General Production Worker

Paint Line Helper / Powder Coater HelperThe Paint Line Helper (Powder Coater Helper) supports the coating operations for metal components used in snow and ice control equipment. You prepare surfaces, assist with powder and wet paint application, handle materials on the line, and help maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area. Working closely with the lead powder coater and finishing team, you ensure parts meet quality, appearance, and durability standards throughout the production process.ResponsibilitiesClean, sand, and mask metal parts prior to coating to ensure proper adhesion and finish.Inspect metal components for defects, contaminants, or damage before painting or coating.Assist with loading and unloading parts onto conveyors, racks, or fixtures for the paint and powder lines.Help operate powder coating and wet paint equipment under supervision, following established procedures.Monitor curing ovens and handle finished parts carefully to prevent damage to the coating.Perform prep and paint operations using powder or wet paint systems as directed.Carry out acid wash and de-bluing processes on stainless steel parts according to specifications.Mask, clean, and prepare surfaces before applying coatings, ensuring edges and details are properly covered.Inspect coated parts for finish quality, coverage, and defects, and make adjustments or rework as needed.Operate and assist in maintaining paint booths, powder booths, ovens, and related coating equipment.Follow safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and adherence to ventilation and environmental procedures.Maintain cleanliness and organization in the powder booth, paint booth, and surrounding work areas.Report equipment issues, safety concerns, or quality problems to supervisors promptly.Label and organize coated parts for assembly or shipping to ensure traceability and correct routing.Track work orders and verify that parts match job specifications and coating requirements.Maintain accurate records of paint and powder usage, completed jobs, and any rework performed.Use hand tools and power tools safely for deburring, surface prep, and basic assembly-related tasks.Read and interpret basic instructions or blueprints when required to understand part orientation and coating needs.Essential SkillsExperience in manufacturing, general labor, or production environments, particularly with metal components.Ability to perform deburring, cleaning, and surface preparation on metal parts.Familiarity with coating processes such as powder coating and wet paint application.Attention to detail to spot defects, contaminants, and finish issues before and after coating.Ability to follow coating specifications, visual standards, and work instructions accurately.Basic measurement skills using tools such as tape measures or gauges to verify part and coating requirements.Capability to use hand tools and power tools safely in a production setting.Physical ability to stand, bend, lift, and reach for extended periods and to lift parts or racks up to 50 lbs or more.Comfort working in a noisy, warm, and fast-paced manufacturing environment.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience operating or assisting with paint booths, powder booths, curing ovens, or similar equipment.Background in assembly or mechanical work using hand tools and power tools.Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints or diagrams related to part orientation and coating areas.Understanding of safety protocols and environmental procedures in a coating or manufacturing facility.Organizational skills for labeling, sorting, and tracking parts and work orders through the production process.Recordkeeping skills to document paint usage, completed jobs, and quality checks.Why Work Here?You join a stable manufacturing organization that offers comprehensive benefits and supports long-term career growth. Employees receive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, along with a Flexible Spending Account, company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, paid vacation, and paid holidays. A 401(k) plan with company match helps you build your financial future, while annual reviews and compensation increases recognize your contributions. The company maintains an excellent safety record and actively promotes from within, providing clear opportunities to advance your skills and career. The facility is conveniently located between Rockford, Rochelle, and DeKalb/Sycamore, making the daily commute manageable for a wide range of candidates.Work EnvironmentThis is a 2nd shift role, typically working 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, with potential Saturday overtime from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Most employees work approximately 50–56 hours per week. Work takes place in a manufacturing plant with designated paint and powder coating booths. The environment can be noisy due to compressors, conveyors, and ventilation systems, and may be warm or hot, especially near curing ovens. Ventilation systems are in place, but there can still be exposure to fine powder particles and fumes, requiring consistent use of appropriate PPE. The job involves frequent standing, bending, lifting, and reaching, often for extended periods, and handling metal parts or racks that may weigh 50 lbs or more. Some parts may have sharp edges or require careful handling to maintain safety and coating quality.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochelle, Illinois.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $18.50 - $18.50/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Rochelle, Illinois.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.