Fabrication/Operator – 1st shift

  • Hourly
  • Freeport, IL
  • $16.00 - $16.00
Machine Operator: Freeport, Illinois
Our customer in Freeport, Illinois, is seeking motivated individuals to join their team. As a Machine Operator, you will be responsible for operating saw and fabrication equipment while supporting daily production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
 
Responsibilities of the Machine Operator:
  • Operate saw machines and fabrication equipment to cut and process steel materials accurately.
  • Set up and operate punch press and brake press machines according to job specifications.
  • Push and pull carts of steel and load materials into machines safely.
  • Assist with robotic machine operation as needed.
  • Measure materials using a tape measure to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.
  • Follow all safety procedures and production guidelines.
 
Machine Operator Requirements and Qualifications:
  • Prior machine operating experience required.
  • Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately.
  • Comfortable with labor-intensive work and heavy lifting.
  • Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
  • Willingness to learn and grow within the fabrication department.
 
Pay for Machine Operator: Starting at $16.00/hour with potential for increases within the first two months based on attendance and performance.
 
Machine Operator Benefits:
  • Health insurance.
  • Paid time off.
  • 401k with company match.
  • Paid weekly.
  • Direct deposit.
  • Paid training.
 
Type: 1st Shift, Full-time.
 
Schedule: Monday – Thursday 6:00am – 4:00pm with overtime Friday 6:00am – 2:00pm and Saturday 6:00am – 11:00am as needed.
 
Apply now!
Are you ready to move from the worries of today to your dreams of tomorrow? If so, give Hughes a call. We are the top-rated staffing, recruiting, and HR experts in the region. We are headquartered in Freeport, IL and have 11 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Where we have offices, we have connections to the best local jobs! Walk in our doors and you’ll find friendly professional staff who dig deep, get results, and most importantly have fun! The reviews speak for themselves, at Hughes we quickly hook you up with companies that offer competitive pay rates, great culture & benefits, and a chance to elevate your life. We offer health insurance and 401(k) too to all our employees. To get the ball rolling, visit us online at www.hughesrecruiting.com and complete our application. We’ll be in touch soon!
 

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As a Machine Operator, you will be responsible for operating saw and fabrication equipment while supporting daily production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.</span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</strong></span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Responsibilities of the Machine Operator:</strong></span></div><ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Operate saw machines and fabrication equipment to cut and process steel materials accurately.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Set up and operate punch press and brake press machines according to job specifications.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Push and pull carts of steel and load materials into machines safely.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Assist with robotic machine operation as needed.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Measure materials using a tape measure to ensure accuracy and quality.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work area.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Follow all safety procedures and production guidelines.</span></li></ul><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</strong></span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Machine Operator Requirements and Qualifications:</strong></span></div><ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Prior machine operating experience required.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Comfortable with labor-intensive work and heavy lifting.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Willingness to learn and grow within the fabrication department.</span></li></ul><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</strong></span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Pay for Machine Operator:</strong></span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;Starting at $16.00/hour with potential for increases within the first two months based on attendance and performance.</span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</strong></span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Machine Operator Benefits:</strong></span></div><ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px;" type="disc"><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Health insurance.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Paid time off.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">401k with company match.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Paid weekly.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Direct deposit.</span></li><li fr-original-style="font-family:serif;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: serif; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">Paid training.</span></li></ul><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</strong></span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Type:</strong></span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;1st Shift, Full-time.</span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</strong></span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Schedule:</strong></span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;Monday &ndash; Thursday 6:00am &ndash; 4:00pm with overtime Friday 6:00am &ndash; 2:00pm and Saturday 6:00am &ndash; 11:00am as needed.</span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:16px;" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;">Apply now!</strong></span><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">Are you ready to move from the worries of today to your dreams of tomorrow? If so, give Hughes a call. We are the top-rated staffing, recruiting, and HR experts in the region. We are&nbsp;</span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">headquartered</span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">&nbsp;in Freeport, IL and have 11 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Where we have offices, we have connections to the best local jobs! Walk&nbsp;</span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">in</span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">&nbsp;our doors and you&rsquo;ll find friendly professional staff who dig deep, get results, and most&nbsp;</span><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">importantly have fun! The reviews speak for themselves, at Hughes we quickly hook you up with companies that offer competitive pay rates, great culture &amp; benefits, and a chance to elevate your life. We offer health insurance and 401(k) too to all our employees. To get the ball rolling, visit us online at&nbsp;</span><a fr-original-style="" href="http://www.hughesrecruiting.com" style="box-sizing: border-box; user-select: auto; background: transparent; color: rgb(0, 112, 192); text-decoration: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; cursor: pointer;" target="_new"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;color:#ef3e2c;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; color: rgb(239, 62, 44); box-sizing: border-box;">www.hughesrecruiting.com</span></a><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;font-size:15px;" style="font-family: Onest; font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box;">&nbsp;and complete our application. We&rsquo;ll be in touch soon!</span></div><div fr-original-style="font-size:15px;" style="font-size: 15px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="font-family:Onest;" style="font-family: Onest; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></div>”,”employmentType”:”CONTRACTOR”,”hiringOrganization”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”Hughes Resources”},”jobLocation”:{“@type”:”Place”,”address”:{“@type”:”PostalAddress”,”streetAddress”:null,”addressLocality”:”Freeport”,”addressRegion”:”IL”,”postalCode”:null,”addressCountry”:null}},”title”:”Fabrication/Operator – 1st shift”,”url”:”https://hughesrecruiting.com/jobs/?cjobid=SJ616563923&rpid=1721719&postid=ZMvXkLg-s6U”,”identifier”:{“@type”:”PropertyValue”,”name”:”Hughes Resources”,”value”:null}}

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Emily Seagren is a Marketing Manager based in our Rockford, Illinois office. Since joining the team in 2023, she has played a key role within the Marketing Division, promoting Hughes and enhancing its presence in local communities. With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Emily brings a strong foundation in marketing strategies and creative thinking to her role.

She thrives in the dynamic work environment at Hughes, where she enjoys collaborating with her colleagues on a variety of projects. Emily is passionate about finding innovative ways to communicate our company’s message and drive engagement digitally and within our local communities.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, and golf.  She is a fan of all things related to beauty and loves going to concerts.  Her travels have taken her to beautiful destinations like Maui, Hawaii, and Barcelona, Spain, enriching her perspective and experiences.

Stepheni Anderson

P: 815.232.2000

Human Resources Specialist

Stepheni Anderson is the Human Resources Specialist at our Dixon, Illinois office, within the Finance & Administration Division. Since joining the company in January 2015, she has become a vital part of the team, starting first as a Branch Manager before transitioning to Operations in 2024. Stepheni takes pride in contributing to both the company’s success and the community through her involvement in various volunteer initiatives.

As an Human Resources Specialist, her role involves supporting key administrative functions using her keen eye for detail. Stepheni’s dedication to organization and her consistent approach to following processes have made her a trusted resource within the division.

Outside of work, Stepheni enjoys spending time with her family and pets, as well as staying active with outdoor activities like camping, kayaking, and hiking. She is a fan of Nicholas Sparks’ books and loves a good comedic movie. Understanding the importance of community involvement, Stepheni serves as the Dixon Rotary Board Secretary on the Dixon Chamber Board of Directors. Her well-rounded approach to work and life makes her a valued member of the team.

Stephanie Richardson

P: 815.835.3000

Regional Director

Stephanie Richardson is the Regional Director overseeing the Dixon, Illinois, and Aurora, Illinois divisions of Hughes. She joined the company in November 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience from her career in the Postal Service.

Stephanie began her journey at Hughes as a Staffing Coordinator for the Dixon office, where she quickly demonstrated her exceptional organizational skills and logistical expertise. Her outstanding contributions led to her promotion to Staffing Specialist in 2021 and subsequently to Regional Manager in 2022.

As Regional Director, Stephanie oversees staffing operations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, ensuring clients receive top-tier candidates and that the staffing process is efficient and effective. Her extensive background in the Postal Service has equipped her with exceptional organizational, communication, and management skills, which she leverages to lead her team and foster strong client relationships.

Stephanie is deeply committed to delivering exceptional service to both clients and candidates, striving to make every placement a positive and meaningful experience. Her dedication to excellence and her ability to foster a family-like atmosphere within the company make her a trusted leader and a valuable asset to Hughes.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time at the pool with friends, cherishing moments with her kids and grandchildren, and participating in activities that bring laughter and joy to her life.

Mariah Leiser, CSP

P: 815.232.2000

VP, Finance & Administration

Mariah Leiser serves as the Vice President of Finance & Administration at Hughes, where she oversees the financial and administrative functions critical to the company’s operations. Her responsibilities include managing payroll, invoicing, workers’ compensation, unemployment, and healthcare processes, ensuring that these functions run smoothly and efficiently to support the company’s financial health and operational effectiveness.

Mariah joined Hughes in 2014 as a Staffing Specialist and quickly demonstrated her ability to fill key roles quickly. Her exceptional performance led to a transition into the accounting department in 2016, where she excelled in handling financial operations. In 2024, Mariah earned her promotion to Vice President Finance & Administration, a role in which she continues to drive financial strategies and administrative excellence.

Mariah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia College of Missouri. Her diverse educational background and advanced business training provide her with a unique perspective and a well-rounded skill set, enhancing her effectiveness in her current role.

Outside of her professional life, Mariah enjoys time with her family, cooking, gardening, and traveling. She and her husband juggle a busy life with a toddler, two older children, and two goldendoodles.  She is also actively involved in various volunteer organizations, contributing her skills and expertise to support community initiatives like Freeport Art Museum’s Paint the Port event.

Sally Noble, CSP

P: 815.232.2000

VP, Recruiting

Sally Noble joined Hughes in 2012, bringing experience from her a role in the technology industry with Electronic Data Systems (EDS). At EDS, Sally developed her expertise in technical writing and project management skills that have been invaluable to Hughes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her transition to the role of Vice President of Recruiting has been marked by significant contributions to the growth and efficiency of the staffing operations of the company. 

In her current role, Sally oversees the operations of the professional recruiting division as well as the operations of the Hughes Staffing branch locations, ensuring that the services delivered meet the highest standards of quality and excellence. Sally’s software expertise, significant training knowledge, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a key asset to the entire Hughes team.

Sally is also actively involved in several volunteer organizations, including the Freeport Noon Rotary Club, the Lincoln-Douglas Society, and the One Book One Freeport Committee. Her dedication and diligence foster a collaborative and productive work environment. In addition to time with her husband and children, Sally enjoys reading and gardening in her free time.  She is known to continually seeking opportunities to contribute and grow both personally and professionally.

Vanessa Hughes

P: 815.232.2000

CEO

Vanessa Hughes is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Hughes. A native of Freeport, Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Elmhurst University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Finance through an extension program of Harvard University. Her career began at a technology company in the Chicago area before returning to Freeport in 2001 to manage a branch of Workplace Staffing. In 2003, Vanessa purchased the business and has been busy for 21+ years transforming it into what is now Hughes Recruiting & Consulting.

Under Vanessa’s leadership, one local staffing branch office has grown into a regional staffing and recruiting firm recognized for its commitment to excellence and community involvement. She oversees business development, strategic planning, and operational management, ensuring the company’s growth and sustainability.

Vanessa has always been one to give back and currently serves as Chair of Finance on the Executive Committee of Temporary Services Insurance Ltd., President of the Board of Directors for Freeport Art Museum, as well as serving on the advisory board for State Bank Freeport. 

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Vanessa enjoys time with family and friends, reading, and travel. Her business savvy along with her dedication to her team and clients throughout the region has been instrumental in Hughes’ success and positive impact on the community.