ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Operator Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Assistant Press Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Assistant Press Operator St. Charles, IL Compensation Includes * Pay Range: $24.64/hr - $32.17/hr + $1.00 shift differential for the 2nd shift &$1.50 shift differential for 3rd shift Available Shift ...

Novolex

Assistant Machine Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$21.57 - $26.97/hr

Assistant Cup Machine Operator St. Charles, IL Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.57/hr - $26.97/hr + $1.00 shift differential for 2nd shift Available Shift * 2nd: 3:00pm - 11:00pm, Monday ...

Burgess Norton Mfg Co

Machine Operator

Geneva, IL

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Move, load and unload products. * Maintain quality of production using SPC methods at all machines. * Perform necessary recordkeeping and paperwork.

Novolex

Assistant Machine Operator

Saint Charles, IL

$21.57 - $26.97/hr

Assistant Cup Machine Operator St. Charles, IL Compensation Includes * Pay Range $21.57/hr - $26.97/hr + $1.00 shift differential for 2nd shift Available Shift * 2nd: 3:00pm - 11:00pm, Monday ...

Amsted Automotive Group

Machine Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Move, load and unload products. * Maintain quality of production using SPC methods at all machines. * Perform necessary recordkeeping and paperwork.

Novolex

Assistant Press Operator

Saint Charles, IL

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Assistant Press Operator St. Charles, IL Compensation Includes * Pay Range: $24.64/hr - $32.17/hr + $1.00 shift differential for the 2nd shift &$1.50 shift differential for 3rd shift Available Shift ...

Burgess Norton Mfg Co

Machine Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Move, load and unload products. * Maintain quality of production using SPC methods at all machines. * Perform necessary recordkeeping and paperwork.

Amsted Automotive Group

Machine Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$38K - $52K/yr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Move, load and unload products. * Maintain quality of production using SPC methods at all machines. * Perform necessary recordkeeping and paperwork.

Amsted Automotive Group

Machine Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$18.68 - $25.27/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Move, load and unload products. * Maintain quality of production using SPC methods at all machines. * Perform necessary recordkeeping and paperwork.

Burgess Norton Mfg Co

Twin Grip Operator

Geneva, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Burgess Norton Mfg Co

Twin Grip Operator

Geneva, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Novolex

Cups Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Communicate effectively with other department personnel to maintain quality standards and production requirements * Assist Operators in troubleshooting problems on their machines * Complete required ...

Burgess Norton Mfg Co

Twin Grip Operator

Geneva, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Amsted Automotive Group

Twin Grip Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Novolex

Cups Operator

Saint Charles, IL

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Communicate effectively with other department personnel to maintain quality standards and production requirements * Assist Operators in troubleshooting problems on their machines * Complete required ...

Amsted Automotive Group

Twin Grip Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Burgess Norton Mfg Co

Twin Grip Operator

Geneva, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Novolex

Cups Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Communicate effectively with other department personnel to maintain quality standards and production requirements * Assist Operators in troubleshooting problems on their machines * Complete required ...

Novolex

Cups Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Communicate effectively with other department personnel to maintain quality standards and production requirements * Assist Operators in troubleshooting problems on their machines * Complete required ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperator JobsAssistant Operator JobsAssistant Operator Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Assistant Operator information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in DeKalb, IL is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges assistant operators face during shift changes, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Operators often encounter challenges during shift changes, such as incomplete handovers or miscommunication about ongoing tasks. To manage these effectively, it’s important to follow standardized handover procedures, maintain accurate and up-to-date logs, and communicate proactively with both outgoing and incoming team members. Building strong teamwork and attention to detail helps ensure a smooth transition and minimizes operational disruptions.

Which assistant operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying assistant operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation, where specialized skills and certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry, with some positions offering higher compensation due to the complexity of equipment or hazardous environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, control panels, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good teamwork skills help you excel in supporting smooth operations. These skills ensure safe, efficient production processes and help maintain workplace safety and productivity.

What is the difference between Assistant Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAssistant OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in setup, monitoring, and maintenance of machineryOperates machinery directly, responsible for production output
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, and industrial plantsPrimarily in manufacturing, processing, and production facilities

Assistant Operators support Machine Operators by preparing equipment and monitoring processes, while Machine Operators handle the direct operation of machinery. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in industrial settings, but Machine Operators have more responsibility for operating equipment independently.

What is an assistant operator?

Assistant Operators are entry-level professionals who support the operation of machinery or equipment in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or logistics. They work under the supervision of senior operators to help monitor processes, perform basic maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Their responsibilities may include setting up machines, loading materials, inspecting products, and reporting any issues to supervisors. Assistant Operators play a key role in maintaining efficient production and minimizing downtime. This position is often a stepping stone to more advanced operator roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in DeKalb, IL? The most popular types of Operator jobs in DeKalb, IL are:
What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs? Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Assistant Operator job openings:
Assistant Operator jobs near you

Assistant Press Operator

Novolex

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$24.64 - $32.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 25 days ago

Novolex rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Company Overview
Why Choose Us?
Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including foodservice, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.
Our Sustainability Commitment
The Novolex sustainability vision is built upon three pillars: our products, our operations and our people. Each is critically important to our growth and future as a business. These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives.
Job Description
Assistant Press Operator
St. Charles, IL
Compensation Includes
  • Pay Range: $24.64/hr - $32.17/hr + $1.00 shift differential for the 2nd shift &$1.50 shift differential for 3rd shift

Available Shift
  • 2nd: 3:00pm - 11:00pm, Monday - Friday
  • 3rd: 11:0 pm - 7:00 am, Monday - Friday

Overview
Assistant Press Operator position is responsible for consistently operating a zone of press machines at or above standard levels of operation considering waste, efficiency, and utilization. Troubleshoot, identify, and correct machine related problems through proper adjustments to various parts of the machine. Provide innovative solutions for production problems.
Responsibilities
  • Reads and understands job jacket to ensure production is running according to specification
  • Performs machine make-ready to set it up to run proper production
  • Performs quality checks according to established procedures to ensure all Quality Standards (Color matches and Registration) are being met
  • Troubleshoots defects and other elements of the process as needed
  • Records and maintains data related to downtime, including amount of time, reason for downtime, and actions to correct problem
  • Assists operator with shift documentation and quality control checklists
  • Enters daily production data on PC located at Press and adjustments to press that are controlled by computer
  • Performs machine trouble shooting and makes adjustments to correct quality or efficiency problems related to machine, set up, or mechanical defect
  • Set web path per job and color rotation
  • Assist with print set up during start-up
  • Keeps all waste and scrap within company guidelines
  • Fills out all pre-make ready and make ready checklist
  • Ensures correct inks are in place and are changed out when necessary
  • Assist in removal of W.I.P pallets from press
  • Creates load tags for finished pallets
  • Maintains a clean and orderly work area
  • Complete LOTO
  • Assist in training of new employees

Qualifications
  • 2 years printing experience
  • Demonstrated problem solving skills
  • Ability to use hand tools to remove, install, and adjust parts of machine
  • Previous experience working in an assistant or press operator/pressman position is preferred
  • Previous working Flexo or Gravure presses is preferred

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk
  • Uses hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools and controls
  • The employee frequently is required to talk and hear to communicate with crew members
  • Required to climb, stoop, bend and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to push or pull with hands or arms, kneel or crouch
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to distinguish shades and colors
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and effectively with little to no supervision
  • Positive work attitude and willingness to cooperate
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • The noise level in the work environment is consistently above 85 decibels
  • Able to work with dust from paper converting process
  • The employee constantly works near moving mechanical parts and lift trucks
  • Ambient temp and humidity may be elevated during the summer months

Company Benefits
What You'll Get From Us
Benefits
With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well-being an important focus, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits that include medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health. Specific benefits and well-being programs may vary depending on where you work.
Community Engagement
At Novolex, giving back to the local communities that support us is important. Our Focused Giving Program prioritizes support for organizations whose missions promote sustainability initiatives or address food and hunger needs. We also encourage facility level support of activities in the communities where our employees live and work.
Training and Development
We offer constant opportunities for advancement. From skills development to advanced education programs, training and development programs and courses are available through MyLearning. Programs include company and industry training curricula, support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union), and a Learning Management System that supports and enhances employee skills at all levels of the organization.
Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.
Formerly Pactiv Evergreen

What Novolex employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply