Team Lead, Manufacturing ​/ Production

Overview

Team Lead

Pay: $38.00 - $42.00 per hour

Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (1st Shift)

Location: Buffalo Grove, IL

Who This Role Is For

This role is ideal for an experienced Team Lead who has hands-on knowledge of machining and fabrication operations and a proven track record of leading teams in a high-mix, industrial environment. If you've led skilled operators, managed daily production priorities, and driven safety, quality, and delivery performance, this role is built for you.

Position Overview

Wabtec is seeking a Team Lead to oversee daily shop floor operations, coordinate production schedules, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical knowledge, clear communication, and the ability to lead by example.

You will be responsible for driving on-time delivery (99%+), maintaining safety and quality standards, and supporting employee development across machining and fabrication processes.

• Assign daily work based on Kanban signals, production priorities, and due dates
• Lead daily execution to ensure customer delivery, quality, and safety targets are met
• Perform routine spot checks for safety, 5S, TPM, and quality compliance
• Identify issues impacting delivery or quality and escalate appropriately
• Coordinate with planning, engineering, and other departments to support production flow
• Develop and maintain detailed schedules aligned to customer requirements and equipment capabilities
• Read and interpret blueprints, BOMs, routers, and technical documentation
• Ensure team members follow all PPE and safety requirements
• Train and mentor employees on job-specific skills; maintain training and qualification records
• Promote accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement on the shop floor

• Technical knowledge of Tool & Die Processes
• Leadership and Team Management
• Production Planning & Workflow Optimization
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 4-6+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations
• Prior experience as a Team Lead, Production Lead, or Lead Operator
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • CNC machining (mills and lathes)
  • Brake press operations
  • Welding processes (manual and/or robotic)
  • Laser cutting systems
• Experience with capacity planning, work sequencing, and production scheduling
• Ability to lead, coach, and support skilled operators in a fast-paced environment
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain quickly)
• Associate degree from a technical school or equivalent hands-on experience

• Machining, welding, or fabrication certifications
• Experience mentoring or developing junior team leaders
• Lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement experience

• Analytical Thinking: Uses data to improve workflows and solve operational challenges
• Problem Solving: Identifies root causes and drives corrective actions
• Technical Leadership: Trusted technical resource for operators and peers
• People Leadership: Sets expectations, provides feedback, and builds team accountability
• Communication: Clearly communicates priorities, changes, and expectations

• $38.00 - $42.00/hour, based on experience and skill level
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Uniform allowance
• All tools and required equipment provided

• Clearly positioned as a technical leadership role, not entry-level supervision
• Filters for candidates with real machining and fabrication experience
• Emphasizes delivery, accountability, and shop-floor leadership
• Aligns with how experienced manufacturing leads search on Indeed

If you're a proven manufacturing leader who thrives in a hands-on, results-driven environment, apply today and grow your career with Wabtec.

The base pay range listed reflects what we reasonably expect to offer for this role. Actual pay may vary based on location, experience, and performance. Depending on the position, benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement and savings plans; paid holidays and time off; supplemental insurance; and additional wellness or incentive programs.

Staffmark is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Staffmark offers reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities; contact your local branch for inquiries. Staffmark is an E-Verify employer. See our Privacy Notice for Candidates and Employees/Contractors.