Production Operator

Production Operator

The Production Operator sets up, runs, and supports plastic molding and finishing processes in a high-heat manufacturing environment. This role combines machine operation, material preparation, and product finishing, using hand and power tools to produce plastic coolers, tanks, and related parts for agriculture, transportation, and other applications. You will follow written instructions, weigh and measure raw materials, handle moderate to heavy lifting, and assist across different areas of the production line as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery to run molding processes according to written instructions and standard operating procedures.
• Measure and weigh raw materials, including resins, using a basic weighing machine to ensure accurate material quantities prior to operation.
• Use hand tools and power tools safely to assemble, adjust, or support machine and product operations.
• Perform finishing tasks such as cleaning products, adding accessories, labeling items, and organizing completed orders for shipment or storage.
• Lift and move materials and finished products, including frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds for machine operation and up to 30 pounds for finishing work.
• Assist with general labor tasks on the production floor, including weighing product, assembling components, and supporting other team members where needed.
• Stand for extended periods while working on or around rotational molding machines and finishing stations.
• Follow all written work instructions, production guidelines, and quality standards to ensure consistent and accurate output.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and storage of tools, materials, and products.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including the required use of steel-toed or composite-toed work shoes and other safety practices appropriate for a hot manufacturing environment.
• Work scheduled shifts reliably and be available to work overtime on Saturdays during peak season, with a minimum of two Saturdays per month currently required.
• Participate in training to learn and eventually operate rotational molding machinery and related equipment.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and team members about production needs, issues, and progress throughout the shift.

Essential Skills

• Experience in heavy machine operation or a construction-related environment, or comparable hands-on industrial experience.
• Ability to follow written instructions accurately and consistently in a production setting.
• Ability to read and use a basic weighing machine to measure raw materials such as resins.
• Comfort working in a hot environment around large rotational molding machines that operate as ovens.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting, including lifting up to 50 pounds for machine operation tasks and up to 30 pounds for finishing tasks.
• Proficiency using basic hand tools for assembly, adjustment, and finishing work.
• Ability to safely use power tools for assembling products and adding accessories as needed.
• Willingness and ability to stand for extended periods during the shift.
• Reliability in working assigned shifts and availability to work mandatory overtime on Saturdays during peak periods.
• No high school diploma required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, general labor, or other hands-on industrial work.
• Experience with assembly work using both hand and power tools.
• Comfort working around heat-intensive equipment such as ovens or molding machines.
• Flexibility to assist in multiple areas, including material weighing, machine support, and product finishing.
• Strong attention to detail for labeling, organizing orders, and ensuring products meet quality expectations.
• Willingness to learn new machinery and processes through on-the-job training.

Why Work Here?

You join a stable manufacturing environment that offers clear opportunities for growth and development. Regular pay increases every six months for up to five years reward your commitment and performance over time. Overtime is available, especially on Saturdays during peak season, providing the chance to increase your earnings. The hiring process moves quickly, allowing you to start contributing and learning new skills without long delays. You work as part of a hands-on team where training is provided to help you expand your capabilities and take on more complex tasks.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility that produces plastic coolers, tanks, and other molded plastic parts. The plant operates 11 rotational molding machines that function like large ovens to bake and harden plastic, creating a consistently hot work environment. You will spend most of your shift on your feet, working around active machinery, assembly areas, and finishing stations. The facility runs three shifts: first shift from 6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., second shift from 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m., and third shift from 10:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m., Monday through Friday. Overtime on Saturdays is mandatory during peak season. Work involves regular use of hand and power tools, handling of raw materials and finished products, and moderate to heavy lifting. Steel-toed or composite-toed work shoes are required; if they are not worn on the first day, the worker will be sent home. The environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and focused on safety, quality, and reliable production output.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $20.00/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 Type

This is a fully onsite position in West Chicago, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.