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Entry Level Lean Manufacturing Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Position: Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer Job Type : Direct Hire Pay: $65,000 - $82,000 ... Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or CMMS systems. Company Description ...

Entry-Level Machinist

Cary, IL

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Lean Manufacturing knowledge Why You'll Love Working at Coilcraft * Stable company with a 75+ year history * Learn from experienced machinists * Modern CNC equipment * Career growth opportunities ...

Entry-Level Machinist

Cary, IL

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Lean Manufacturing knowledge Why You'll Love Working at Coilcraft * Stable company with a 75+ year history * Learn from experienced machinists * Modern CNC equipment * Career growth opportunities ...

Entry-Level Machinist

Cary, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Lean Manufacturing knowledge Why You'll Love Working at Coilcraft * Stable company with a 75+ year history * Learn from experienced machinists * Modern CNC equipment * Career growth opportunities ...

Electrician I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

The Electrician I is an entry-level skilled trades position responsible for installing, assembling ... Maintain clean, organized workstations using 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles. * Work ...

New

Electrician I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

The Electrician I is an entry-level skilled trades position responsible for installing, assembling ... Maintain clean, organized workstations using 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles. * Work ...

New

Electrician I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.75 - $35.25/hr

The Electrician I is an entry-level skilled trades position responsible for installing, assembling ... Maintain clean, organized workstations using 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles. * Work ...

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build ... Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles * Mandarin language ...

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build ... Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles * Mandarin language ...

Entry Level Lean Manufacturing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$32

$52

How much do entry level lean manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lean manufacturing in Chicago, IL is $32.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are there entry-level lean manufacturing jobs?

Yes, entry-level lean manufacturing jobs are available and often require basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with tools like 5S or Kaizen. These positions typically offer on-the-job training and can serve as a starting point for careers in manufacturing and process improvement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lean Manufacturing vs Entry Level Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level Lean ManufacturingEntry Level Manufacturing Technician
CertificationsLean Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)None required, but technical certifications helpful
Work EnvironmentProduction floors focused on process improvementManufacturing plants performing assembly or fabrication
Industry UsageCommon in industries emphasizing efficiency and waste reductionWidespread across various manufacturing sectors
Job FocusProcess optimization, waste reduction, continuous improvementOperating machinery, quality checks, basic maintenance

Entry Level Lean Manufacturing roles focus on improving production processes through waste reduction and efficiency strategies, often requiring knowledge of lean principles. Entry Level Manufacturing Technicians perform hands-on tasks like operating equipment and quality inspections. While both roles are entry-level and found in manufacturing environments, Lean Manufacturing positions emphasize process improvement, whereas Manufacturing Technicians focus on direct production tasks.

How to start entry level lean manufacturing?

To start an entry-level lean manufacturing role, gain basic knowledge of lean principles and tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping. Obtain relevant skills through on-the-job training or certifications like Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and be prepared to work in a manufacturing environment that emphasizes efficiency and continuous improvement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lean Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Lean Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lean Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lean Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lean Manufacturing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,093 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Just In Time Staffing LLC

Elgin, IL • On-site

$65K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

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Job description

Position: Entry- Level Manufacturing Engineer

Job Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $65,000 - $82,000 depending on experience

Hours: Day Shift (Occasional Off-Shift or On-Call Support Required) 

Location: Elgin, IL 

Requirements: Resume, Interview, E-verify

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Supplemental life, and short-term disability insurance, basic life insurance and AD&D coverage, PTO. 

We are seeking an Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and play a key role in supporting production operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is not a desk job. You'll spend the majority of your time on the production floor working directly with operators, maintenance technicians, and production equipment to troubleshoot issues, improve reliability, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Equipment Troubleshooting & Production Support

  • Respond to equipment breakdowns and production line stoppages.
  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and process-related issues.
  • Work closely with maintenance technicians and production operators to restore equipment and minimize downtime.
  • Identify recurring equipment failures and help implement long-term corrective actions.
  • Support preventive maintenance programs and spare parts management.

Automation & Controls

  • Assist with troubleshooting and maintaining automated production equipment.
  • Support conveyors, fillers, packaging systems, sensors, motors, and PLC-controlled equipment.
  • Participate in equipment upgrades, installations, and sensor calibrations.
  • Develop troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and controls-related issues.

Continuous Improvement

  • Observe manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and waste reduction.
  • Assist with process improvement projects and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
  • Document procedures, equipment modifications, and process changes.
  • Support safety, quality, and food-safety compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Civil Engineering.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including standing, walking, lifting, exposure to noise, and varying temperatures.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred

  • Internship, co-op, lab, shop, automotive, robotics, or other hands-on technical experience.
  • Exposure to PLCs, sensors, motors, pneumatics, HMIs, or basic ladder logic through coursework or projects.
  • Experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Familiarity with CAD software.
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or CMMS systems.


Company Description

Just In Time Staffing seeks to pair top candidates with opportunities that will be mutually beneficial for both them and the employers.