Contract Machine Shop Jobs in Harvard, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in estimating and quoting new business, leading manufacturing projects from concept through completion, and driving continuous improvement in machining processes. This position focuses on CNC programming, fixture and tool design using SolidWorks, and recommending new equipment to support high-precision metal manufacturing, particularly for aerospace and complex machining applications.

Responsibilities

• Estimate and quote new business opportunities, analyzing technical requirements and manufacturing costs to develop accurate proposals.
• Own assigned projects from start to finish, including planning, process development, implementation, and follow-up to ensure successful completion.
• Develop, write, and optimize CNC programs for machining operations, ensuring efficient, repeatable, and high-quality production.
• Design fixtures and tooling using SolidWorks to support machining operations, improve part stability, and enhance productivity.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput in machining operations.
• Assess production needs and recommend new equipment purchases when required, supporting justification with technical and cost analyses.
• Apply GD&T principles to ensure parts meet tight dimensional and geometric requirements and support high-precision manufacturing.
• Collaborate with machinists, operators, and other engineering staff to troubleshoot issues and refine processes on turn mill and 5-axis machines.
• Support aerospace-related projects by applying relevant manufacturing standards and practices where applicable.
• Maintain accurate documentation of processes, programs, tooling, and fixtures to support repeatable and controlled production.

Essential Skills

• Manufacturing engineering experience with a strong focus on metals and machining.
• 5+ years of experience with a BS degree in a relevant field, or 10+ years of experience without a degree.
• Hands-on machining experience in a production or job-shop environment.
• CNC programming expertise, with the ability to develop and optimize programs for complex parts.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T and the ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Experience working with high-precision metals and tight tolerances.
• Experience in machining processes for turn mill or 5-axis machines, with the ability to support complex setups and operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
• Mastercam experience is a strong plus for CNC programming.
• Experience working with high-precision metals is preferred and highly valued.
• Hands-on experience with turn mill or 5-axis machining centers is highly preferred.
• Exposure to aerospace manufacturing environments and standards is a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including machinists, engineers, and production staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a high-precision manufacturing context.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.