RSU Operator

AkzoNobel•Waukegan, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

AkzoNobel is seeking a safety-focused, adaptable, and detail-oriented RSU Operator for its Rapid Service Unit at the Waukegan aerospace coatings manufacturing facility. The RSU primarily supports Make-to-Order production, targeting a three-day turnaround for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul orders from order entry through delivery to GXO's facility. The role performs a variety of manufacturing activities, including batchmaking, batch adjustments, filling, spraying, material handling, and equipment cleaning. Operators move between production processes while maintaining safety, quality, productivity, service, and cost standards. The position involves working in an industrial aerospace coatings manufacturing environment with chemical materials, production machinery, and material-handling equipment. Operators work across batchmaking, filling, adjustments, and spraying, support other production departments as needed, and exercise independent judgment within established operating procedures and safety requirements. The role offers cross-training and exposure to batchmaking, automated dosing, mixing, filling, spraying, quality processes, equipment cleaning, and first-line maintenance, with pay-for-skill progression and opportunities to develop technical manufacturing skills. Pay is $25.00 per hour, with a $1.00 differential for 2nd shift. Benefits are available from the first day of employment and include medical insurance with HSA, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match, annual bonus, vacation, sick and holiday pay, progression pay plans, short- and long-term disability, and other listed programs and opportunities.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Prior manufacturing experience, including paint manufacturing and/or batch processes.
Ability to accurately measure and weigh materials.
Ability to multitask, balance priorities, and maintain production efficiency.
Ability to read, speak, comprehend, and follow written safety instructions and guidelines in English.
Ability to work across multiple production functions, including filling, batchmaking, adjustments, and spraying.
Ability to read production schedules and prioritize workloads.
Ability to work in a high-pressure manufacturing environment while minimizing errors.
Ability to read and accurately apply product labels.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, reach, climb stairs, and perform physical manufacturing activities.
Ability to lift and handle 5-gallon containers weighing up to 55 lbs. and pigment bags weighing up to 60 lbs.
Ability to safely maneuver drums weighing up to 900 lbs. using appropriate equipment and procedures.
Ability to perform tasks requiring near vision, attention to detail, and steady hand movements.
Ability to work in hot, cold, and varying environmental conditions, safely around chemicals, solvents, production equipment, and moving machinery.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including steel-toed footwear and task-specific protection.

Nice To Haves

Strong mechanical aptitude.
A proactive approach to problem-solving.
Adaptability, dependability, and comfort learning multiple manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

Follow site safety procedures, Life Saving Rules, Process Safety Fundamentals, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Identify and report safety and quality concerns, near misses, spills, contamination, and material discrepancies.
Maintain clean and organized work areas and equipment in accordance with 5S and contamination-prevention procedures.
Participate in safety observations, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Safely operate, clean, and maintain production equipment, including Dalmec, drum dumpers, DEDOS, Dromont (ADU), High-Speed Dispersers, mixers, shakers, tank washers, and RX-20 spraying equipment.
Operate authorized material-handling equipment, including walkies and stackies.
Complete required equipment inspections, follow LOTOTO procedures, and perform routine first-line maintenance and troubleshooting.
Read and interpret batch tickets, adjustment sheets, production schedules, and manufacturing instructions.
Weigh, measure, dose, mix, and adjust raw materials accurately to meet product specifications.
Collect and submit samples to Quality Control and/or Shading for testing and approval.
Fill approved batches into designated containers, ensuring accurate labeling, secure closures, and product integrity.
Perform automated RX-20 and manual spray-outs in accordance with inspection plans and product specifications.
Maintain spraying materials, supplies, and equipment; calibrate spray guns; and prepare, label, and process test panels.
Monitor ADU, DEDOS, and KANBAN material inventory to help prevent production interruptions.
Prioritize production activities to support schedule adherence, customer turnaround requirements, and On-Time In-Full performance.
Handle and dispose of hazardous waste according to established procedures and maintain proper housekeeping.
Work across batchmaking, filling, adjustments, and spraying, and support other production departments as needed.
Train coworkers on mastered tasks and contribute to continuous improvement activities.
Use independent judgment within procedures and safety requirements, including locating an appropriate production vessel when an assigned tank is incorrect, adjusting mixing RPMs, troubleshooting HSD equipment, and conducting first-line maintenance and routine equipment upkeep.