Freelance Honing Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Honing Machine Operator

Job Description

The Honing Machine Operator sets up and operates manual and CNC honing equipment to produce precision components to tight tolerances. This role focuses on achieving accurate internal and external surface finishes, optimizing machining processes, and ensuring consistent product quality through careful setup, operation, and inspection.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual and/or CNC honing machines to achieve precise internal and external surface finishes.
• Hone components such as cylinders, bearings, and bores to tight tolerances using appropriate tooling and abrasives.
• Adjust honing parameters, including speed, pressure, and stroke, to maintain required surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Troubleshoot machine and tooling issues to minimize downtime and maintain consistent production flow.
• Perform machine changeovers and replace tools between jobs to meet production requirements.
• Maintain proper coolant levels and ensure adequate lubrication of machines and tooling.
• Use inspection tools such as micrometers and bore gauges to verify part dimensions and surface finish.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand specifications, tolerances, and machining requirements.
• Support process improvements aimed at reducing cycle times, improving quality, and minimizing scrap.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe work area in and around the honing machines.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience setting up and operating manual hone machines.
• 2+ years of experience with ID/OD grinding; Studer grinding experience is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of precision machining and working to tight tolerances.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations related to machining and measurements.
• Hands-on experience using inspection tools such as micrometers and bore gauges.
• Familiarity with process optimization in a machining environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and tooling issues during production.
• Experience working with manual machines in a production or job-shop environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Sunnen honing equipment or similar manual honing machines.
• Experience working with hydraulic cylinders or similar precision cylindrical components.
• Exposure to fixture design and tooling setup to support honing operations.
• Experience with calibration of measuring tools and equipment.
• Precision grinding experience in aerospace or other high-tolerance industries.
• Understanding of tight-tolerance requirements for aerospace or similar applications.
• Comfort working with both internal (ID) and external (OD) grinding and honing processes.

Why Work Here?

Join a precision-focused manufacturing environment where your machining skills directly impact product quality and performance. You will work with high-accuracy equipment, gain exposure to advanced honing and grinding processes, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce scrap. The schedule offers structured hours with the opportunity for overtime, providing both stability and the potential to increase earnings, while dedicated training supports your success in the role.

Work Environment

This position operates in a machining and precision manufacturing environment focused on tight-tolerance components, including applications such as aerospace. You will work primarily on a shift from Monday through Thursday, 3:24 p.m. to 1:54 a.m., with overtime as needed on Fridays. Mandatory initial training takes place on day shift for the first two weeks, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The role involves regular use of manual and CNC honing machines, as well as inspection tools such as micrometers and bore gauges. The environment is production-oriented, where maintaining machine lubrication, coolant levels, and a clean, organized work area is essential to safe and efficient operation.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Machesney Park,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.