Freelance Machine Shop Inspector Jobs in Mokena, IL

This role is a hands-on Machinist position in a job shop environment focused on custom repair work. You will set up and operate a variety of manual and CNC machines, work with engine lathes, and machine parts made from exotic materials. Each day brings different projects, and you will use both blueprints and written or verbal instructions to produce precision components that meet exact specifications.

• Set up and operate multiple machines per day, adjusting setups based on part complexity and job requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and written or verbal instructions to determine machining requirements and specifications.
• Work closely with mechanics and the foreman to understand part requirements and ensure parts are machined to the correct specifications, using approximately 50% blueprint guidance and 50% written or verbal direction.
• Operate engine lathes and perform left-hand and right-hand threading to produce parts required for pump repairs and other custom jobs.
• Use a variety of equipment, including vertical turning lathes (VTL), manual lathes, CNC lathes, mills, grinders, and key seaters, as needed to complete each job.
• Machine parts using exotic materials such as stainless steel, brass, 300 stainless, 4140, and occasional carbon steel, ensuring appropriate feeds, speeds, and tooling.
• Perform manual machining operations, including turning, facing, boring, drilling, and threading, to produce precision components.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot machines to maintain quality and efficiency throughout the production process.
• Use measuring tools such as calipers and other precision instruments to verify part dimensions and tolerances.
• Identify and resolve basic machine and process issues, adjusting setups and tooling to maintain accuracy and productivity.
• Follow shop safety procedures and use provided safety equipment to maintain a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with team members in the machine shop and workshop areas to support assembly, disassembly, and repair activities.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and care for machines, tools, and equipment to ensure reliable operation.

• Experience as a Manual Machinist or strong mechanical ability with a demonstrated interest in machining.
• Hands-on experience with manual lathes, including engine lathes, with the ability to perform both left-hand and right-hand threading.
• Ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot manual machining equipment, including lathes and mills.
• Familiarity with working in a job shop environment where daily work and parts vary based on custom repair needs.
• Experience working with exotic materials such as stainless steel, brass, 300 stainless, 4140, and occasional carbon steel.
• Basic blueprint reading skills with the ability and willingness to develop full proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions to produce parts to exact specifications.
• Comfort using precision measuring tools such as calipers and related inspection instruments.
• Positive, energetic attitude with strong initiative and a track record of reliable attendance.
• Mechanical aptitude that may come from trade school, technical training, or hands-on experience in environments such as automotive shops or similar settings.

• Trade school or technical school experience in machining or a related mechanical field is preferred but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent education is preferred.
• Experience in an automotive shop or similar mechanical environment is highly valued.
• Exposure to CNC machines, including CNC lathes such as Milltronix, is a plus.
• Familiarity with equipment and brands such as Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) 78" 4" Bar, 53" lathes, Toolmex, Milltronix CNC Lathe, Giddings and Lurig, Turnow, Bridgeport, grinders, key seaters, Monarch, Peroba, and Femco bar equipment.
• Experience with manual machining processes including turning, manual lathe operation, and general machine operation.
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings and apply troubleshooting skills to machining processes.
• Comfort working with a range of manual and CNC equipment in a repair-focused environment.

You will join a stable, skilled team that invests in your growth through structured training and development. The company offers comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits with a 401(k) plan and discretionary match, and a strong package of paid time off including 10 paid holidays and vacation time that begins accruing early in your tenure. You will receive safety glasses, boot compensation, and other safety equipment to support your work. As you develop your skills, you can pursue clear career paths into leadership, estimating, and other advanced roles within the business, giving you long-term opportunities to grow your career in a supportive and safety-focused environment.

The work takes place in a medium-sized facility with approximately 15 employees, providing a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere. The layout includes a receiving area, a workshop where mechanics assemble and disassemble equipment, and a full machine shop equipped with a wide range of manual and CNC machines. You will work with equipment such as vertical turning lathes, manual lathes, CNC lathes, mills, grinders, key seaters, and other precision machinery. The environment centers on custom repair work, so daily tasks and parts vary, offering variety and continual learning. Safety is a priority, with safety glasses, boots, and other protective gear provided. The shop environment is typical of a machine shop, with active machinery, metalworking operations, and hands-on work at machines and benches.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $50.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in BLUE ISLAND,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

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.