Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Illinois
Manufacturing Technician jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, automotive, food and beverage processing, and industrial equipment manufacturing, with openings from entry-level to senior technician. The heaviest hiring activity runs through the Chicago metro, Rockford, and Peoria, where established employers like Caterpillar, Boeing, and Abbott Laboratories maintain large manufacturing operations. Automation technician, quality control technician, and CNC machining specialist are among the most sought-after specialties in the state right now. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Manufacturing Technician 2 based in Rolling Meadows, IL.
What you will get to do:
In this role, the successful candidate will be part of an organization focused on adding new equipment details to a database, transporting, acquiring and managing property, parts, materials, and assets for NGMS engineering development and test activities. More specifically, the successful candidate will work with a group of highly motivated individuals responsible for data entry and logistical movement of Measuring and Test Equipment (M&TE) to & from programs, vendors and OEM suppliers. The role is focused on process discipline, schedule, compliance to Northrop Grumman procedures and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Process improvement as well as delivering superior customer service in support of our customer base is an ongoing focus. This involves material handling of general-purpose M&TE that typically weigh 25 - 35 lbs. and may weigh up to 50 lbs.
Essential Functions:
- Inspecting equipment for damage before accepting or delivering equipment
- Utilizing a wireless barcode scanner to properly track equipment movement
- Entering equipment related data into a relational database
- Verifying transportation paperwork (Work Orders & Shippers) to identify destination location
- Maintain relationships with NG internal customers, Original Equipment Manufacturers and Vendors for repair and periodic calibration of General-Purpose Test Equipment
- Coordinate and follow up with production and engineering personnel to ensure appropriate scheduling and movement of materials
Basic Qualifications for the Manufacturing Technician 2:
- High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience
- Experience with computer and automated systems (Outlook, Excel, PPT, Access, MRP)
- Ability to frequently lift, move, and position/reposition objects weighing up to ~45lbs.
- Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
- US Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications
- Aerospace and Defense industry experience
- Experience with manufacturing Measurement & Test Equipment (M&TE)
- Inventory, Material Management, or Logistical experience.
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
See All 49 Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Illinois
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Find Manufacturing Technician JobsManufacturing Technician Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Technician Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing technician jobs across Illinois.
- Associate degree or technical certificate in manufacturing technology, electronics, or mechatronics
- Hands-on experience with CNC machining, PLCs, or automated production equipment
- Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100 used widely in Illinois facilities
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and work instructions
- Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 5S principles common in Illinois plants
- Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills and comfort working in a production floor environment
Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing technician in Illinois?
The most direct path is completing an associate degree or technical certificate in manufacturing technology, mechatronics, or industrial electronics at an Illinois community college such as those in the City Colleges of Chicago system, Moraine Valley Community College, or Illinois Central College. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specifically for manufacturing technicians, but employers widely value industry certifications such as the NIMS Machining credential or a Six Sigma belt, which signal job-ready skills to hiring managers.
Which companies hire manufacturing technicians in Illinois?
Employers hiring manufacturing technicians in Illinois right now include Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Flex, and MAPEI Corporation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense mix of aerospace, medical device, and heavy equipment manufacturers means openings are spread across both the Chicago metro and downstate industrial corridors.
Which Illinois cities have the most manufacturing technician jobs?
The cities with the most manufacturing technician openings in Illinois are Aurora, Round Lake Beach, and Saint Charles. The Chicago metro dominates because of its concentration of aerospace, food processing, and medical device facilities, while Rockford's long-standing machine tool and aerospace supply chain and Peoria's heavy equipment manufacturing base, anchored by Caterpillar, drive strong demand in those markets.
Are there remote manufacturing technician jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing technician work is fundamentally hands-on and tied to production equipment, so most roles require on-site presence. About 0% of manufacturing technician openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve quality documentation, technical support, or process engineering tasks rather than direct equipment operation.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing technician in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a registered apprenticeship or co-op program, and Illinois candidates can search registered apprenticeships through the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Illinois Department of Labor. Large manufacturers like Caterpillar and Boeing's Ridley Park and Illinois operations run structured early-career programs. Candidates moving from adjacent roles such as production assembler, machine operator, or quality inspector gain a strong foothold, and earning a NIMS or CompTIA Electronics technician certification accelerates the transition.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing technician jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to manufacturing technician jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 49 Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Technician Jobs