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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

COMPX FORT

Precision Machinist

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$27.38 - $37.21/hr

CompX Grayslake is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered mechanical and electromechanical ... Position Summary The Precision Machinist is responsible for setting up and operating manual and CNC ...

GCM

CNC Vertical Mill Machinist

Addison, IL · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

Train operators on the jobs before they start production. * Train new hires or apprentices. * Work ... Knowledge of CNC programming and G & M code * Basic to intermediate tool probe * Demonstrated ...

GCM Inc.

CNC Vertical Mill Machinist

Addison, IL · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Train operators on the jobs before they start production. * Train new hires or apprentices. * Work ... Knowledge of CNC programming and G & M code * Basic to intermediate tool probe * Demonstrated ...

TekPro

First Shift CNC Turning Machinist

Addison, IL

$26 - $31/hr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operating and programming CNC lathes and ... High school diploma or GED required; trade school or apprenticeship in machining or related field ...

RJO Consulting

CNC Vertical Mill Machinist

Addison, IL

$20.50 - $28/hr

... Train operators on the jobs before they start production. · Train new hires or apprentices. · ... CNC programming and G & M code · Basic to intermediate tool probe · Demonstrated ability at ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

... engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced ... Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific ...

Spirax-Sarco Engineering

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

... engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced ... Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific ...

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All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Crystal Lake, IL salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Crystal Lake, IL is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by apprentice operating engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operating engineer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What is an apprentice operating engineer?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

What cities near Crystal Lake, IL are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Crystal Lake, IL with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings in Crystal Lake, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,421 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

CNC Milling Set Up Operator

Acme Industries

Elk Grove Village, IL

$28 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The CNC Mill Setup Technician is an experienced, self-sufficient machinist responsible for setting up, proving out, and running complex CNC milling programs on second shift with minimal supervision. This is not an operator role — it is a setup role. The right candidate owns the machine from job launch to last part, troubleshoots independently, holds tight tolerances on high-mix, low-volume aerospace and defense components, and has the instinct and experience to be the last line of defense on second shift.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Perform complete job setups on CNC vertical and/or horizontal machining centers from engineering drawings, routers, and work orders
  • Select, install, and qualify tooling, fixtures, and workholding for each job
  • Prove out new and revised programs; make offsets, edits, and parameter adjustments as needed to achieve first-article approval
  • Run in-process and final inspection using precision measurement tools — micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and CMM where applicable
  • Read and interpret GD&T and blueprints accurately and independently
  • Diagnose and resolve machine alarms, tooling failures, surface condition issues, and out-of-tolerance conditions without waiting for engineering or programming support
  • Maintain accurate production records, setup sheets, first-article documentation, and non-conformance reports
  • Transition jobs cleanly to operators once setups are proven; document setups clearly for repeatability
  • Support shift continuity by communicating open issues, in-process jobs, and priorities to day shift at turnover
  • Follow all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards; support 5S on the shop floor
  • Participate in cross-training and knowledge transfer as the team grows
Qualifications

Required:

  • 5+ years of CNC milling experience with demonstrated setup responsibility — not operator-only background
  • Ability to set up jobs start to finish independently, including workholding, tooling, and program prove-out
  • Proficiency reading blueprints and GD&T
  • Experience with precision measurement and first-article inspection
  • Ability to troubleshoot out-of-tolerance conditions, tool wear issues, and machine alarms independently

Preferred:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or heavy industrial precision manufacturing
  • Familiarity with FANUC controls
  • Exposure to AS9100 or ISO quality management systems
  • Experience with high-mix, low-volume complex component manufacturing
  • Experience informally training or mentoring less experienced operators
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
  • A stable, growing company with 70+ years of history and a long-term ownership mindset
  • Complex, interesting work — high-mix aerospace and defense components, not repetitive production runs
  • Active investment in workforce development and apprenticeship — room to grow into training, lead, and mentorship roles
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