and correctly holds the job pending Operator review.
• Demonstrates correct glue system setup independently for at least three different job configurations.
• Demonstrates clear, calm communication on stacking, quality pulls, and safety expectations.
• Logs downtime events accurately and completely for every event on the shift.
• Completes LOTO and PPE training and demonstrates correct application on the floor.

Working Conditions:

Plant Site

Attributes for Success:

• Hard work tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
• Pursuit of Excellence strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
• Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
• Sense of Urgency drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
• Adaptability be fluid with ND Papers continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
• Servant Leadership set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.

ND Paper Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
• A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.

Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2026 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!