Entry Level Cnc Machine Operator Jobs in Morton, IL

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 

We are looking for a Machine Shop Technician with a primary focus on CNC Waterjet operation to support our rapid prototyping and manufacturing teams. In this role, you will load, program, and operate a CNC waterjet cutting system while providing critical cross-functional support across our brake press, shear, and welding stations. A strong background in sheet metal fabrication, proficiency with CNC nesting software, and a flexible, problem-solving mindset are essential. If you’re driven by innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, we’d love to have you on our team!

• Review assigned Jira tickets to determine material, tooling, and nesting requirements with autonomy.
• Sort through tasks using the Critical Path Method to complete assigned fabrication requests in the most optimal order to meet deadlines and increase machine uptime.
• Discuss with engineering teams issues related to manufacturability or timing, provide Design for
• Manufacturing (DFM) feedback, and modify submitted parts in CAD (Fusion 360) as discussed to ensure successful completion of tasks.
• Program, nest, and process parts using waterjet CAD/CAM software to maximize material yield and minimize scrap.
• Setup and operate the CNC waterjet system, adjusting nozzle alignment, abrasive feed rates, and pump pressure parameters for a wide variety of materials.
• Provide immediate setup and operational support to secondary fabrication departments, including the brake press and shear, utilizing blueprint bend allowances.
• Support the welding department by prepping, deburring, and jigging parts, and performing basic production or tack welding (MIG/TIG) as needed to maintain workflow.
• Perform inspection tasks to ensure parts conform to required critical dimensions and specifications utilizing advanced GD&T and engineering drawing reading abilities, using standard measurement equipment (calipers, micrometers, protractors, height gauges).
• Safely operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and overhead cranes, to load large sheets of raw materials onto the cutting beds.
• Perform routine machine maintenance including monitoring filters, abrasive garnet removal, pump seal checks, and nozzle/orifice replacements.

Big Picture Tasks

• Continuous improvement of the overall processes on an ongoing basis.
• Sustain curiosity to explore new materials, technologies, manufacturing methods, and workflows that can benefit our capabilities.
• Implement and follow standardized workflows to improve efficiency.
• Maintain close communication with software vendors to troubleshoot and improve software workflow.

• Waterjet Expertise: Proven experience programming, setting up, and operating Omax waterjet cutting systems.
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on proficiency with Omax IntelliMAX software for nesting and cutting optimization, alongside Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM modeling and part modification.
• General Fabrication: Strong multidisciplinary background in metal fabrication, including hands-on experience with:
• Welding: Basic production or tack welding capabilities (MIG/TIG) for component assembly.
• Shearing & Punching: Operation of manual or hydraulic shears and punching machinery to prepare sheet metal blanking.
• Benching: Skilled in finishing processes including deburring, grinding, sanding, and part preparation.
• Light Machining: Familiarity running basic machine shop equipment (e.g., drill presses, band saws, manual mills/lathes) to support prototype workflows.

• Blueprint & Math Literacy: Exceptional ability to read complex engineering drawings and apply standard shop math (decimals, fractions, geometry) to daily production.
• Material Handling & Physical Demands: Experience operating forklifts and overhead cranes safely; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for full shifts in a dynamic shop environment.

The Hourly Pay range for this role is $34.17-$42.71 for Normal, IL based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards. 

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com. 

You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than July 31, 2026.

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. 

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.  

How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.

Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

• Waterjet Expertise: Proven experience programming, setting up, and operating Omax waterjet cutting systems.
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on proficiency with Omax IntelliMAX software for nesting and cutting optimization, alongside Fusion 360 for CAD/CAM modeling and part modification.
• General Fabrication: Strong multidisciplinary background in metal fabrication, including hands-on experience with:
• Welding: Basic production or tack welding capabilities (MIG/TIG) for component assembly.
• Shearing & Punching: Operation of manual or hydraulic shears and punching machinery to prepare sheet metal blanking.
• Benching: Skilled in finishing processes including deburring, grinding, sanding, and part preparation.
• Light Machining: Familiarity running basic machine shop equipment (e.g., drill presses, band saws, manual mills/lathes) to support prototype workflows.

• Blueprint & Math Literacy: Exceptional ability to read complex engineering drawings and apply standard shop math (decimals, fractions, geometry) to daily production.
• Material Handling & Physical Demands: Experience operating forklifts and overhead cranes safely; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for full shifts in a dynamic shop environment.