Production Operator

Production Operator

This role involves operating rubber stamping presses to manufacture precision rubber and metal components for aerospace applications, including military helicopter rotors and related equipment. You will load and unload parts from machines, perform thorough visual inspections, and use measuring tools to verify quality. The position requires consistent attention to detail, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work on your feet throughout the shift while handling moderately heavy materials.

Responsibilities

• Operate rubber stamping presses to produce rubber and metal aerospace parts according to established procedures and specifications.
• Load parts into the press, monitor the machine during operation, and safely remove finished parts from the press.
• Perform detailed visual inspections on finished parts to identify defects, inconsistencies, or nonconformities.
• Use measuring tools such as scales, micrometers, calipers, and other devices to verify part dimensions and quality.
• Follow written and verbal work instructions in English to ensure accurate setup, operation, and inspection of parts.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area within a general manufacturing environment with extrusion machines and automated equipment.
• Lift and move materials and parts weighing up to 50–75 pounds as needed throughout the shift.
• Communicate clearly with team members and supervisors regarding production status, quality issues, and equipment concerns.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, including compliance with Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing protocols.
• Contribute to problem-solving activities by identifying issues in the production or inspection process and suggesting improvements.

Essential Skills

• Previous machine operating experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to operate production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Ability to perform accurate visual inspections of parts and finished products.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English to follow instructions and document work.
• Good spoken and written English communication skills for effective teamwork and reporting.
• Ability to use scales, micrometers, and other measuring devices to check part dimensions.
• Capability to lift up to 50–75 pounds and remain on your feet for the duration of the shift.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address production or quality issues.
• Willingness to comply with random drug and alcohol testing as required by Department of Transportation regulations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a punch press in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using calipers and additional precision measuring tools.
• Familiarity with press operating, inspecting, and other machine operation tasks in a production setting.
• Comfort working around extrusion machines and automated equipment.
• Union experience or interest in working in a unionized environment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a unionized workplace that offers the stability and support of a structured environment with access to union benefits. The work directly supports government-related aerospace projects, giving you the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact products. You will work in a clean manufacturing setting with established processes, consistent shifts, and the backing of a collective bargaining unit focused on fair treatment and workplace protections.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean general manufacturing environment that includes extrusion machines and automated equipment. This is a long-term second shift position, with an initial training period on a 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. schedule for the first 120 days while on contract. After this period and upon hire, the schedule transitions to a 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. second shift. You will spend most of the day on your feet, handling rubber and metal parts and occasionally lifting up to 50–75 pounds. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and adherence to Department of Transportation requirements, including random drug and alcohol testing. Typical attire aligns with a standard manufacturing setting, where practical, safety-focused clothing and appropriate protective equipment are used.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elgin, IL.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $25.44 - $25.44/hr. 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 Type: This is a fully onsite position in Elgin, IL.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.