Entry Level Math Jobs in Wilmette, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

OVERVIEW

Cadrex is searching for a Press Brake Operator (Level I, II, or III) to set up and operate metal bending machines (Press Brake) in accordance with quality/quantity standards.

We are hiring Press Brake Operators across multiple experience levels. Candidates will be aligned to Level I, II, or III based on experience and skill set (listed below).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Level I - Entry Level)

• Operate press brake machine under supervision (training provided)
• Follow bending sequences to form parts correctly
• Produce consistent, repeatable parts
• Perform basic inspections using calipers or squares
• Learn material types (aluminum, steel, stainless, etc.)
• Support continuous improvement in safety and quality
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Perform quality inspections per documentation and control plans
• Read and interpret blueprints, safety rules, and work instructions
• Use basic measurement tools (e.g., calipers, squares)
• Identify and report defective materials or questionable conditions
• Meet attendance and efficiency standards
• Perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Assist in other areas as needed

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Level II - Intermediate)

• Set up tools, equipment, and machines based on production specs
• Perform detailed dimensional inspections (calipers, height gauges, protractors)
• Make machine and tooling adjustments to meet specifications
• Understand material behavior (springback, deflection, growth/shrinkage)
• Control RAM speeds and adjust forming processes
• Complete reference sheets for complex parts
• Troubleshoot issues and maintain quality standards
• Work independently and maintain efficiency targets
• Cross-train across multiple workstations
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Perform quality inspections per documentation and control plans
• Read and interpret blueprints, safety rules, and work instructions
• Use basic measurement tools (e.g., calipers, squares)
• Identify and report defective materials or questionable conditions
• Meet attendance and efficiency standards
• Perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Assist in other areas as needed

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (Level III - Advanced)

• Calibrate press brake equipment and manage tool libraries
• Identify bend sequences without reference sheets
• Train and mentor employees on quality and efficiency standards
• Lead safety initiatives and participate in team meetings
• Coordinate maintenance needs and ensure preventative maintenance completion
• Analyze and resolve complex production issues
• Exceed company standards for quality and efficiency
• Support production scheduling and communication with leadership
• Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work area
• Perform quality inspections per documentation and control plans
• Read and interpret blueprints, safety rules, and work instructions
• Use basic measurement tools (e.g., calipers, squares)
• Identify and report defective materials or questionable conditions
• Meet attendance and efficiency standards
• Perform basic math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
• Assist in other areas as needed

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Level I - Entry Level)

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, blueprints, memos, and simple instructions
• Knowledge of basic business math functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Level II - Intermediate)

• 2+ years' related experience
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, blueprints, memos, and simple instructions 
• Knowledge of basic business math functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Know when to add shims (.010, .020)
• Understand tooling for hemming or offsets
• Understand V-opening in dies vs. material thickness 
• Ability to make new programs on the machine 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Level III - Advanced)

• 4+ years' related experience.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, blueprints, memos, and simple instructions
• Knowledge of basic business math functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Know when to add shims (.010, .020)
• Understand tooling for hemming or offsets
• Understand V-opening in dies vs. material thickness 
• Ability to make new programs on the machine 
• Ability to train new employees and mentor current employees to reach company standards for quality and efficiency.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma. 

LOCATION

• Onsite

SCHEDULE

• 2nd Shift (M-F; 3:30PM - 12:00AM)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

CADREX'S CORE VALUES

• Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees 

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com. 

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SALARY DESCRIPTION

• Level I - Entry Level: $20-$23/hour + 2nd Shift Premium 
• Level II - Intermediate: $22-$26/hour + 2nd Shift Premium
• Level III - Advanced: $25-$29/hour + 2nd Shift Premium