Senior Machine Operator - 1st Shift
About The Position
Mallard Manufacturing, a MacLean-Fogg Company, is seeking a Senior Machine Operator at its Sterling, Illinois manufacturing facility. This hands-on role leads machine setups, troubleshoots equipment issues, trains fellow operators, and helps ensure safe, efficient, high-quality production. The position is on-site and works the first shift, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Overtime may be required based on business needs. The role coordinates machine assignments and production workflow, supports daily production goals, and serves as a first point of escalation for production and technical issues. It also supports supervisors with process improvements, scrap reduction, and efficiency initiatives. The position requires maintaining accurate production and quality records, following quality assurance practices, and reinforcing safety, environmental, and quality standards. Work is performed in a hands-on manufacturing environment that may include noise, vibration, dust, oil, and temperature variations. The role requires wearing personal protective equipment and following established safety procedures. Physical demands include standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials up to 50 pounds, using manual dexterity for tool changes and equipment adjustments, and performing precision inspections and reading technical drawings. Shifts may extend up to 12 hours. Reasonable accommodations may be available.
Requirements
- 4–5 years of machine operator experience, including equipment setup and troubleshooting.
- Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to other operators.
- Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, machine operations, and production processes.
- Proficiency in maintaining production documentation and following quality assurance practices.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and handling materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and follow established safety procedures.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen after a conditional offer.
Responsibilities
- Lead machine setups, changeovers, and adjustments across multiple production machines.
- Operate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment, diagnose production issues, and collaborate with maintenance personnel to resolve technical problems.
- Coordinate machine assignments and production workflow to help achieve daily production goals.
- Train, mentor, and provide hands-on technical support to Machine Operator Levels 1 through 3.
- Monitor product quality, review inspections and operator documentation, and ensure compliance with quality assurance standards.
- Maintain accurate production records, quality documentation, and other required operational information.
- Serve as the first point of escalation for production and technical issues.
- Assist supervisors with process improvements, scrap reduction, and efficiency initiatives.
- Reinforce safety, environmental, and quality standards while maintaining equipment cleanliness, accountability, and a safe work environment.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company match and potential profit sharing
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Health Savings Account contributions for eligible plans
- Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage
- Paid parental leave
- Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources
- Virtual healthcare resources
- Tuition reimbursement and development opportunities
- Additional wellness, financial, and employee programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
