Lead Machine Operator (Winder Equipment / Paint Roller Production)
$19.00–$21.00+/hr | Bourbonnais / Kankakee area, IL
Employer: Kelly Services
Job Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Hire
Shift: Monday–Thursday | 7:00 AM–4:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
Start: As soon as selected and cleared
From the Desk of the Recruiter
I want to be direct so the right machine operator applies.
Kelly Services is hiring for a lead-level winder machine operator role inside a high-output manufacturing environment producing paint roller covers and related applicator products. This is the kind of operation where product quality is easy to see: if material is not feeding correctly, the wrap is off, the seam is inconsistent, or the machine is not running cleanly, finished product and production goals are affected.
This is not a role for someone who only wants to press buttons and wait. We are looking for someone who understands machine pace, pays attention to product quality, communicates clearly, and can help keep the work area moving when issues come up.
As a lead-level operator, you may be expected to support newer team members, help keep materials and production flow organized, assist with setup or changeover needs, and communicate quality or equipment concerns before they become bigger problems.
If you have solid machine operator experience and want a weekday role where your consistency and attention to detail can lead to something longer term, this is worth a serious look.
If you’re still reading and this sounds like your kind of work, let’s get into the details.

Job Details
Pay: $19.00–$21.00+/hr based on relevant machine operator and lead-level experience
Location: Bourbonnais / Kankakee area, IL
Schedule: Monday–Thursday | 7:00 AM–4:30 PM
Friday Schedule: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
Position Type: Temp-to-hire through Kelly Services
Hire-On Opportunity: Based on attendance, safety, performance, quality, and business need
Environment: High-volume manufacturing supporting paint roller cover and applicator production
Equipment: Winding / roller-cover production machinery and related production tools

What You’ll Do
Set up, operate, and monitor winder equipment used in paint roller cover production
Load or assist with loading material and keep machine feed running properly
Watch closely for product issues such as misalignment, uneven wrap, gaps, overlap, poor bonding, inconsistent coverage, or damaged material
Make approved adjustments or communicate issues quickly when the product or equipment is not running correctly
Help maintain steady production flow from winding into cutting, finishing, packaging, or staging steps
Support setup, changeover, material readiness, and basic machine-area organization
Complete or assist with production paperwork, quality checks, counts, and shift communication
Help newer operators understand safe work practices, quality expectations, and daily process flow when directed
Keep the area clean, organized, and ready for production
Step into nearby production support needs when required to keep the department moving

What I’m Looking For
2+ years (NO MAJOR GAPS) of recent machine operator or manufacturing equipment experience necessary
1+ years (NO MAJOR GAPS) experience as a lead operator, senior operator, trainer, line lead, setup operator, or reliable point person
Experience with winding, wrapping, feeding, web/material alignment, coating, laminating, converting, roll-fed machinery, or similar production equipment is a strong fit
Strong ability to notice quality problems before bad product continues down the line
Comfortable working at a steady pace in a high-output manufacturing environment
Able to follow work instructions, document production details, and communicate machine or quality issues clearly
Stable recent work history and dependable attendance
Comfortable supporting team members and production needs beyond your own machine when required
Reliable transportation to the Bourbonnais / Kankakee area

Why This Role Stands Out
$19.00–$21.00+/hr based on experience
Consistent weekday schedule with an early finish on Fridays
Strong fit for someone who already knows machine operation and wants lead-level responsibility
Opportunity to build experience with specialized production equipment
Temp-to-hire path through Kelly Services for someone who proves dependable, safe, and quality-minded

What to Be Ready For
This role is best for someone who can keep both production pace and product quality in mind.
You should be ready to:
Stay focused on a machine and product details throughout the shift
Catch wrap, feed, material, or quality problems quickly
Communicate clearly when the machine or product is not running correctly
Help support newer operators or nearby production flow when directed
Adapt to newer equipment or updated processes
Maintain strong attendance and a steady professional attitude
This is not the right fit for someone who needs constant redirection, avoids responsibility, or is not comfortable being accountable for machine quality and line flow.

Attendance Expectations
Attendance and punctuality matter in this role because production depends on having trained operators present and ready.
You must be able to report on time for every scheduled shift
Known time off should be disclosed before starting
Attendance, safety, communication, and quality performance will affect long-term consideration
The right person for this role understands that being dependable is part of being trusted as a lead-level operator

Work Rules and Safety Expectations
Steel-toed boots required
Follow all site safety and manufacturing procedures
Keep clothing and personal items safe around moving machinery
Follow all production-area dress code and PPE requirements
Ask questions before making an unfamiliar or unsafe adjustment
Quality issues, equipment concerns, and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly

Pre-Employment Requirements
Phone screen with Kelly Services
Onsite interview / role review
Required 7-year NCRL background screening
Required 10-panel oral swab drug screen — no THC
Kelly Services onboarding before start

How to Apply
This opening is intended for experienced machine operators who are comfortable with quality responsibility and lead-level production support.
If you can honestly meet the experience, schedule, and work expectations below, text our recruiters the code “WNDR” at 847-729-2575.
3 Quick Questions
How many years of recent; within the last 5 years, lead, trainer, or senior warehouse experience do you have?
Do you have over 2 years experience operating equipment involving winding, wrapping, material feed, alignment, bonding, coating, converting, or close quality monitoring?
Can you work Monday–Thursday 7:00 AM–4:30 PM and Friday 7:00 AM–11:00 AM in the Bourbonnais / Kankakee area consistently?
 

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