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Trainee Production Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Silgan

Production Management Trainee

Hammond, IN · On-site

Join Silgan's Production Management Development Program and gain the skills and experience you need ... Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred in an engineering or manufacturing field. * At least two ...

NCW

Electrical Trainee

Des Plaines, IL

$54K - $91K/yr

... and productivity. * Follow and promote OSHA regulations, safety procedures, and industry best ... engineering industries. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are ...

New

ACS Management Group LLC

Be Seen First

Form Fabricator / CNC Wire Cutter Trainee

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... Trainee. No experience required - all training is provided on the job! What We're Looking For ... Contribute to the production of high-quality, precision-engineered concrete products. What We Offer:

VAST Data

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Description VAST Data is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to join our growing team! This is a ... technical product and architecture presentations to customers and trainees. * Knowledge of ...

JX Truck Center

Business Development Trainee

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$27/hr

Work with sales, leasing, and rental staff to coordinate product demos, make customer calls, and ... Bachelor or Associate's degree preferred in business, marketing, transportation, engineering, or a ...

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All JobsProduction Engineer JobsTrainee Production Engineer JobsTrainee Production Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Trainee Production Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52K

$135.6K

$148.3K

How much do trainee production engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee production engineer in Chicago, IL is $135,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,300.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee production engineer do?

A Trainee Production Engineer works under the supervision of senior engineers to learn about the processes and equipment used in manufacturing and production environments. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with process optimization, troubleshooting machinery, ensuring quality standards are met, and maintaining safety protocols. They also participate in training sessions, document production reports, and collaborate with different departments to support efficient production flow. This entry-level role is designed to provide practical experience and technical skills necessary for a career in production engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee production engineer?

To thrive as a Trainee Production Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or industrial engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like Six Sigma can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you adapt to fast-paced production environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes, minimizing errors, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

What are the most common challenges faced by a trainee production engineer during the first year, and how can they be overcome?

As a Trainee Production Engineer, one of the most common challenges is adapting to fast-paced manufacturing environments while learning complex processes and machinery. New trainees often need to quickly understand safety protocols, production workflows, and troubleshooting techniques. Building strong relationships with experienced engineers and production staff is key—don't hesitate to ask questions or seek feedback. Staying organized and proactive in tracking your tasks and progress will also help you adjust smoothly and demonstrate your eagerness to learn.

What is the difference between Trainee Production Engineer vs Production Engineer?

AspectTrainee Production EngineerProduction Engineer
QualificationsTypically a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some internships or training programsBachelor's degree in engineering; often requires some experience or professional certification
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training in manufacturing or production facilitiesResponsible for overseeing production processes, troubleshooting, and optimizing operations
ResponsibilitiesLearning production processes, assisting senior engineers, gaining practical skillsManaging production lines, improving efficiency, ensuring quality standards

The main difference is that a Trainee Production Engineer is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and experience under supervision, while a Production Engineer is a fully responsible professional managing production operations independently.

What training is required for a Trainee Production Engineer?

A Trainee Production Engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in engineering, such as mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. On-the-job training, technical skills development, and familiarity with production tools and safety protocols are also essential components of their training process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Production Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trainee Production Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trainee Production Engineer job openings:

Trainee Production Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Production Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,636 per year, or $65.2 per hour.

Trainee Continuous Improvement/Quality Engineer

Aspen Guard LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

Temporary

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:

Folding Guard is a reputable leader in manufacturing security and safety products. With a strong commitment to innovation and excellence, we serve industries ranging from automotive and logistics to retail and aerospace. We are seeking a dynamic Trainee with an engineering background and a focus on Continuous Improvement or Quality Engineering with expertise in Lean Manufacturing Concepts to join our team.

Position Overview:

As a Trainee in Continuous Improvement/Quality Engineer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction. This role is designed for a recent engineering graduate who possesses a keen interest in implementing lean methodologies and continuous improvement principles to drive tangible results.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify process improvement opportunities across various departments.
  • Participate in projects aimed at reducing waste, increasing productivity, and optimizing processes using lean manufacturing techniques.
  • Assist in analyzing existing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing actionable solutions.
  • Support the implementation and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Engage in root cause analysis to address quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of training programs to promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
  • Actively participate in workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to develop expertise in lean manufacturing concepts.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, with a focus on Continuous Improvement, Quality Engineering, or related field.
  • Strong theoretical understanding of lean manufacturing principles and concepts.
  • Familiarity with tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, etc.
  • Excellent analytical skills and the ability to identify process inefficiencies.
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
  • Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis software.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive training and mentorship to develop expertise in continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Exposure to real-world projects that contribute to the organization's growth and success.
  • Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights into the manufacturing industry.
  • Competitive compensation and potential for career advancement within the organization.

Application Process:

If you are a recent engineering graduate with a passion for continuous improvement and lean manufacturing concepts, we encourage you to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

At Folding Guard, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Join us in our mission to enhance manufacturing processes and create innovative solutions. Apply today!