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Assembly Operator - 2nd Shift

Donaldson · Dixon, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This is a second shift job, Monday through Thursday from 2 in the afternoon to midnight. What does your life look like on that schedule, and how will you make it work week after week?

What they are checking: Whether they have honestly thought through ten-hour late shifts, since attendance is the first thing that sinks new operators.

Tell me about the assembly work you have done before. What were you building, and how did you know a finished piece was right?

What they are checking: Whether their past assembly experience is real and whether they checked their own work instead of waiting for someone else to catch it.

Tell me about a time you had to do the same task over and over for hours. How did you keep your quality up near the end of the shift?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay focused and careful through repetitive work, when most mistakes happen late in a long shift.

How do you keep your work area clean and organized while still keeping up with the pace?

What they are checking: Whether they see housekeeping as part of the job that prevents injuries and lost parts, not an afterthought.

Tell me about a time a supervisor corrected how you were doing a task. How did you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they take feedback without getting defensive, which matters when standard work changes often on a production floor.

What would you do

You are handed a work instruction with drawings and steps for a filter assembly you have never built. Walk me through how you would get started.

What they are checking: Whether they read and follow written instructions step by step rather than guessing or copying the person next to them.

Halfway through a run you notice some finished parts have a defect you did not catch earlier. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will stop and flag a quality problem honestly, even when it means admitting they missed something.

A machine you are running starts making a strange noise, but your lead is busy and the line needs parts. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they put safety ahead of output and know to stop equipment rather than push through a warning sign.

About the work

If a part spec says 12.5 inches plus or minus an eighth, what is the smallest and largest measurement that would pass?

What they are checking: Basic math and measurement with fractions, which the posting lists as a minimum skill for the job.

Which hand tools are you comfortable with, and how do you read a tape measure down to the sixteenth of an inch?

What they are checking: Whether they can actually use the basic tools and measurements the job relies on every shift.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Donaldson from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Donaldson.

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​ The Assembly Operator position is located in Dixon, IL and will be responsible for assembling components or products according to specifications. This is a 2nd shift position, Monday through Thursday, 2:00pm to 12:00am. Role Responsibilities: · Assemble parts and components according to specifications and work instructions · Inspect finished products for defects and ensure quality standards are met · Operate hand tools, small machinery, and other equipment safely · Maintain a clean and organized work area Minimum Qualifications: · High school diploma or equivalent (GED) · Previous experience in assembly · Ability to read and understand work instructions · Good hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity · Basic math and measurement skills Preferred Qualifications: · Manufacturing Experience · Familiar with basic hand tools Hourly Rate : $19.67 Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, and performance. This position is eligible for a shift premium and annual incentive plan based on performance and company growth. Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid paternal leave) and more. Immigration Sponsorship Not Available: · Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.) · Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. · International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the United States will not be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States. Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.

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