Coater Operator

Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. in Illinois is seeking a Coater Operator responsible for setup, operation, and changeovers of coating equipment to apply adhesives and coatings to film and substrates, collaborating with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Materials to ensure safe operations and efficient runs.

You will monitor viscosity, flow, temperature, and coating thickness, perform real-time adjustments, record production data, and ensure products meet specifications, with lifting up to 50 pounds

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing, coating, painting, or chemical processing experience.
• Ability to read work instructions and follow formulas.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical duties.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety policies and wear PPE in coating operations.
• Set up, operate, and changeover coating equipment per work orders.
• Load materials and prepare equipment for production runs.
• Adjust machine parameters for proper dispersion and coating thickness.
• Monitor viscosity, flow rates, and coating quality throughout production.
• Record production data and document adjustments.
• Support shift handoffs with clear communication.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Coating processes

Reading work instructions

Basic math

Attention to detail

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Spray systems

Roll coating equipment

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Coater Operator is responsible for the setup, operation, and changeover of coating equipment used to apply adhesives, coatings, or chemical solutions to film and other substrates. This role directly impacts coating quality, material performance, and production efficiency through continuous monitoring, process adjustments, and adherence to established operating procedures. The position partners closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Materials to ensure safe operations, efficient production runs, and consistent product performance that delivers best‑in‑class customer satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety policies, procedures, and work instructions related to coating operations and chemical handling.
• Comply with machine guarding requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE standards.
• Safely handle chemicals, coatings, and solvents in accordance with SDS guidelines.
• Operate safely in a manufacturing environment with exposure to fumes, moving machinery, and industrial equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area in alignment with 5S and housekeeping expectations.

Machine Operation & Setup

• Set up, operate, and perform changeovers on coating or spray equipment in accordance with work orders and specifications.
• Load materials, fill tanks with coatings or chemical mixtures per prescribed formulas, and prepare equipment for production runs.
• Adjust and control machine parameters including speed, temperature, pressure, air flow, and coating application settings.
• Adjust spray nozzles or applicators to achieve proper dispersion, coverage, and uniform coating thickness.
• Monitor machine performance to maintain continuous, efficient production and minimize downtime.

Process Adjustment & Quality Monitoring

• Monitor coating viscosity, flow rates, and material usage throughout production runs.
• Perform visual inspections and in‑process checks to verify coating adhesion, coverage, and appearance.
• Identify defects such as streaking, bubbling, or uneven coating and take corrective action.
• Make real‑time process adjustments to maintain product specifications and quality standards.
• Ensure product meets defined quality requirements before, during, and after production.
• Regulate drying and/or curing systems, and air circulation to achieve proper coating performance.
• Monitor temperature and environmental conditions to ensure coatings cure to specification.
• Adjust drying and curing parameters as needed to maintain consistent product quality.

Material Handling, Documentation & Communication

• Read and follow work orders, production schedules, and operating instructions.
• Accurately record production data, quality checks, material usage, and process adjustments.
• Handle raw materials and transport scrap to designated areas following procedures.
• Support shift handoffs through clear communication and proper documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing, coating, painting, or chemical processing experience.
• Ability to read work instructions, follow formulas, and complete production documentation.
• Basic math and measurement skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to monitor processes and make adjustments independently.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical job duties.

Preferred

• Experience in coating, converting, film manufacturing, or adhesive applications.
• Familiarity with spray systems, roll coating, or similar application equipment.
• Experience monitoring viscosity, flow rates, or coating thickness.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting and continuous improvement experience.

Work Environment / Physical

Manufacturing environment requires routine floor presence around operating equipment. Regular exposure to noise, moving machinery, and material handling. Required use of PPE including safety glasses and safety footwear. Position requires standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Environment may not be climate controlled.

Compensation Information:

Paid Hourly, 22.00- 26.00 per hr.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.