First Assistant Jobs in Kenosha, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Machine Assistant 2

Department: Converting

Reports to: Converting Supervisor

Location: Converting Floor

Position Summary

The Machine Assistant 2 supports the Operator and Machine Assistant 1 in the setup, operation, and changeovers. This role bridges hands-on machine work with quality accountability, serving as the primary quality check point during production runs and taking an active role in changeovers and minor adjustments. The Machine Assistant 2 is expected to be capable of safely operating the machine for short periods in the Machine Assistant 1’s absence and actively developing toward operating competency.

3rd Shift 10PM - 6AM, Su-Th, occasional overtime and weekends as needed

Compensation

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At ND Paper, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

About Us

ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive. At ND Paper, we are investing in our future, and that starts with our staff.

Key Responsibilities & Expected Results:

• Demonstrate safety as a core value and establish a safe work environment by actively leading the safe execution of work.

• Remove and stack finished bundles or sheets from the outfeed end of the machine; maintain clean, organized output stacking per job ticket requirements.
• Monitor bundle counts, stacking patterns, and unit load integrity; flag irregular bundles or stacking problems to the 1st Assistant or Operator.
• Perform periodic quality pulls: inspect boxes for correct fold, glue placement, score quality, print registration, and dimensional accuracy using basic gauges and visual checks.
• Document quality inspection results on the job quality log per SOP; escalate defects or inconsistencies immediately rather than allowing continued production.
• Feed sheets into the machine infeed as directed during startup or low-crew conditions, following all infeed safety protocols.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area: clear scrap, waste, and trim from the machine line throughout the shift.
• Assist with minor changeover tasks as directed: removing and staging dies, ink canisters, and print plates under Operator supervision.
• Communicate production counts, downtime events, and quality concerns to the 1st Assistant or Operator in real time.
• Participate in end-of-shift cleanup and machine housekeeping routines.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills /Education and Experience

• High school diploma/GED required.
• No prior manufacturing experience required; corrugated or packaging experience is a plus.
• Ability to read a job ticket and match box dimensions, board grade, and print description to physical product.
• Basic math skills: able to count bundles, verify counts against job ticket, and identify quantity discrepancies.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; ability to communicate clearly with team members in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual in Mandarin a plus
• Punctual, consistent, and coachable — this role advances based on demonstrated reliability and willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and stacking of corrugated bundles up to 50 lbs.
• Standing and walking for the full duration of shift (8–12 hours).
• Repetitive motion: bending, reaching, and stacking throughout the shift.
• Required PPE: steel-toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection in designated areas.

What Success Looks Like-First 90 days

• Arrives on time, ready to work, every shift. Attendance and reliability are non-negotiable at this level.
• Demonstrates correct bundle removal technique and stacking patterns without reminders.
• Correctly identifies and escalates a quality defect during a production run before it results in a customer complaint.
• Can name and locate major machine sections (infeed, print stations, fold section, glue section, outfeed) and explain their basic function.
• Completes LOTO and PPE training and demonstrates correct application on the floor.

Working Conditions

Plant Site

Attributes for Success

• Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand.
• Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in our day-to-day work and outperform our competitors in the marketplace, regarding work and company achievements as a collaborative goal with the desire to go above and beyond.
• Integrity - treat the company and teammates with upmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture.
• Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks for the business.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve.
• Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper’s continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment, equipped with the ability to acclimate quickly.
• Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship.

ND Paper Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family.
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance.
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance.
• A 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at our Rumford and Biron location.

Enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off. Discover more about our benefits and how we support our team by visiting 2026 Benefits. Come be a part of our team and grow with us!

Apply

Please submit your resume, and salary requirements to https://us.ndpaper.com/careers

No unsolicited resumes - ND Paper does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume you submit to us will immediately become the property of ND Paper. If you would like to become a recruiter for ND Paper, please contact us and we will agree in writing to terms and the specific job roles for which you are authorized to recruit.