Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Illinois
Manufacturing Associate jobs in Illinois are consistently active, concentrated in food and beverage processing, automotive components, industrial equipment, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with openings available from entry-level production floor roles through senior process and quality positions. The heaviest hiring is in the Chicago metro, Rockford, and Joliet, where established employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Kraft Heinz maintain large Illinois manufacturing footprints. Demand is especially strong in areas like quality control, lean manufacturing, and production operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Manufacturing Associate I
In this job you will perform a variety of repetitive sub-assembly and/or assembly operations of basic complexity
As a Manufacturing Associate I you will:
- Prepare work to be accomplished by studying assembly instructions, blueprint specifications, and parts lists, gathering parts, subassemblies, tools, and materials
- Position parts and subassemblies by using templates or reading measurements
- Assemble components by examining connections for correct fit, fastening parts, and subassemblies
- Assist in the building of prototypes and/or other basic assembly projects outside of normal production as needed
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
- Conserve resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results
- Contribute to team effort by training others in the performance of basic assembly tasks as needed
- Inspect all work and ensure it meets requirements before passing it on to the next operation
- Document actions by completing production and quality forms
- Assist in training new hires or current internal employees who have been newly assigned to this role.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a High School diploma, GED or combination of work experience and skill development
- Ideally has 0-1 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment
- Must be able to safely use small hand and power tools
- Must be able to read and interpret Drawings and Bills of Material
- Must have basic computer skills
- Must be able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions in English.
- Is willing to cross-train and develop skills for Manufacturing Associate II roles, which may involve respirator fit and clean-shaven requirements.
The physical demands of the job are:
- Work is classified as Medium - Heavy Physical Demand Level (PDL) by the US Dept of Labor's Dictionary of Occupational Titles
- Frequencies - Occasional (1-33%); Frequent (34-66%); Continuous (67-100%)
- Lifting Demands:
- Lift up to 75 pounds on an occasional basis floor to waist with assistance
- Lift up to 40 pounds on a frequent basis floor to waist
- Carry up to 40 pounds on an occasional basis up to 25 feet
- Push/Pull up to 40 pounds on a frequent basis
- Push/Pull more than 40 pounds on an occasional basis with assistance
- Postural Demands:
- Standing – continuous
- Walking – continuous
- Bending/stooping – frequent
- Squatting/kneeling – frequent
- Lifting – frequent
- Miscellaneous Demands:
- Griping, manipulation, fingering –continuous
- Variable hand/power tool use – frequent
- Two-person tasks using assistive devices for lifting, pulling and pushing including engine stands hand trucks, pallet jacks, and hoists
What we offer you:
Pay Range starts at $20 per hour
Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications.
G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Health club membership program and reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 401 (k)
- Annual Profit Sharing
- Vacation
- Air-conditioned/heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
About G&W Electric
Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.
Learn more about our company by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMtAhsdYeUQ
G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!
G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
- G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
See All 20 Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Associate JobsManufacturing Associate Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Associate Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing associate jobs across Illinois.
- High school diploma or GED required, with some employers preferring an associate degree in manufacturing technology
- Hands-on experience operating production machinery or assembly line equipment in a regulated environment
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices and quality control documentation standards
- Ability to read and follow standard operating procedures, work orders, and technical specifications
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to fifty pounds, and work rotating shifts
- Basic proficiency with inventory tracking systems or manufacturing execution software preferred
Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing associate in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers hire manufacturing associates with a high school diploma or GED, though an associate degree from a program like those offered through Illinois community colleges in manufacturing technology or industrial operations can strengthen your application. No state-issued license is required for general manufacturing associate work in Illinois, but certifications in forklift operation, OSHA safety standards, or lean manufacturing are recognized by Illinois employers as meaningful credentials.
Which companies hire manufacturing associates in Illinois?
Employers hiring manufacturing associates in Illinois right now include AbbVie, G&W Electric Company, and 48forty Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's strong base of food processing, pharmaceutical, and heavy industrial firms means manufacturing associate demand stays broad across both the Chicago metro and downstate manufacturing corridors.
Which Illinois cities have the most manufacturing associate jobs?
Chicago, Belvidere, and Bolingbrook have the most manufacturing associate openings in Illinois. The Chicago metro drives the largest share of listings due to its dense concentration of food processing plants, logistics facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, while Rockford and Joliet reflect strong demand from the industrial equipment and automotive components sectors that anchor those regional economies.
Are there remote manufacturing associate jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing associate work is fundamentally hands-on and tied to a production floor, so most roles require daily on-site presence. About 25% of manufacturing associate openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those exceptions tend to concentrate in quality documentation, production scheduling, or process improvement support functions rather than direct production work.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing associate in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a production technician trainee or general labor role at an Illinois food, pharmaceutical, or industrial manufacturer, where on-the-job training is standard. Large Illinois employers including Abbott and Caterpillar run structured associate programs that onboard candidates without prior manufacturing backgrounds. Community colleges across Illinois also offer short-term manufacturing certifications that help entry-level candidates stand out, and transitioning from adjacent roles in warehouse operations or quality inspection is a common route in.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing associate jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to manufacturing associate jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across the state's major manufacturing hubs and industries. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 20 Manufacturing Associate Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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