Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Cicero, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rensa Filtration is a family of companies dedicated to air filtration. By investing in innovation and the people who drive it, we manufacture, market, and distribute best-in-class solutions in the United States and Canada that keep environments safe and industries thriving.

• We improve the environment by making indoor and outdoor environments cleaner through the elimination of process contaminants using superior products and media.

• We drive innovation in air filtration by investing in the people and companies that develop the solutions today's world demands and bringing those innovative products to market so our customers can deliver maximum value and safety to the facilities and businesses they serve.

The Media Machine Operator II is an experienced machine operator responsible for independently operating, setting up, monitoring, and troubleshooting media production equipment in a continuous 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Building upon foundational machine-operating experience, this position requires greater technical knowledge and independent decision-making to maintain stable equipment operation, product quality, and production efficiency. The Senior Operator performs equipment setup and changeovers, conducts quality checks, troubleshoots routine equipment and process issues, and supports continuous improvement activities.

This position works closely with Production Leads, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance and may also assist with training and supporting less-experienced operators.

• Independently operate and monitor media production equipment to maintain safe, stable, and efficient production.

• Perform equipment setup, startup, shutdown, and product changeovers in accordance with established procedures.

• Monitor machine performance and make appropriate routine adjustments to maintain production requirements.

• Perform required in-process quality checks and inspections to verify products meet established specifications.

• Identify and independently troubleshoot routine equipment, process, and quality issues, escalating more complex technical concerns when appropriate.

• Apply technical and mechanical knowledge to identify potential causes of equipment or process issues and support timely resolution.

• Monitor production parameters and identify trends or abnormalities that could impact quality, productivity, or equipment performance.

• Support new product introductions, process trials, equipment startups, and process adjustments.

• Perform basic preventive maintenance and operator-level equipment care and assist Maintenance during troubleshooting and repairs.

• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production leadership to resolve operational issues and improve machine performance.

• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, uptime, and production processes.

• Maintain accurate production, quality, downtime, and process records.

• Handle materials, labeling, packaging, and internal material movement as required.

• Follow all safety, quality, production, and equipment operating procedures.

• Assist with training and supporting newer or less-experienced operators on equipment operation, standard work, safety, and quality requirements.

• Provide operational knowledge and guidance to other team members as needed.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

• Perform other related duties and accountabilities as assigned.

• 4–7 years of manufacturing, machine operating, production, or related industrial experience preferred.

• Demonstrated experience independently operating manufacturing or production equipment.

• Experience performing machine setups, changeovers, adjustments, and routine troubleshooting.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand increasingly complex equipment and manufacturing processes.

• Experience performing in-process quality inspections and working within established quality specifications.

• Ability to identify equipment or process problems, determine potential causes, and resolve routine issues independently.

• Previous experience assisting with the training or development of other machine operators is preferred.

• Experience working collaboratively with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and product quality.

• Ability to interpret and follow work instructions, standard operating procedures, production specifications, and technical documentation.

• Basic computer skills for production reporting, data entry, and process monitoring.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a team environment.

• Ability and willingness to work a 24/7 rotating schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to work 12-hour shifts.

• Willingness to travel internationally for specialized training for an extended period, potentially up to three months.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Forklift experience preferred.

• Experience with automated or technically complex manufacturing equipment.

• Experience troubleshooting mechanical or production-process issues.

• Experience with continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, 5S, or similar manufacturing practices.

• Experience training or assisting in the development of junior machine operators.

• Experience documenting downtime, quality issues, production performance, or corrective actions.

• Experience supporting equipment startups, new product introductions, or process improvements.

This position is performed primarily in a manufacturing and production environment. The role requires prolonged periods of standing and walking and regular interaction with production machinery and equipment.

Employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, moving mechanical equipment, varying temperatures, and other conditions typical of an industrial production environment. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn as required.

The position requires the ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs. and perform physical activities associated with machine operation, setup, changeovers, material handling, and routine equipment care.

This position operates within a continuous manufacturing environment and requires flexibility to work assigned 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Note: The above working conditions are subject to change based on company policies and the nature of specific projects or assignments. Any modifications or updates will be communicated in a timely manner.

We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Rensa Filtration is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law.