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Lead Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lead Machine Press Operator

Godfrey, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Company Description If you consider yourself a machine whisperer and enjoy a well-organized yet noisy or dirty work environment, we'd love to have you join our team as a lead machine press operator.

Lead Machine Press Operator

Godfrey, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Company Description If you consider yourself a machine whisperer and enjoy a well-organized yet noisy or dirty work environment, we'd love to have you join our team as a lead machine press operator.

Machine Operator

Wheeling, IL

$17.50 - $21/hr

The Machine Operator works closely with the team lead for work assignments, reports to a shift supervisor, and consistently follows all safety and environmental guidelines while maintaining a clean ...

Machine Operator

West Chicago, IL

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

The Machine Operator is also responsible for following our company's Good Manufacturing Practices ... Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished ...

Machine Operator

Harvard, IL

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

The Machine Operator is also responsible for following our company's Good Manufacturing Practices ... Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished ...

Machine Operator

West Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

The Machine Operator is also responsible for following our company's Good Manufacturing Practices ... Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished ...

Machine Operator

Harvard, IL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

The Machine Operator is also responsible for following our company's Good Manufacturing Practices ... Receives instructions on specific job task by Lead Operator or Supervisor. Assistance is furnished ...

Machine Operator - All Shifts

Mchenry, IL ยท On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

... Machine Operator at Novation Industries. Ultimately to comply with directives of the reporting ... assigned by the Lead Operator 1.2. All tasks meet the designated quality and throughput ...

Development in this role will lead to ownership of machine operation (Operator II) to further career advancement and productivity. The essential function of the Operator I will be to maintain the bag ...

Machine Operator

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$25.75/hr

Development in this role will lead to ownership of machine operation (Operator II) to further career advancement and productivity. The essential function of the Operator I will be to maintain the bag ...

Machine Operator

Batavia, IL

$17.25 - $20.75/hr

We are seeking Machine Operators for Engine Lathe Operations and at our Batavia location, with ... as directed by the lead or supervisor. Required Skills and Attributes: * Strong mechanical ...

Machine Operator As a Machine Operator, you will be responsible for setting up and operating ... Lead the process for setting up and operating production filling lines. * Facilitate and lead any ...

Machine Operator

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$26.12 - $29.52/hr

We are seeking Machine Operators for Engine Lathe Operations and at our Batavia location, with ... as directed by the lead or supervisor. Required Skills and Attributes: * Strong mechanical ...

We are looking for Machine Operators for our 3rd shift operation (11:00 pm to 7:00 am) The operator ... Reports any out of spec product to the Team Lead or Production Supervisor immediately.

Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL

$105K - $139K/yr

Lead Machine Learning Engineers at Thoughtworks use modern architectures to develop end-to-end ... You have experience with designing and operating the infrastructure required to run different types ...

As Machine Operator, you may operate fabricating machines, such as cutoff saws, shears, rolls ... Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX. What ...

Machine Operator

Dixon, IL ยท On-site

$37K - $61K/yr

As Machine Operator, you may operate fabricating machines, such as cutoff saws, shears, rolls ... Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX. What ...

Machine Operator

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$21.50/hr

We are looking for Machine Operators for our 3rd shift operation (11:00 pm to 7:00 am) The operator ... Reports any out of spec product to the Team Lead or Production Supervisor immediately.

Machine Operator

Dixon, IL ยท On-site

$37K - $61K/yr

As Machine Operator, you may operate fabricating machines, such as cutoff saws, shears, rolls ... Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX. What ...

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Lead Machine Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$23

$34

How much do lead machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead machine operator in Illinois is $23.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Machine Operator, you need strong technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and experience in machine operation, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with computerized control systems, maintenance tools, and quality management software is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient production, equipment reliability, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What is the difference between Lead Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, machinery operation certificationsRequires similar certifications, often OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees machinery, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows standard procedures
ResponsibilitiesLeads operations, trains staff, maintains equipmentOperates and monitors machines, performs routine maintenance

The main difference is that the Lead Machine Operator supervises and coordinates machine operation, while the Machine Operator focuses on operating machinery. The lead role involves additional responsibilities like team oversight and training, but both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable industrial environments.

What does a Lead Machine Operator do?

A Lead Machine Operator oversees the operation of machinery in a manufacturing or production environment. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting machines, as well as ensuring production targets and quality standards are met. In addition, they often supervise and train junior operators, coordinate workflow, and enforce safety protocols. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficient and safe production processes.

What are some common challenges faced by Lead Machine Operators and how can they be addressed?

Lead Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating a team with varying skill levels, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. To address these issues, effective communication and regular training are key, as well as staying up-to-date with machine maintenance schedules. Cultivating strong problem-solving skills and encouraging a collaborative environment can help the team quickly adapt to production changes and minimize downtime.
What job categories do people searching Lead Machine Operator jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Machine Operator jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Lead Machine Operator job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,466 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Lead Machine Press Operator

Lead Machine Press Operator

IMC Outdoor Living

Godfrey, IL โ€ข On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description
If you consider yourself a machine whisperer and enjoy a well-organized yet noisy or dirty work environment, we'd love to have you join our team as a lead machine press operator.
We'll depend on your eagle eyes to visually inspect machines before each shift, make sure machines are well-maintained and operate machines in a safe and efficient manner. Because we know you have much more to bring to the table than just operating and maintaining equipment, you'll maintain a daily production log, inspect the products you help create before they're shipped to our customers and ensure the overall quality of those products.
If you're ready for mentally and physically stimulating work that rewards you with more than just a paycheck, we look forward to welcoming you to our team.
Job Description
  • Onboard/Train new employees
  • Delegate production assignments to appropriate teams and personnel
  • Adjust machine parts as needed to ensure proper speed, pressure, temperature and amount of materials for quality production.
  • Measure, weigh and examine all products before they're packaged to see that they meet company and industry standards.
  • Monitor and control machines on a daily basis to maintain daily and weekly production schedule.
  • Complete quality checks and paperwork every day to maintain production and industry regulations and company standards.
  • Make sure work environment remains safe, uncluttered, clean and well-maintained by performing maintenance and general janitorial duties throughout shift as time allows.
  • Look over all work orders and instructions to see which ingredients, machines, parts and materials are needed to complete orders to full customer satisfaction.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, repair and maintain assigned machines and equipment as needed for maximum product quality and operational efficiency.

Qualifications
  • Previous leadership experience in production, manufacturing, or other related fields
  • Knowledge of production tools and equipment
  • Strong leadership qualities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:
  • Basic knowledge of repairing and maintaining manufacturing machines
  • Good physical condition

Additional Information
โ€ข Competitive PAY and WEEKLY INCENTIVES
โ€ข Comprehensive BENEFITS package
โ€ข Dedicated to your SAFETY
โ€ข A team that CARES about your work/life balance
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