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Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator

Silgan · Kenosha, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 5, 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

What makes you interested in starting as an operator and working toward a mechanic role?

What they are checking: Whether they truly want to grow into maintenance, which is the point of this program.

Tell me about something mechanical you've fixed or built, at work or at home.

What they are checking: Whether they have real mechanical aptitude, since that decides whether they move up in about six months.

How have you handled second shift, third shift or 12-hour shifts before?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep a reliable attendance record on the shift they're hired for.

Tell me about a time you got feedback on your work. What did you do with it?

What they are checking: Whether they take coaching well, which matters a lot in a training program.

What does being reliable mean to you in a manufacturing job?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that showing up on time every shift is what earns advancement.

Tell me about a time you followed a safety rule that slowed you down.

What they are checking: Whether they put safety first, especially around machines and lift trucks.

What would you do

You'll be cross-trained on machine operation, lift trucks and quality inspection. How do you learn a new task quickly?

What they are checking: Whether they ask questions, watch carefully and practice, rather than pretending to know.

While running a machine, you hear a new noise you haven't heard before. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they notice changes and report them, which is how future mechanics start thinking.

A mechanic is fixing your machine. What would you do while you wait?

What they are checking: Whether they show curiosity by watching and asking, and help keep the area clean and safe.

About the work

Why do you think quality inspection is important on a packaging line?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that defects reach food brands and customers if operators miss them.

Practice this interview out loud.

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

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Silgan.

Mechanic Trainee / Operator – Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not just find another job? We’re proud to offer a culture of advancement and growth—we promote from within. Start as an Operator and gain hands-on experience while developing your mechanical skills. If you demonstrate strong performance and mechanical aptitude, you may have the opportunity to advance into a Mechanic role in as little as six months. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to learn, grow, and build a career in a supportive, team-oriented environment. If you’re reliable, motivated, and ready to take the next step, we want to hear from you. Starting pay of $25.70 per hour plus $0.50 shift differential for 2nd shift, $1.00 for 3rd 2nd Shift- 3PM – 11:30PM M- F 3rd Shift- 11PM - 7:30AM, starts Sunday evening at 11:30 PM and last shift ends Friday morning at 7:30 AM Continuous Shift - 6PM to 6AM, 4 days on and 4 days off Grow your skills with cross-training In this role, you'll receive hands-on training across multiple production functions, including machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides valuable experience, increases your versatility, supports the needs of the business , and creates opportunities for career growth within our manufacturing team. What we offer you: • Starting pay of $25.70 per hour • $0.50 shift differential for 2nd shift, $1.00 for 3rd • Overtime available • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical and prescription, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, prorated vacation and 10 paid holidays, 401k with a 3 percent match, HSA available after your first full month • Quarterly bonus potential based on safety, waste, quality, and productivity performance • Add-on benefits include pet insurance, MSK programs (Hinge Health and Regenexx) telemedicine, Livongo for diabetes and hypertension, and more • Culture of advancement and growth - 40 percent of plant management were promoted from within • We invest in you with on-the-job training, classes, and tuition reimbursement as needed • An opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with a multi-cultural and diverse team • We care about your safety, which means we do what is needed to protect our employees and that's reflected in our "Drive to Zero Injuries" initiative results. • Kenosha is Silgan's first facility to achieve zero waste to landfill in 2020. What you'll do: • Maintenance of lift truck and yard truck, including daily OSHA inspections and documentation of such. • Understand and follow safe charging and refueling of lift trucks and yard trucks. • Use and follow proper lift truck aisles. • Assist with cycle counts and inventory. • Maintain a clean and neat warehouse. • Run the Palletizer • Perform quality product checks • Other duties as assigned by management. We need you to have: • Ability to earn and maintain Lift Truck Operators license.   Electric lift trucks will be used for moving product in warehouse and to load/unload shipments. • Must operate all equipment making safety and quality a priority. • Ability to follow verbal and written directions.   Must be able to read and understand Shipping Orders, Bills of Lading, Packing Slips, Invoices, etc. Who we are: • America's largest metal food packaging producer. • A company that strives toward sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint, selecting like-minded suppliers, and providing recyclable products. LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan is a drug-free workplace. LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

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