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Machine Set Up Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Machine Set Up Technician

Wheeling, IL ยท On-site

$50K - $73K/yr

Tooling Specialist - Set Up Experience Needed The Tooling Specialist plays a key role in ensuring reliable and efficient production by troubleshooting machines, supporting setups and changeovers, and ...

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Machine Set-Up Operator

Addison, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Monday - Thursday 5AM - 330 PM We are seeking a dependable and mechanically inclined Machine Set-Up Operator to join a growing manufacturing team in Addison, IL. This position is responsible for ...

Machine Set Up Responsibilities: Make production set ups strong/sturdy Keep work areas clean and organized Read and follow shop order instructions. Look for continual improvement keeping efficiency ...

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Understand standard machine practices, tooling and operation. Familiarity with drilling/machining equipment is preferred but not required. Be able to read blueprints and perform basic trigonometry ...

Set-Up Technician

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$19.50 - $24.25/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Machine Set-Up and Production * Review production orders and confirm print specifications are accurate and complete. * Verify required materials are available and meet order ...

Set-Up Technician

Rockford, IL

$19.50 - $24.25/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Machine Set-Up and Production * Review production orders and confirm print specifications are accurate and complete. * Verify required materials are available and meet order ...

Set-Up Technician

Rockford, IL ยท On-site

$19.50 - $24.25/hr

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Machine Set-Up and Production * Review production orders and confirm print specifications are accurate and complete. * Verify required materials are available and meet order ...

Responsible for setting die into machine and making any adjustments to machine program settings as needed; must be able to understand and follow established set up chart instructions. * Responsible ...

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Machine Set Up information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$25

$47

How much do machine set up jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine set up in Illinois is $25.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Set Up operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Set Up operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with manufacturing equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with tools like calipers, micrometers, and CNC or manual machines is typically required, along with knowledge of safety protocols. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure machines are configured accurately and efficiently, minimizing downtime and maintaining product quality.

What does a Machine Set Up worker do?

A Machine Set Up worker is responsible for preparing machinery for production or manufacturing processes. This includes installing, adjusting, and calibrating machines according to specifications, as well as testing equipment to ensure it operates correctly. They may also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime. Their work is crucial to ensure efficient and safe manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Machine Set Up technicians, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Machine Set Up technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring precise calibration for different product runs. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, familiarity with machine manuals, and effective communication with maintenance and production teams. Regular preventive maintenance and keeping thorough setup documentation can help minimize downtime and ensure smoother transitions between jobs.

What is the difference between Machine Set Up vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Set UpMachine Operator
CredentialsTechnical certifications, training in machineryBasic operational training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentPre-production, setup areas, often in manufacturing plantsProduction floor, operating machinery during shifts
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, industrial sectorsManufacturing, assembly lines
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding setup responsibilities, qualificationsOperational duties, daily tasks

Machine Set Up involves preparing and configuring machinery before production begins, requiring technical skills and certifications. Machine Operators focus on running and monitoring machines during production. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ mainly in their responsibilities and required credentials.

Infographic showing various Machine Set Up job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,106 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Machine Set Up Technician

Aerotek

Wheeling, IL โ€ข On-site

$50K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Tooling Specialist - Set Up Experience Needed

Job Description

The Tooling Specialist plays a key role in ensuring reliable and efficient production by troubleshooting machines, supporting setups and changeovers, and verifying that tooling and calibration devices meet established standards. This is a fully on-site position based in Wheeling, IL, working in a clean, well-organized manufacturing environment with a strong focus on safety and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

  • Prioritize Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) by promoting and supporting a culture of safety excellence for all employees.
  • Troubleshoot machines to ensure they run properly and reliably during production.
  • Support production teams with machine changeovers and setups to minimize downtime.
  • Verify that all setups comply with established standards and specifications.
  • Prepare all setups and changeover parts required for upcoming changeovers.
  • Prepare and organize calibration devices and mandrel assemblies as needed.
  • Provide guidance and support on the proper use of measuring and inspection equipment.
  • Maintain tooling and parts inventory, including managing items between closed and open stock.
  • Provide support to production and maintenance teams as needed to resolve tooling or setup issues.
  • Verify and interpret technical drawings to ensure correct tooling and setup requirements.
  • Use measurement tools and equipment to confirm accuracy and compliance with specifications.
  • Collaborate with team members to continuously improve processes related to tooling, setups, and machine performance.

Essential Skills

  • High school diploma preferred and/or equivalent comprehensive experience in a tooling or related field.
  • Advanced English language skills, both spoken and written.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
  • Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
  • Experience using measurement equipment and measuring tools.
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing and machining processes.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
  • Capability to calculate values and dimensions from drawings as required.
  • Competence using computers for documentation, communication, and basic data entry.
  • Demonstrated troubleshooting skills related to tooling and machine setups.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with tooling preparation, machine setup, and changeovers.
  • Familiarity with working in a production or manufacturing environment.
  • Comfort using a variety of measuring tools and calibration devices.
  • Interest in working with both legacy and modern production equipment.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, growth-oriented organization that offers comprehensive benefits and meaningful development opportunities. Employees enjoy medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage, along with a retirement savings plan that includes a 401(k) contribution and match. The company supports work/life balance through paid vacation and holidays and offers extensive opportunities for advancement within a large global footprint. A robust wellness program rewards participation with potential healthcare premium discounts and HSA employer contributions, while a strong commitment to sustainability drives continuous innovation in eco-friendly solutions for future generations.

Work Environment

You will work with a mix of modern and legacy machinery, measurement tools, and calibration devices in a structured production environment. The position follows a Weekend Night Shift schedule: Friday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Saturday from 3:00 pm to 3:00 am; Sunday from 3:00 pm to 3:00 am; and Monday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wheeling, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $73000.00/yr.

Gain Sharing Bonus 401K 50% Match up to 6% 2 Weeks Vacation 13 Holidays 3 Day Sick Leave

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wheeling,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 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.

Company Description

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.