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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer III

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Follow all manufacturing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) as defined by Viant Medical ... With nearly 6,000 associates across 24 locations worldwide, we offer a unique combination of small ...

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... associate manufacturing engineer team members. Motivates and manages the team to achieve annual goals/objectives set at the individual and organizational level. · Improves manufacturing efficiency ...

Technical training or relevant hands-on manufacturing experience preferred. * 5+ years of manufacturing experience strongly preferred or Associate's degree with 0-3 years of experience. * Prior ...

Manufacturing Technician

Elgin, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

As a Manufacturing Technician, you are the frontline defender of production uptime. You will be ... Associates Degree in EET, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields Travel ...

Showing results 41-60

Manufacturing Associate information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Elgin, IL is $20.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Associate, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some roles may prefer certifications like OSHA training. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help individuals excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, uphold safety standards, and contribute to consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Associate vs Production Technician?

AspectManufacturing AssociateProduction Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, manufacturing plantsFactories, production areas, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing companies, assembly plantsManufacturing, industrial facilities, production units
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Manufacturing Associates and Production Technicians both work in manufacturing environments, often performing similar tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and ensuring quality. The main differences lie in certifications and technical skills; Production Technicians typically require more technical training or certifications and may handle more complex equipment. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing industry and often overlap in daily responsibilities.

What is a manufacturing associate?

A manufacturing associate assists in the operations of a manufacturing facility and the products that it produces. As a manufacturing associate, your job duties include organizing supplies and raw materials inventory, preparing equipment, and training staff with preparation and production. You may also investigate the manufacturing process to fix any issues and ensure it meets strict regulations. The qualifications for a career as a manufacturing associate typically include a bachelor’s degree and prior manufacturing experience in a similar industry. You also need computer proficiency, as the job may require daily use of multiple software applications, along with mechanical skills to handle a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment.

What are some common challenges manufacturing associates face, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Associates often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality under tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. Staying organized, following standardized operating procedures, and communicating effectively with team members can help address these issues. It's also beneficial to actively participate in training programs to stay updated on best practices and safety guidelines, which not only improves performance but can open doors to advancement opportunities within the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,843 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

1st Shift - Quality Technician

HELIOS TECHNOLOGIES INC

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

This role requires access to export-controlled technology and therefore requires U.S. person status.

Incentives:

401K: 100% Matching 6%

Tuition Reimbursement: 100% of In-State Accredited Approved Program

Health, Dental, and Vision: Extremely affordable and market leading health benefits.

ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan): 15% discount on purchased stock at the lowest price of the quarter.

Job Summary: 

The Quality Technician plays a critical role in ensuring products meet customer requirements, internal quality standards, and regulatory expectations in a contract manufacturing environment. This position performs inspections, testing, and documentation to validate materials, components, and finished products while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and corrective action processes. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Inspection & Testing 

  • Inspect parts using a variety of measurement tools including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and CMM (if applicable). 

  • Identify nonconforming material and initiate containment activities as necessary. 

Continuous improvement 

  • Support and implement lean manufacturing principles 

  • Conduct 5S improvements 

Documentation & Records 

  • Accurately complete inspection records, control charts, and quality documentation. 

  • Maintain traceability and documentation in accordance with customer, internal, and regulatory requirements. 

  • Support document control efforts for work instructions, procedures, and inspection criteria. 

Problem Solving & Corrective Actions 

  • Assist in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities. 

  • Participate in investigations related to internal and customer quality issues. 

  • Support continuous improvement projects focused on defect reduction and process improvement. 

Supplier & Customer Support 

  • Assist with supplier quality issues including incoming inspection and communication. 

  • Support customer returns (RMA) and complaint investigations. 

  • Prepare quality reports as needed to communicate inspection results and trends. 

Compliance & Quality Systems 

  • Support adherence to ISO, AS, or customer-specific quality system requirements. 

  • Participate in internal audits and audit preparation efforts when required. 

  • Follow all safety and quality policies and procedures. 

Required Skills/Abilities:  

  • Proficient in blueprint reading and understanding of tolerances.

  • Proficiency with hand inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, indicators, drop gages, pin gages, bore gages) and when to use for specific measurements. 

  • Understanding of GD&T.

  • Basic computer skills (Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, quality software). 

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 

  • Experience with CMM or advanced metrology equipment preferred. 

  • Knowledge of ISO 9001 / AS9100 standards. 

Education and Experience: 

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

  • Experience reading blueprints and choosing correct inspection methods for control plan creation required.

  • 2 – 4 years of experience in quality inspection within a manufacturing environment specific to metal manufacturing.

  • Associate degree or technical certification in Quality, Engineering, or Manufacturing preferred. 

  • Experience with CMM or advanced metrology like profilometers equipment preferred. 

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, feel/reach with hands/arms, talk and hear. 

The employee frequently is required to sit and walk. The employee is occasionally required to bend and stop, push and pull, reach above shoulder level, kneel, squat, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.