Assembly Operator
Date: Oct 20, 2025
Location: South Bend, IN, US
Company: Tenneco
At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.
With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.
How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.
Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.
Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way
Tenneco has Excellent benefit options that starts upon date of hire, including a medical PPO and high deductible option, dental, vision (basic and enhanced option), life insurances, critical illness, pet insurance, life lock, and other benefit options. Also, there is a 401(k) with an enhanced contribution and matching program. Rate of pay for a Shipping and Receiving Specialist starts at $23.42 per hour and progresses to $24.42 an hour. Plus night premium is another $.50 for second and third shifts. Most positions will start either on 2nd or 3rd (Monday through Friday) and the hours are 2:45 pm. to 11:15 p.m. or 10:45 p.m. to 7:15 a.m.
The Assembly Operator will be required to master all skills required to run, troubleshoot and changeover all automated and semi- or hand-automated assembly machines. This position will be counted upon to support, maintain and enhance all assembly operations and systems with regard to uptime, quality, efficiency and TPM performance. This position is responsible for contributing to a safe work place and minimizing negative environmental impacts by complying with the EHS policies, procedures, work instructions outlined in the EHSMS Training Assessment for this position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Run, troubleshoot, inspect, and changeover assembly machines in Assembly.
- Involvement in day-to-day problem solving to ensure that all assembly processes meet customer and plant requirements for quality and delivery.
- Perform general assembly functions including labeling, dunnage management at the machine, part loading, part packout, part inspection, and the processing of all necessary documentation associated with traceability, product flow, and verifications.
- Provide training to others on new processes or where applicable (may be assigned to train and support new operators).
- Ensure smooth process flow by moving material at various stages through the assembly process with the use of a pallet truck or by hand.
- Responsible for any 5S housekeeping duties as assigned by production managers, manufacturing manager or approved engineering staff members.
GENERAL DUTIES:
- Work safe, smart, and effectively.
- Do your best.
- Support teamwork.
- Respect fellow Team Members.
- Continue learning.
- Be on time.
- Abide by our values.
- Demonstrate high standards of performance, integrity, and ethics.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Focus on quality.
- Keep your work area clean and organized.
- Take ownership, responsibility, and accountability for your actions.
- Initiate continuous improvement.
- Treat the business as if you own it.
- Ensures compliance with all EHSMS policies and procedures.
- Instructs on safe work practices and promotes safety consciousness while practicing safety procedures, enforcing policy regarding safety and making recommendations when needed.
- Sees that company policies and programs are effectively made known; cooperates and assists in the development of effective communications.
- Promotes a positive employer-employee relation.
- Maintains inter-departmental relationships of such a caliber as to promote confidence, integrity and cooperation.
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee must have the ability to maneuver around plant machinery, work near moving mechanical parts and work in an environment with varying temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
- Each employee has the authority to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of non-conformities relating to the product, process and quality system and has the authority to stop further work on non-conforming suspect product until the deficiency or conditions have been corrected. In this case, a member of Quality and the Assembly Supervisor must be.
- All employees will abide by their location’s EH&S policy endorsed by the local management, comply with the legal and other requirements and operational controls established under its EHSMS, work toward achieving established objectives and targets, and conform to procedures consistent with the ISO 14001 standard. All employees will also understand all of the environmental aspects of his/her job. An employee should report, and if necessary stop, any activity that does not conform to the policy or may injure himself/herself.
- Capable of providing support as requested by supervisor.
- Strives for maintaining LEAN principles and Continuous Improvement.
- Other duties as assigned
We are looking for someone with ability to obtain and maintain a fork lift license, has experience in logistics and advanced computer knowledge (SAP knowledge a plus). Highschool diploma or GED is preferred. Tenneco values Integrity and Team participation in Making tomorrow better with a Will to win. It is reflected in everything that we do and we are looking for candidates that value those same things. If this seems like something you would be interested in, please apply today.
All applicants must apply online for this and other positions at www.tenneco.com/careers. Please search for South Bend, IN. Also, an attached resume will better your chances of being contacted.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/etc.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds continuously when loading, unloading, and packing-out the assembly machine as well as moving empty parts baskets. This is approximately waist to chest level.
- On a continuous basis (100% of the time) must be able to stand and/or walk. PPE may be required in the areas assigned.
- On a frequent basis must be able to reach by extending hands and arms as well as handle by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or working with hands.
- On an occasional basis, must be able to stoop, or bend forward at the waist.
- Must have good near visual acuity, as well as depth perception and the ability to differentiate a variety of colors.
- Most aspects are performed inside the plant facility with noise exposure. PPE may be required in the areas assigned.
APTITUDES
The following aptitudes are needed in at least a medium degree, ranging from slightly below to slightly above average as compared to the normal population:
- Intelligence/general learning ability specifically oriented toward problem solving and troubleshooting.
- Form perception/ability to perceive pertinent detail in objects.
- Finger dexterity/ability to move fingers and manipulate small objects rapidly or accurately.
- Manual dexterity/ability to move the hands easily and skillfully in placing and turning motions.
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Nearest Major Market: South Bend