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Mat Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

General Production Worker

Phoenix, IL

$17.60 - $19/hr

... with wood mat construction and assembly. * Follow all safety guidelines and procedures while ... Comfort operating and handling power tools safely and efficiently. * Ability to read and follow ...

All JobsMat Machine Operator JobsMat Machine Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Mat Machine Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do mat machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for mat machine operator in Chicago, IL is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mat machine operator?

A Mat Machine Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating machines that manufacture or process floor mats, entrance mats, or similar products. Their tasks include setting up the machine, monitoring production quality, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Mat Machine Operators may also inspect finished mats, adjust machine settings, and troubleshoot minor issues to ensure efficient and consistent production. This role typically requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in a manufacturing environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mat machine operator?

To thrive as a Mat Machine Operator, a solid understanding of machinery operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent are generally required. Familiarity with industrial mat manufacturing machines, safety protocols, and sometimes forklift certification are typically needed. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are key soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient production and help maintain product quality in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by mat machine operators, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge Mat Machine Operators face is ensuring consistent quality while maintaining high production speeds. This requires careful attention to machine calibration and regular inspection of materials to catch defects early. Operators often need to troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and work closely with maintenance teams to minimize downtime. Staying organized and communicating effectively with supervisors and coworkers can help address workflow bottlenecks and ensure safety standards are met throughout shifts.

What is the difference between Mat Machine Operator vs Carpet Installer?

AspectMat Machine OperatorCarpet Installer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in machinery operationHigh school diploma; may require certification in flooring installation
Work EnvironmentFactories or manufacturing plants operating machineryOn-site installation at residential or commercial locations
Industry UsageManufacturing of mats, industrial productsFlooring and interior finishing industry
Job FocusOperating and maintaining mat manufacturing machineryMeasuring, cutting, and installing carpets or flooring

The main difference is that a Mat Machine Operator focuses on operating machinery to produce mats in a manufacturing setting, while a Carpet Installer specializes in installing flooring materials on-site. Both roles require knowledge of tools and safety procedures, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

How much do you get paid as a mat machine operator?

Mat machine operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $14 and $20, depending on experience, location, and the industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages, often working full-time shifts in manufacturing or production environments.

What are popular job titles related to Mat Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Mat Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mat Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mat Machine Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Mat Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mat Machine Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,967 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Product Director - Commercial Vehicle Brakes (Long Grove)

Long Grove, IL • On-site

MAT Holdings, Inc.
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

370th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about MAT Holdings, Inc.external

$239K - $251K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate.

MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence.

We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT.

Join MAT HD, a leader in heavy-duty braking solutions for commercial vehicles. We partner with distributors, fleet operators, and OEMs to deliver reliable, high-quality brake components that keep trucks and buses safely on the road. Our portfolio includes new and remanufactured brake shoes, brake shoe kits, air disc pads, calipers, rotors and hubs engineered for durability and performance. If you’re seeking a challenging leadership role in a company that values innovation, operational excellence, and customer success, MAT HD is the place for you.

  • MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
  • 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
  • Career Advancement Program, training and development
  • Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Voluntary Life / AD&D , Employer Provided Life/AD&D
  • and More

Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space.

You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate.

MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence.

We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT.

Join MAT HD, a leader in heavy-duty braking solutions for commercial vehicles. We partner with distributors, fleet operators, and OEMs to deliver reliable, high-quality brake components that keep trucks and buses safely on the road. Our portfolio includes new and remanufactured brake shoes, brake shoe kits, air disc pads, calipers, rotors and hubs engineered for durability and performance. If you’re seeking a challenging leadership role in a company that values innovation, operational excellence, and customer success, MAT HD is the place for you.

Benefits

  • MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
  • 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
  • Career Advancement Program, training and development
  • Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Voluntary Life / AD&D , Employer Provided Life/AD&D
  • and More

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic and analytically driven Product Director to lead the development, expansion, and commercial performance of our Commercial Vehicle brake portfolio. This role owns the full product lifecycle—from concept and business case creation through PPAP qualification, launch execution, pricing strategy, and ongoing portfolio optimization—while ensuring competitive positioning and strong margin performance across OE, OES, and Aftermarket channels. The ideal candidate brings deep CV brake expertise, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and customer teams to drive successful program execution and deliver sustained business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Product Lifecycle Ownership

  • Lead the full lifecycle of new product introductions (NPI), including concept development, feasibility analysis, business case creation, and cross‑functional alignment.
  • Drive execution through all phases of development: engineering, tooling, validation, PPAP, pilot builds, launch readiness, and post‑launch performance.
  • Ensure all new and existing products meet OE and Aftermarket qualification standards, including full PPAP documentation and compliance.
  • Maintain a multi‑year product roadmap aligned with market trends, customer needs, and strategic growth priorities.

Program Management & Execution

  • Serve as the program owner for major customer initiatives, ensuring on‑time delivery, cross‑functional coordination, and commercial success.
  • Lead program reviews, risk assessments, and mitigation planning with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance.
  • Manage product changes, cost‑downs, VA/VE initiatives, and continuous improvement activities.

Pricing Strategy, Quote & Margin Management

  • Own pricing strategy for the entire CV brake portfolio across all customer segments: OE, OES, WD, Retail, Buying Groups, and Fleets.
  • Develop and maintain a balanced price architecture that aligns competitiveness, channel dynamics, and margin requirements.
  • Conduct margin analysis, cost modeling, and scenario planning to support pricing decisions and customer negotiations.
  • Lead customer quote responses, including cost breakdowns, value propositions, and commercial justification.

Customer Program Leadership

  • Act as the primary commercial interface for product‑related discussions with key customers.
  • Manage customer program launches, product transitions, and ongoing performance reviews.
  • Support sales teams with product expertise, competitive positioning, and strategic account planning.
  • Lead customer‑specific pricing strategies, ensuring alignment with broader portfolio objectives.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

  • Monitor market trends, competitive activity, pricing movements, and technology developments in the CV wheel-end space.
  • Translate market insights into actionable product and pricing strategies.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of OE, OES, and Aftermarket dynamics, including reman vs. new product positioning.

Cross‑Functional Leadership

  • Partner closely with Operations and Engineering to ensure manufacturability, cost competitiveness, and quality performance.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain and global manufacturing partners to align sourcing, capacity, and cost structures with product strategy.
  • Work with Finance to validate business cases, margin targets, and profitability performance.
  • Support Marketing with product messaging, launch materials, and competitive positioning.

Qualifications

  • 7–10+ years of experience in Commercial Vehicle braking, heavy‑duty components, or closely related OE/Aftermarket product categories.
  • Proven track record managing full product lifecycle, including PPAP, validation, and launch execution.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing strategy, margin analysis, and customer negotiations.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex customer programs and cross‑functional initiatives.
  • Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in cost modeling, financial analysis, and competitive benchmarking.
  • Deep understanding of channel dynamics across OE, OES, WD, Retail, and Fleet segments.
  • Experience with both new and remanufactured product lines is highly preferred.

Critical Competencies

  • Strategic Thinker: Able to see the full chessboard—market, customer, cost, and competitive dynamics.
  • Analytical Rigor: Comfortable with data‑driven decision making, financial modeling, and scenario analysis.
  • Commercial Leadership: Skilled at balancing competitiveness with profitability; confident in customer‑facing discussions.
  • Technical Acumen: Understands brake systems, manufacturing processes, validation requirements, and PPAP.
  • Program Discipline: Drives accountability, timelines, and cross‑functional execution.
  • Market Awareness: In tune with industry shifts, pricing pressures, and customer expectations.
  • Influence & Communication: Able to communicate clearly across all levels of the organization and customers as needed.

Additional Value‑Add Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of a multi‑year cost-to-pricing roadmap tied to sourcing,

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