Coater Machine Operator

itw· 001 - Illinois Tool Works Inc.
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📍 Kalkaska - 49646Full time💰 USD 23+

About this role

Job Description:

We provide a safety-first culture, a clean and air-conditioned work environment, and opportunities for pay and skill advancement through our operator level program. 

$2,500 SIGN-ON BONUS!  $250 paid at hire, $500 paid at 3/6/9 months, $750 paid after one year of employment.  

This is a 2nd shift position working Mo-Fr 2:00pm to 10:30pm.  Starting pay is $22.75/hour (includes shift premium).

Coater operators are responsible to safely setup, troubleshoot, adjust and operate the coating machine and related equipment to produce ink-coated jumbo rolls of polyester film per product specifications.  Operators are also responsible for quality testing, material handling and data entry. 

Essential Duties

  • Start and stop operation of machine using machine control panel. 

  • Align or fasten machine parts such as rollers and blades using hand tools.

  • Thread or feed polyester through rollers, and adjust temperature, speed and flow rate of product or machine.

  • Observe machine and product during operation to detect defects or deviations from specification, and make machine adjustments to temperature, speed and flow. 

  • Measure and/or mix specified quantities of substances to achieve correct thickness of ink.

  • Examine, measure, weigh and/or test product to ensure conformance to specifications. Follow testing procedures and operate quality testing equipment. Make pass/fail decision, may consult with supervisors and/or technical staff on questionable items.

  • Clean machine and parts between runs (one to several times per shift).  Confined space entry may be required (machine specific).

  • Material handling of product and machine parts (load, unload, pack, and transport) using carts and Big-Joe.  Some manual lifting is required.

  • Move 55-gallon drums and/or 210-gallon totes of ink using barrel carts or pallet jacks. 

  • Use computer equipment to print production run sheets and labels and perform QA testing.

  • Follow hazardous material handling requirements when working with solvents.

  • Cross train and operate equipment in other teams and assist other operators as needed.

  • May be required to mix ink/paint.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate has a stable employment history, a positive and collaborative attitude, a desire to learn, and a demonstrated ability to work safely in producing a quality product. Candidates selected for employment must pass a post-offer drug screen and background check. 

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

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Prior applicable manufacturing experience and/or mechanical aptitude are preferred.

  • Basic computer/keyboarding experience preferred including data entry and lookups.

  • Ability to work overtime/flexible shift as business needs dictate

  • The physical requirements include frequent standing/walking, use of upper extremities to handle/manipulate/lift/carry/reach, and ability to visually identify product quality defects; occasional bending/squatting, and ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs.

Additional Information

Our employees enjoy a full benefit package which includes competitively priced medical plan options with FSA and HSA plans, dental, prescription drug, vision, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, wellness programs, employee discounts, 12 paid holidays per year, vacation and sick time starting in year of hire, and a corporate matching gift program for charitable donations! 

Coding Products (Kalkaska, MI) is a member of the Specialty Films division of Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW), a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer.   ITW Specialty Films manufactures and markets specialized coated films for the Secure ID, Medical Specialty Bag, and Financial Card markets.   We offer a safe, clean work environment with a stable company and a dynamic, collaborative, growth-oriented team. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the online application system due to your disability, please email hrdept@itwsf.com to request assistance. No other requests will be acknowledged.

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.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Coater Machine Operator role at itw?
The listed salary for this Coater Machine Operator position at itw is USD 23+. This is an Full time role.
Where is the Coater Machine Operator position at itw located?
This Coater Machine Operator role at itw is based in Kalkaska - 49646. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Coater Machine Operator role at itw full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Coater Machine Operator role in the 001 - Illinois Tool Works Inc. department at itw.
Which team or department does the Coater Machine Operator at itw belong to?
This Coater Machine Operator position is part of the 001 - Illinois Tool Works Inc. department at itw. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Coater Machine Operator position at itw?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to itw's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Coater Machine Operator job at itw posted?
This Coater Machine Operator position at itw was posted on Aug 27, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Coater Machine Operator
itw · 💰 USD 23+
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