Production Operator Jobs in Illinois
Production Operator jobs in Illinois are concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area, Joliet, and Rockford, where manufacturers such as Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and Kraft Heinz maintain large production facilities that hire at every experience level from entry-level line operators to senior process technicians. The most in-demand specialties include food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial equipment assembly, reflecting Illinois's deep manufacturing base. Openings range from first-shift floor roles to lead operator positions overseeing quality control and line efficiency. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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At NPAA, we believe our employees are our greatest strength. We are proud to offer a generous and competitive rewards package, including:
- Earned Bonus Structure – annual merit increases, and an annual incentive bonus plan.
- Time Off & Holidays – 11 paid holidays each year, plus paid time off to support work-life balance.
- Health & Retirement – comprehensive health and welfare plans, along with a 401(k)program featuring an exceptional company match.
- Career Growth & Recognition – tuition reimbursement, employee recognition programs, and opportunities to grow within the organization.
- Culture & Community – as part of the NPAA family, you’ll enjoy company events throughout the year celebrating and appreciating our employees’ hard work and dedication.
The position is scheduled for 2nd shift, with potential flexibility needed for off-shift training.
POSITION SUMMARY:
A Production Operator in Large Paint Plant (LPP) is responsible for filling batches in the LPP. This includes the use of the Automated Pail Filling Room, scales/load cells, mixers, and any other equipment required to complete daily tasks. Position will also support job activities in other Operations areas.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Follow and adhere to Company Standard Operating Procedures, batch tickets, process sheets, and safety policies.
Operate equipment used to fill batches, including automated pail filling systems, scales/load cells, mixers, filling pumps, and filling machines.
Fill finished goods into proper containers according to customer-specific IDIOS and prepare accurate container labels.
Safely operate a forklift to move materials.
Participate in improvement teams and actively contribute ideas.
Identify potential off-quality products during processing and initiate appropriate corrective actions in accordance with established company abnormal process procedures.
Utilize company IT systems (SAP, Microsoft Access Database, Microsoft Office) to complete orders within the LPP process.
Maintain housekeeping standards within production areas.
Maintain all assigned equipment to ensure proper operation.
Perform job activities in other Operations areas outside of LPP as required.
Transport waste from the generation point to the 90-day Storage Area.
Properly close and label waste containers in compliance with NPAA procedures.
SALARY RANGE:
$17.39 to $25.75. Compensation for this role is negotiable based on experience and skill set.
Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 93 Production Operator Jobs in Illinois
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Find Production Operator JobsProduction Operator Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Production Operator 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 production operator jobs across Illinois.
- High school diploma or GED required by most Illinois production facilities
- Demonstrated ability to operate and monitor automated production line equipment
- Experience following Good Manufacturing Practices or ISO quality standards
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods on the production floor
- Familiarity with lockout/tagout safety procedures and OSHA compliance requirements
- Basic math and measurement skills for tracking production output and quality metrics
Production Operator Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a production operator in Illinois?
Most production operator roles in Illinois require a high school diploma or GED and are filled through on-the-job training that employers provide after hiring. Candidates with a certificate in manufacturing technology or industrial operations from an Illinois community college, such as Joliet Junior College or Oakton College, have a practical edge. For pharmaceutical or food processing roles, familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices and OSHA safety standards is expected before the first day.
Which companies hire production operators in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring production operators in Illinois include NOW HEALTH, MAPEI Corporation, and Panduit, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of food, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturers means openings appear consistently across both the Chicago metro and downstate production corridors.
Which Illinois cities have the most production operator jobs?
Bloomingdale, Lansing, and Lockport have the most production operator openings in Illinois. The Chicago metro drives the largest share because it is home to major food processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and logistics-linked assembly operations, while Joliet and Rockford support strong industrial and heavy manufacturing bases that generate steady operator demand independent of the city's corporate headquarters activity.
Are there remote production operator jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Production operator work is inherently hands-on and tied to physical equipment, so nearly all roles require on-site presence. About 0% of production operator openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to involve process monitoring, data logging, or quality documentation tasks that can be completed off the production floor.
How can I get hired as a production operator in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to entry-level line operator or production associate roles at large Illinois food and beverage manufacturers, which routinely hire without prior experience and train on the job. Companies such as Abbott and Kraft Heinz run structured onboarding programs for new hires in Illinois facilities. Completing a short forklift certification or a community college manufacturing fundamentals course strengthens any application, and temp-to-hire roles at Illinois staffing agencies that specialize in manufacturing are a common first step.
Where can I find and apply to production operator jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to production operator jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, shift preference, and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 93 Production Operator Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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