Mallard Manufacturing, a MacLean-Fogg Company, is hiring a Paint Machine Operator at our Sterling, Illinois manufacturing facility. In this role, you will independently set up production equipment, perform detailed inspections, troubleshoot routine production issues, and help improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
Location: Sterling, IL
Work Arrangement: On-site
Schedule: Multiple shifts available: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-2:30 PM; 2nd Shift, Monday-Friday, 3:00 PM-11:00 PM
Pay: $18.80-$19.40/hour
Other Compensation: $1.00 shift differential for 2nd shift
Employment Type: Full-time / Hourly
Overtime: Overtime may be required based on business needs.
Perform complete machine setups, including tooling changes, calibration, and adjustments.
Conduct first-piece and in-process inspections using precision measurement equipment.
Troubleshoot and resolve routine production issues independently, escalating more complex problems when needed.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical specifications.
Recommend and support process improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, or quality, including continuous improvement and 5S initiatives.
Accurately document production data, downtime, and corrective actions, and support preventive maintenance by identifying equipment wear, damage, or recurring problems.
Provide informal guidance to less experienced operators and collaborate with quality and maintenance teams to support smooth production.
Maintain machine cleanliness and contribute to daily equipment care.
2-3 years of prior machine operator experience.
Demonstrated ability to perform machine setups independently.
Strong blueprint reading and technical interpretation skills.
Proficiency with precision measurement tools.
No formal education requirement.
This role involves standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods, including shifts up to 12 hours.
Employees in this role regularly lift, carry, push, or pull 35 to 50 lbs.
The position requires manual dexterity for tooling changes, equipment adjustments, and material handling.
The position requires visual acuity for precision inspections and reading technical drawings.
This role operates in a manufacturing environment that may include noise, vibration, dust, oil, and temperature variations.
Employees must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
The physical requirements described above represent those needed to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Eligible employees across MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies have access to a comprehensive benefits program designed to support health, financial well-being, time away, and development. This position is eligible for benefits that include:
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
Benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.
Explore our full benefits and interactive resources: https://explore.benefits.macleanfogg.app
After a conditional offer, this position requires a pre-employment drug screen. Testing and employment decisions are administered consistent with applicable law.
MacLean-Fogg is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, we design and manufacture engineered components and solutions for automotive and industrial markets.
Our portfolio includes MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions, OMCO, Mallard Manufacturing, and Threadstrong. Across our companies, we share a commitment to Integrity, People, Customers, and Stewardship while investing in our people, manufacturing capabilities, customers, and communities.
MacLean-Fogg and its affiliated companies are equal opportunity employers. We provide equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply, complete an assessment, or participate in the hiring process, contact careers@macleanfogg.com
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MacLean-Fogg is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturing company headquartered in Mundelein, Illinois. Founded in 1925, the company designs and manufactures American-made engineered metal and plastic components and systems serving automotive, industrial equipment, material handling, renewable energy, construction, heavy equipment, and infrastructure markets.
With approximately 2,400 employees across U.S.-based manufacturing facilities, MacLean-Fogg works side-by-side with customers to turn requirements into manufacturable solutions through practical engineering, disciplined operations, and reliable delivery.
The company is led by President and CEO Duncan MacLean. His father and former CEO, Barry MacLean, serves as Chairman of the Board, continuing a century of family stewardship and reinvestment in American manufacturing.
MacLean-Fogg operates through a portfolio of specialized businesses. MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions provides engineered components through core process expertise including cold forming, cold extrusion, hot forging, warm forming, precision machining, automated assembly, and injection and insert molding, alongside fastener, plastic, and additive manufacturing solutions. Threadstrong serves the aftermarket and direct-to-consumer market with high-performance fasteners developed in partnership with MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions. OMCO expands structural and fabricated metal capability through Roll Forming Plus, OMCO Solar, and OMCO Fabrication. Mallard Manufacturing designs and produces engineered pallet flow and carton flow storage systems for manufacturing and distribution facilities.
