TEAM LEAD - GENERAL METAL at OPTO International Inc – Wood Dale, Illinois

Location: Wood Dale, IL (On-site)

About OPTO

OPTO designs and manufactures retail fixtures for domestic and international markets. We are a design-led company driven by innovation, a passion for helping our clients succeed, and communication. Our team applies creative thinking across customer proposals, product development, and operations to deliver tailored retail solutions. The excitement, innovation, and passion from all of our team members allows us to curate the best solutions for any retail environment.

With in-house engineering and a responsive, collaborative culture, we adapt quickly to customer needs and provide industry-leading speed and reliability, earning long-term partnerships through performance and trust.

Job Summary

The Team Lead - Metal Department is responsible for overseeing daily metal fabrication operations to ensure efficient, high-quality, and on-time production. This role supports personnel, equipment, and workflow within a fast-paced metal manufacturing environment, including flat-bed laser, turret, brake press, and welding operations, while remaining a hands-on contributor on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily guidance and direction to team members to meet production goals and deadlines
• Organize and manage day-to-day workflow, assign tasks, and monitor progress
• Act as a communication link between team members, other Team Leads, supervisors, and management
• Foster a positive work environment by motivating employees, resolving conflicts, and recognizing achievements
• Support onboarding, training, and cross-training efforts in coordination with leadership
• Ensure smooth handovers and communication between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts
• Maintain safety, quality, and operational standards across all assigned processes
• Lead by example as a hands-on contributor on the floor

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead by example, build trust, and support team development
• Empathy, active listening, and a collaborative leadership style
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and work instructions
• Proficiency using hand tools (calipers, micrometers, squares, etc.)
• Experience setting up and operating manufacturing equipment, such as:
  • Brake press
  • Flatbed laser
  • Spot welding machines
  • Ability to set up and run laser equipment (experience level may vary by individual)
  • CNC programming and bilingual (English/Spanish) skills a plus

Work Environment

• Hands-on production role in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment

What we offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D and life insurance, and paid time off (PTO)
• A diverse work experience where you can see projects come to life. Starting with the inception of projects in marketing and business development, though the concept and development with our design and engineering teams, all the way to fabrication and final delivery to our customers