2nd Shift Machine Operator

CTI Cutting Dies | Elmhurst, Illinois

CTI Cutting Dies is seeking a motivated and versatile Machine Operator to join our growing second-shift team in Elmhurst, Illinois. This role is ideal for mechanically inclined manufacturing professionals who thrive in a fast-paced production environment and enjoy operating a variety of equipment. Unlike positions dedicated to a single machine, this role requires flexibility and cross-training across multiple production and finishing machines throughout the shift.

The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining production equipment while ensuring products meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production schedules. This position works closely with Quality, Maintenance, Production, and fellow operators to ensure a safe, efficient, and productive operation.

Set up and operate a variety of manufacturing equipment, including die cutters, strippers, blankers, rubbering equipment, benders, processors, punch presses, tapers, guillotines, and other converting and finishing machinery. Read and interpret job tickets, CAD layouts, blueprints, and production specifications to perform accurate machine setups and make-readies. Install dies, tooling, gluing systems, counters, and other setup components necessary for production runs. Monitor machine performance and product quality throughout production, making adjustments as needed to maintain specifications and prevent defects.

Conduct in-process inspections and verify that finished work meets customer and company quality requirements before advancing to the next production stage.

Maintain production records, machine logs, downtime reporting, scrap tracking, and quality documentation within company systems. Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform routine preventive maintenance, and elevate complex concerns when necessary. Monitor material usage and actively seek opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and maximize throughput. Support plant operations by moving between machines and departments as production demands require, providing cross-functional coverage and maintaining productivity across the facility.

Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing downtime, shortening setup times, and improving overall operational performance.

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous machine operation experience within manufacturing, printing, packaging, converting, die-making, or a related industrial environment is preferred. Experience operating equipment such as Bobst presses, lasers, water-jet cutting systems, folder-gluers, benders, digital printing equipment, UV printing equipment, or digital cutting machinery is beneficial but not required.

Applicants should have the ability to read and interpret job tickets, CAD images, blueprints, and production specifications accurately. Strong mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting abilities, and problem-solving skills are essential. Candidates must possess basic math skills for measurements, production counts, and waste tracking, along with strong communication skills and the ability to follow instructions in a production environment.

A willingness and ability to cross-train and operate multiple machines is a fundamental requirement of this position. Successful candidates must be adaptable, capable of moving between equipment as production schedules change, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Availability to work a consistent second-shift schedule is required.

Successful Machine Operators at CTI are dependable, quality-focused, and adaptable. They understand that a successful production run starts with a thorough setup and that attention to detail during make-ready directly impacts efficiency, quality, and waste reduction throughout the shift. They maintain steady machine performance, identify issues before they become larger problems, and consistently balance productivity with quality standards. They work collaboratively with coworkers while remaining flexible enough to move between machines and production areas as business needs dictate.

Most importantly, they demonstrate a commitment to safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional results for customers.

At CTI Cutting Dies, we are committed to helping people be their best…