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Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Donaldson · Dixon, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 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 job means pleating media to the specs on prints and route sheets. Tell me about a time you worked from a print or a written spec.

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable reading and following production documents carefully.

Tell me about a time you found a quality problem. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up about defects instead of passing them down the line.

Tell me about a time you had to keep up a steady pace on repetitive work.

What they are checking: Whether they can stay focused and accurate over a long production shift.

What would you do

You notice the pleater is running faster than potting can keep up. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they monitor line balance and tell the right person instead of letting work pile up.

The wrong media gets delivered to your line. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate quickly with material handlers and stop before running the wrong material.

This is 2nd shift, Monday through Thursday, 2:00 pm to midnight. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: Whether they can reliably work the 10-hour evening schedule, which affects attendance and retention.

A quality test result comes back close to the limit. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know when to flag borderline results to a lead before they become failures.

About the work

How would you check that a first piece is good before running a full batch?

What they are checking: Whether they understand first-piece and setup checks catch problems before scrap piles up.

Why does filling out scrap reports and media usage sheets accurately matter?

What they are checking: Whether they see paperwork as how the plant tracks quality and cost, not busy work.

What do you do to stay safe around moving machinery?

What they are checking: Whether they take machine safety seriously, which matters most on a production floor.

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 Machine Operator position is located in Dixon, IL will be responsible for producing pleated media within specifications and supply that media to assemble into filters. This is a 2nd shift position, hours are Monday thru Thursday 2:00 pm - 12:00 am. Role Responsibilities: • Recognize and understand the operations and machines involved with the media pleating process • Recognize and understand the functions and capabilities of the pleating fixtures • Pleat media within acceptable quality and quantity standards as stated in the prints and/or route sheets • Communicate effectively with material handlers to ensure the correct media is supplied to the line promptly • Perform quality checks and tests as assigned • Follow the first piece and set-up sheets • Complete all applicable paperwork (scrap report, media usage sheet, media testing sheet, oil runs, etc. • Monitor production online by noting variation of production rates between pleater and potting and notifying the Team Leader when variation causes the pleater rate to decrease • Perform preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment • Comply with all DOT, HAZMAT and environmental policies and procedures. Using all designated Personal Protective Equipment as required • While this list is representative of essential job duties, it is not an all-inclusive list of duties required to perform this role. Other duties may be assigned in order to fulfill Donaldson’s mission, vision and strategic plan objectives. Minimum Qualifications: • High School Diploma or GED • Ability to communicate and interact constructively and effectively with all plant employees • Ability to read blueprints • Ability to operate computer systems • Ability to utilize gauges, calipers, indicators, scales, and tape measures. • Exhibit mechanical aptitude • Adhere to safety procedures • Perform a variety of tasks throughout the day in a fast-paced work environment Preferred Qualifications: • Manufacturing experience • Previous pleating machine operating experience • Previous setup experience Hourly Rate: $21.35 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 an 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), tuition reimbursement 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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