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Manufacturing Production Operative Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kelly

Be Seen First

Production Operators

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Kelly is hiring Production Operators for a premier manufacturing facility in Elk Grove Village, IL ... If you have manufacturing, production, or general labor experience and are looking for steady work ...

Kelly Services

Production Operator

Elk Grove Village, IL

$16.50 - $20/hr

Kelly ® is looking for a Production Operator to work at a premier manufacturing client in Elk Grove Village, IL. Let us help you grow at work and discover the next step in your career, all while ...

Panduit

Production Operator Sr

Lockport, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology manufacturing? Panduit is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as Production Operators. If you're passionate about working with ...

Panduit

Production Operator Sr

Lockport, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology manufacturing? Panduit is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as Production Operators. If you're passionate about working with ...

Panduit

Production Operator Sr (Extrusion)

Lockport, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Are you ready to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology manufacturing? Panduit is seeking dynamic individuals to join our team as Production Operators. If you're passionate about working with ...

Specialty Powders LLC

Production Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

The Production Operator plays a critical role in daily manufacturing operations, supporting ambient milling, extrusion, blending, and shipping processes. This position is responsible for operating ...

Managed Staffing

Production Operator

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Contract (3 months) → Contract-to-Perm Job Overview We are hiring Production Operators for a 3rd shift role in a manufacturing environment. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity , with potential ...

Aerotek

Production Operator

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Background in manufacturing, assembly, or general labor in an industrial setting. * Familiarity with rotational molding or plastics production environments. * Ability to organize, label, and stage ...

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All JobsManufacturing Production Operative JobsManufacturing Production Operative Jobs in Chicago, IL

Manufacturing Production Operative information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

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How much do manufacturing production operative jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for manufacturing production operative in Chicago, IL is $17.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manufacturing production operative?

A Manufacturing Production Operative is a worker responsible for operating machinery, assembling products, and ensuring production processes run smoothly in a factory or manufacturing environment. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, following safety procedures, and maintaining quality standards. These operatives play a crucial role in keeping production lines efficient and meeting output targets. No formal qualifications are usually required, but attention to detail and the ability to work well in a team are important. Training is often provided on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing production operative?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Production Operative, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and quality control systems is typically required, and some positions may prefer candidates with forklift or OSHA certifications. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production processes, ensuring workplace safety, and delivering consistent product quality.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing production operatives, and how can they be addressed?

Manufacturing Production Operatives often face challenges such as maintaining consistent quality during fast-paced production runs and adapting to new machinery or processes. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and communicating effectively with team members can help manage these challenges. Regular training sessions and a supportive team environment also play a key role in ensuring operatives can quickly adapt to changes and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Production Operative vs Manufacturing Assembly Worker?

AspectManufacturing Production OperativeManufacturing Assembly Worker
CredentialsBasic training, health & safety certificationsBasic training, health & safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFactory floor, production linesFactory floor, assembly lines
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing plantsCommonly used in manufacturing plants
Job FocusOperating machinery, quality checksAssembling components, following instructions

Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often overlapping in work environment and required skills. The Manufacturing Production Operative typically involves operating machinery and quality control, while the Manufacturing Assembly Worker focuses on assembling parts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role suited to their skills and career goals.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Manufacturing Production Operative jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Manufacturing Production Operative job openings:

Manufacturing Production Operative jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Production Operative job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,051 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Operator (Manufacturing/Production)

Anonymous Employer

Chicago, IL

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking Machine Operators to support high-speed production equipment used to manufacture custom perforated metal components for a variety of industrial and OEM applications.

This position is responsible for machine setup and operation, tooling and die changes, material handling, in-process quality checks, and precision measurement to ensure finished products meet production specifications.

Candidates with experience in metal manufacturing, punch press, stamping, roll forming, perforating, or similar production environments are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities
  • Set up and operate high-speed production equipment used to process sheet and coil metal.
  • Perform tooling adjustments and die changes based on production requirements.
  • Monitor finished product dimensions and quality throughout the production process.
  • Use calipers, micrometers, tape measures, and other measuring instruments to verify specifications.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and production specifications.
  • Load, unload, and safely handle sheet and coil metal materials.
  • Perform routine equipment inspections and identify operating issues.
  • Complete required production and quality documentation.
  • Operate forklifts and other material-handling equipment as required.
  • Follow established safety, quality, and housekeeping procedures.
  • Maintain production requirements while meeting established quality standards.
Key Skills
  • Industrial machine operation,setup, and changeovers
  • Tooling and die changes
  • Precision measurement (Calipers and micrometers)
  • Blueprint reading
  • Sheet and coil metal handling
  • Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting
  • Quality inspection
  • Production documentation
  • Forklift operation orOverhead crane experience is an asset
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous manufacturing experience operating industrial machinery.
  • Experience with perforating, punch press, stamping, roll forming, or similar metalworking equipment preferred.
  • Experience completing machine setups, tooling adjustments, or die changes.
  • Ability to read manufacturing blueprints and production specifications.
  • GD&T knowledge is preferred but not required.
  • Experience using calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring instruments.
  • Experience working with sheet or coil metal.
  • Forklift experience preferred; overhead crane experience is an asset but not required.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and safely lift and move materials as required.

Note: This is a machine operator position and does not require maintenance experience.

Seeking Experience in these process/Operations: Press Operator, Punch Press Operator, Stamping Press Operator, Machine Operator, Coil-Fed Press Operator, Turret Punch Operator, Setup Operator, Metal Stamping Operator, Press Setup Technician, Roll Form Operator

You should be proficient in:

  • Equipment Troubleshooting
  • Precision Measurement & Inspection
  • Blueprint Reading
  • basic math
  • CNC Punching Machines
  • coil feed press
  • expanded metal machines
  • manufacturing
  • perforating equipment
  • punch press
  • roll perforating machines
  • stamping press
  • turret press
  • measurement

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Punch Press
  • Stamping Press
  • Roll Forming Machine
  • Laser Punch Press
  • Turret Press
  • coil press
  • feed press
  • metal stamping
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