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Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gotion, Inc.

KCC Career Fair

Manteno, IL · On-site

Join Gotion's Talent Community - KCC Career Fair Thank you for stopping by Gotion's booth at the KCC Career Fair We're excited to connect students like you who are passionate about powering a ...

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TEMP_NEO_Warehouse Associate

Kankakee, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Warehouse Associate Safety-oriented manufacturing professional with extensive experience in chemical packaging, material handling, forklift operation, and SAP documentation. Skilled in safely ...

Kelly Services

Packaging Associate

Frankfort, IL

$19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Kelly Services is now hiring Packaging Associates for a leading manufacturing company in Frankfort, IL . In this role, you'll help package high-quality finished products, perform quality inspections ...

Novolex

Maintenance Associate

Grant Park, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin ... Maintenance Associate|Grant Park, IL|Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting Pay Range: $31.62 to $39 ...

Novolex

Maintenance Associate

Grant Park, IL

$16 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin ... Maintenance Associate|Grant Park, IL|Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting Pay Range: $31.62 to $39 ...

Novolex

Maintenance Associate

Grant Park, IL · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin ... Maintenance Associate|Grant Park, IL|Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting Pay Range: $31.62 to $39 ...

Novolex

Maintenance Associate

Grant Park, IL

$16 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin ... Maintenance Associate|Grant Park, IL|Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting Pay Range: $31.62 to $39 ...

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All JobsManufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Manufacturing Associate information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

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How much do manufacturing associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing associate in Kankakee, IL is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Manufacturing Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Kankakee, IL?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Kankakee, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Associate jobs in Kankakee, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Associate jobs in Kankakee, IL are:

What cities near Kankakee, IL are hiring for Manufacturing Associate jobs?

Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Manufacturing Associate job openings:

Manufacturing Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Associate job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,666 per year, or $20 per hour.

Associate Director, Manufacturing

Gotion, Inc.

Manteno, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route.
Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operational Leadership: Oversee the ramp-up and ongoing operations of battery cell manufacturing, transitioning from prototype to high-volume serial production while maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
  • Team Development: Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team, including managers, supervisors, technicians, and operators, fostering a culture of operational excellence and accountability.
  • Performance Metrics: Develop and implement manufacturing KPIs to track safety, people, costs, performance, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring alignment with plant-wide strategic objectives.
  • Technology Integration: Support the deployment of active management tools (e.g., SCADA) to enhance operational control, real-time decision-making, and quality assurance.
  • Operational Excellence: Establish a cadence for weekly, monthly, and quarterly reviews, driving continuous improvement through operational excellence initiatives and achieving Annual Operating Plan (AOP) milestones.
  • Budget Management: Develop and maintain the operational budget, achieving conversation cost targets through cost-saving measures, kaizen events, and lean manufacturing principles.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with departments such as product development, planning, finance, manufacturing engineering, safety (EHS), and operations engineering to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing processes.
  • Process Optimization: Utilize technical expertise to drive process and product improvements, addressing quality concerns, enhancing manufacturability, and improving customer satisfaction.
  • Cost Reduction: Apply lean manufacturing principles to reduce scrap, optimize resource utilization, and achieve significant year-over-year cost reductions (e.g., 20% operational expense reduction, 80% reduction in scrap per vehicle).
  • Strategic Planning: Collaborate with executive leadership to develop the plant/department AOP, aligning with strategic plans and cascading continuous improvement projects throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications:
  • MBA Preferred, Bachelor's degree Engineering is acceptable
  • 10+ years of experience in construction management, with at least 5 years of experience on large, complex projects.
  • Experience working with brownfield or greenfield sites is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Automotive Regulations, EV Batteries or Energy or Complex Site Construction is a plus.
  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop and implement project plans, track progress, and manage budgets.
  • Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $165,000.00 - $200,000.00, plus eligibility for 20% bonus and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will provide more details about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the listed compensation reflects the base salary only and does not include bonus or benefits.
Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.
We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.
At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

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