Operations Technician Jobs in Illinois
Operations Technician jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford, where manufacturing, utilities, and logistics create steady demand at every level from entry-level plant technician to senior process specialist. Major employers with a lasting Illinois footprint include Caterpillar, Exelon, and Abbott Laboratories, all of which operate large facilities requiring hands-on operations support. The most active specialties are process operations, electrical systems maintenance, and industrial equipment monitoring. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Precision Machine Operations Technician (Bearings Manufacturing)
Step into a role where hands-on craftsmanship meets high reliability. At the Timken Aurora Bearing facility, you’ll join a team that keeps aerospace and industrial motion running smoothly. We’re hiring for multiple day and afternoon shift opportunities and provide structured on-the-job training with clear paths for advancement.
Compensation
- Starting pay based on experience: $18.50–$20.50 per hour
- Second shift premium: +$1.50/hour
A Day in the Life
Begin your shift by reviewing print specifications and confirming your workstation is ready. Depending on your experience, you may perform machine setups to defined parameters, run first-piece parts, make the right adjustments to achieve print-defined characteristics, and complete the required documentation for setup approval. Throughout the shift, you’ll load parts, cycle equipment, and inspect at planned intervals—fine-tuning as needed to maintain quality. You’ll also keep equipment running at its best by checking fluid levels and ensuring safe, consistent operation.
What You’ll Operate
Work across assembly, grinding, turning, and milling operations, including:
- Presses, laser marker, ink jet, electro etch, fit, ovens, swage
- Bore grinders, drill, mill, and roll thread
Technologies and tools you may handle:
- Optical Comparator
- Surface Grinder
- Manual Lathe
- Thread Gauges (GO/NO-GO)
- Punch Press
- Press Brake
- Manual Vertical Mill (Bridgeport)
- Calipers and Micrometers
- Laser Punch Press
- Vertical Lathe
- OD/ID Grinding Machine
Quality at the Core
You’ll confirm fit, alignment, staking, stamping, and markings match the print through both visual and tactile checks, using precise gauging tools such as micrometers and calipers.
What You Bring
- High School Diploma or GED
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints
- Prior manufacturing and machine operation experience preferred
- Familiarity with gages and micrometers preferred
Demonstrated strengths
- Equipment Troubleshooting and general Troubleshooting Skills
- Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills and Mechanical Assembly Skills
- Aerospace Manufacturing awareness
- Precision Measurement & Inspection
- Machine Setups for Production Runs
- Meets Physical Requirements
- High School / GED
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Shop Math Skills
- Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
- Blueprint Reading
- Basic Computer Skills
- Mechanical Aptitude
Schedule
- 1st shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
- 2nd shift: 3:30 PM–12:00 AM
Benefits
- 401(k) with company match on the first 6%
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- Health Savings Account with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Account
- Company-paid life insurance
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Wellness programs and discounts
Grow your skills at Timken Aurora Bearing with hands-on training and real career progression in a clean, safety-first environment.
See All 34 Operations Technician Jobs in Illinois
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Find Operations Technician JobsOperations Technician Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Technician Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations technician jobs across Illinois.
- High school diploma or GED with completion of a relevant technical or vocational program
- Experience operating and monitoring industrial equipment, machinery, or utility systems
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and operating manuals
- Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems or SCADA platforms
- Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform routine preventive maintenance tasks
Operations Technician Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations technician in Illinois?
Most operations technician roles in Illinois require a high school diploma plus completion of a technical or vocational program in industrial technology, electrical systems, or a related field. Illinois employers commonly look for candidates with an associate degree from schools like Moraine Valley Community College or Joliet Junior College, or completion of an apprenticeship through a trade union affiliated with the Illinois AFL-CIO. Certifications from OSHA or manufacturer-specific training programs give candidates a measurable edge.
Which companies hire operations technicians in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring operations technicians in Illinois include Woodward, Prairieland FS, and Sunrun, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's strong manufacturing and utilities sectors mean large industrial employers consistently maintain ongoing operations technician openings across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most operations technician jobs?
The cities with the most operations technician openings in Illinois are Chicago, Loves Park, and Scott AFB. Chicago anchors demand through its dense concentration of manufacturing facilities, utility infrastructure, and logistics hubs, while Joliet and Rockford reflect the presence of large industrial plants and distribution centers that require continuous on-site operations coverage.
Are there remote operations technician jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Operations technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct interaction with equipment, systems, and facilities, so fully remote positions make up a small share of openings. About 0% of operations technician openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those roles tend to involve process monitoring, data analysis, or coordination functions rather than direct equipment operation.
How can I get hired as a operations technician in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a technician helper or maintenance associate role at a large Illinois manufacturer or utility, then building toward a full operations technician title. Employers like Exelon and large Illinois food and beverage manufacturers regularly hire entry-level candidates into structured operator trainee programs. Completing an associate degree at a community college with an industrial technology track, or earning an OSHA 10-hour general industry card, signals readiness to Illinois hiring managers and distinguishes candidates without direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to operations technician jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to operations technician jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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