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Helper Machine Operator Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

CNC Operator

Janesville, WI ยท On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

CNC Machine Operator This role focuses on operating and adjusting CNC mills and lathes to perform ... Regular performance reviews and annual evaluations help you track your progress and reward your ...

Beverage Production Operator

Beloit, WI ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Machine Operations Work Shift: We're looking for skilled operators to join our team to support ... Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward ...

Beverage Production Operator

Beloit, WI ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Machine OperationsWork Shift: We're looking for skilled operators to join our team to support daily ... Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward ...

Operator Mechanic - 1st Shift

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$27.55 - $28.97/hr

Clark, we don't just make packaging, we help build iconic brands. Since 1904, we've blended ... Inspection, Machine Shop, Tool Room, Maintenance, and Fabrication personnel. Supervisory ...

Operator Mechanic - 1st Shift

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$27.55 - $28.97/hr

Clark, we don't just make packaging, we help build iconic brands. Since 1904, we've blended ... Inspection, Machine Shop, Tool Room, Maintenance, and Fabrication personnel. Supervisory ...

Machine Operations Work Shift: This is a 6am-6:30pm position on a 2-2-3 rotation. A Crew Essential ... Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward ...

Machine Operations Work Shift: This is a 6pm-6:30am position on a 2-2-3 rotation. D Crew Essential ... Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward ...

Machine Operations Work Shift: This is a 6pm-6:30am position on a 2-2-3 rotation. B Crew Essential ... Get up to $5,000 annually to help you with the cost of childcare. Monthly contributions toward ...

Showing results 41-60

Helper Machine Operator information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$11

$18

$22

How much do helper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for helper machine operator in Rockford, IL is $18.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helper machine operator?

Helper Machine Operators assist main machine operators in manufacturing and production settings. Their duties typically include setting up machinery, loading materials, monitoring machine performance, and performing basic maintenance or cleaning. They also help ensure products meet quality standards and may record production data. This role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently. No formal education is usually required, but on-the-job training is common.

What does a helper machine operator do?

As a Helper Machine Operator, your daily tasks usually involve assisting the main machine operator by preparing materials, loading and unloading machines, and monitoring equipment for proper operation. You may also be responsible for basic maintenance, cleaning the work area, and reporting any issues to supervisors. Collaboration with other team members, such as quality control staff and maintenance technicians, is common to ensure efficient production and adherence to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helper machine operator?

To thrive as a Helper Machine Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with common manufacturing tools, basic computer systems, and sometimes forklift certification is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in supporting machine operators and maintaining workflow. These skills ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to efficient production in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Helper Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectHelper Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; certification or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with setup, cleaning, and basic operationOperate machinery independently, monitor processes, troubleshoot

The Helper Machine Operator typically assists with basic tasks and supports the Machine Operator, who handles more complex machinery operation. Both roles are common in manufacturing environments and require similar credentials, but the Machine Operator has more responsibility and independence in operating equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Rockford, IL?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Rockford, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Helper Machine Operator jobs in Rockford, IL?

For Helper Machine Operator jobs in Rockford, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Helper Machine Operator jobs in Rockford, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Helper Machine Operator jobs in Rockford, IL are:

What cities near Rockford, IL are hiring for Helper Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Rockford, IL with the most Helper Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Helper Machine Operator job openings in Rockford, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,469 per year, or $18 per hour.

Operator Mechanic - 2nd Shift - 7% Shift Premium

J L CLARK INC

Rockford, IL โ€ข On-site

$27.55 - $28.97/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

At J.L. Clark, we donโ€™t just make packaging, we help build iconic brands. Since 1904, we've blended craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver packaging solutions that stand out on shelves and stand the test of time. With more than 120 years of experience behind us, our passion for quality, service, and innovation is stronger than ever.

As we grow, so does our investment in the future. From our new 6-color printing press and injection molding presses to advanced rapid prototyping and high-speed fabrication systems, weโ€™re committed to staying at the forefront of packaging technology.

Sustainability is more than a goal, itโ€™s part of who we are. As the first North American metal lithographer to earn SGP Certification, and a multiple-time recipient of the Illinois Governorโ€™s Sustainability Award, we take pride in building a better tomorrow.

Come be part of a company where tradition meets transformation, and where your work truly makes an impact.


Position summary

Is capable of performing all duties and responsibilities required for Die Setting and Machine Operating. Without supervision is capable of installing, adjusting and maintaining all fabrication equipment including the most complex equipment within assigned department or area.ย  Offers recommendations and is consulted on improved methods or alternatives to tools and production lines.

Education, Training & Experience:

  • Education equivalent to vocational or high school which could include short specialty courses.ย 

qualifications

**Required**
โ€ข Prior manufacturing experience, including machine operation and entry level maintenance work.

**Preferred**
โ€ข Prior experience with blank and draw/body making machines, computer driven logic programs, and use of technical measurement tools and gauges within tight tolerances. Experience in reading engineering prints.
ย 

Relationships: Inspection, Machine Shop, Tool Room, Maintenance, and Fabrication personnel.

Supervisory RESPONSIBILITIES: None

Supervised By: ย Lead die setter/fabrication manager

Duties and Responsibilities:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Duties normal to the job:ย ย  (listed by importance)

DUTY

DESCRIPTION OF DUTY

Die Setter

Capable of installing, adjusting and maintaining all fabrication equipment.ย  Responsible for setting up and maintaining efficient production of assigned equipment.ย  Recommends to supervisor and is consulted on improved methods or alterations to tools and production lines.

Is able to read and interpret product and tool engineering drawings so proper installation of new and/or existing tools and production lines is accomplished.

Machine Operator

Must be capable of and is responsible for operating the line to which they are assigned. Including all quality checks, hourly counts, pulling jam, daily service to the production line, and diagnose/resolve minor tooling issues related to the integrity of the product.

Maintenance of Equipment

Is responsible for the condition and maintenance of tools and equipment should be clean and in proper operating condition prior to storage.ย  Supervisor and lead die setter should be apprised of conditions requiring tool room, machine shop, or maintenance service. Is able to perform appropriate level Professional Maintenance (PM) tasks and record findings and track scheduling in EMaintenance.

Troubleshooting

It is required to perform troubleshooting to resolve issues related to both quality and performance. Die setter/machine operators a required to be reactive to quality checks and performance counts which deviate from the standards for the line they are operating in order to make necessary adjustments and resolve deviations from standard.

House keeping

Keeps departmental work areas, aisles, and storage areas safe, orderly and free of obstructions.ย  Must properly store items so maximum use of area is accomplished.ย  Also responsible for general housekeeping, inventories and re-warehousing. This includes sweeping on a regular basis when needed/instructed.

Safety

Responsible for observing safety rules at all times.ย  Reports unsafe conditions immediately to their supervisor.ย  Reports any and all dropped/spilled loads.

Duties as Assigned

Duties assigned by their supervisor/leads