General Operator-Soft Saw

Job Description

Job Description

General Operator: Rockford, Illinois

Our customer in Rockford, Illinois, is seeking motivated individuals to join their team. We’re recruiting General Operators to work full-time on 1st shift. As a General Operator, you will be responsible for operating various equipment in secondary-process departments, including Heat Treating, Straightening, Blackening, and Saws. This role requires flexibility across multiple departments to support evolving production needs.

Responsibilities of the General Operator:

• Operate equipment in miscellaneous departments, including Heat Treating, Straightening, Blackening, and Saws
• Perform machine setup, calibration, and changeovers to ensure optimal production performance
• Inspect products using precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify dimensional accuracy
• Document daily production activity, including machine performance, part quality, and material usage in ERP systems
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to troubleshoot and minimize equipment downtime
• Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S standards and safety protocols
• Assist with material handling, moving raw materials and finished products using overhead cranes, forklifts, or other material handling equipment.
• Perform quality assurance checks to ensure final products meet company and customer specifications
• Flex across various departments to support production workflow as needed
• Other duties as assigned

General Operator Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• High School Diploma/GED equivalent or relevant work experience
• Ability to read/write, follow instructions, and perform basic math
• Capable of using precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, gauges)
• Experience using hand tools such as drills, screwdrivers, and impact tools
• 1–3 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment, preferred
• Experience using saws, preferred.

Pay for General Operator : Starting at $17–$25/hour

General Operator Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• FREE virtual medical and mental health services
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays
• Annual holiday shutdown from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day
• Educational assistance programs
• Safety shoe and glasses reimbursement

Type: 1st Shift, Full-time

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 6:30am-3:00pm.

Apply now!

Are you ready to move from the worries of today to your dreams of tomorrow? If so, give Hughes a call. We are the top-rated staffing, recruiting, and HR experts in the region. We are headquartered in Rockford, IL and have 11 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Where we have offices, we have connections to the best local jobs! Walk in our doors and you’ll find friendly professional staff who dig deep, get results, and most importantly have fun! The reviews speak for themselves, at Hughes we quickly hook you up with companies that offer competitive pay rates, great culture & benefits, and a chance to elevate your life. We offer health insurance and 401(k) too to all our employees. To get the ball rolling, visit us online at and complete our application. We’ll be in touch soon!