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Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Wood Dale, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

... assist with process improvements for production efficiency and product quality. Qualifications ... tools and basic shop equipment; ability to troubleshoot and perform basic equipment repairs ...

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Tool Room Helper

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

... Assist toolmakers and maintenance personnel with setup and teardown of tools and dies ๏‚ท Operate basic shop equipment (drill press, grinder, saws) as needed ๏‚ท Monitor tool inventory and report ...

CNC PROGRAMMER

Lincolnshire, IL ยท On-site

$72K - $83K/yr

Lincolnshire, IL Type: Full-Time/Direct-Hire | Machine Shop Are you a master of G-code, MasterCAM ... * Assist with process improvement tools, such as DOE * Use all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE ...

Perform quality checks to ensure parts meet specifications * Assist with other shop equipment as ... Perform basic machine upkeep to keep equipment running smoothly What We're Looking For * 2+ years ...

... Assist in the development and implementation of inspection processes and procedures. Ensure that ... Proven experience as an Inspector in a machine shop or manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge ...

... Assist in the development and implementation of inspection processes and procedures. Ensure that ... Proven experience as an Inspector in a machine shop or manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge ...

Manual Machine Operator I

Richmond, IL ยท On-site

$19.30 - $21.20/hr

This position will directly assist with machining within the facility and contribute as a vital ... Maintains a positive and helpful attitude to other team members in the shop * Handles and reads ...

Deburr Operator

Waukegan, IL ยท On-site

$17/hr

Follow all company safety policies and PPE requirements. * Assist with other production and ... Previous deburring, grinding, finishing, or machine-shop experience is a plus. * Ability to use ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Shop Assistant information

See Cary, IL salary details

$13

$18

$23

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Cary, IL is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main duties of a machine shop assistant?

A Machine Shop Assistant supports machinists and technicians by preparing materials, operating basic machinery, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and organizing the workspace. They often assist with loading and unloading materials, measuring parts, and ensuring that tools and machines are in good working order. These assistants play a vital role in keeping the shop running smoothly and efficiently, often performing routine tasks so skilled machinists can focus on more complex work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop assistant?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Assistant, you need a basic understanding of machining processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, measuring instruments like calipers and micrometers, and sometimes CNC machinery or safety certifications is typical. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong teamwork skills help you excel in supporting machinists and maintaining workflow. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operations and contribute to producing high-quality machined parts.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop assistant, and how can they be managed effectively?

Machine Shop Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols while working around heavy machinery, managing multiple tasks like material handling and equipment cleaning, and adapting to varying production schedules. Effective time management and consistent communication with machinists and supervisors can help address these challenges. Additionally, staying organized and proactive in identifying potential hazards contributes to a safer and more efficient workplace.

What is the difference between Machine Shop Assistant vs Machinist?

AspectMachine Shop AssistantMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingTechnical training or apprenticeship; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in machine setup, cleaning, and material handling in machine shopsOperates and programs machines like lathes and mills in manufacturing settings
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machinists, prepares materials, maintains equipmentSets up, operates, and monitors machining equipment to produce parts

While both roles work in machine shops, the Machine Shop Assistant primarily supports machinists by handling preparatory and maintenance tasks, whereas the Machinist directly operates and programs machines to produce precise parts. The assistant role often requires less technical training, making it an entry point into the industry.

What qualifications do you need to work in a machine shop assistant?

A machine shop assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and basic mechanical skills. Experience with hand tools, knowledge of safety procedures, and the ability to read technical drawings are also important qualifications for the role.

What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Machine Shop Assistant jobs?

Cities near Cary, IL with the most Machine Shop Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Cary, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,090 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Manufacturing Process Engineer - Communications

OTTO Engineering

Carpentersville, IL โ€ข On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Manufacturing Process Engineer Communications 

Why join OTTO Engineering?

  • At OTTO, we don't just manufacture productswe engineer mission-critical solutions with precision and pride. Our Communications Division designs and manufactures ruggedized, application-specific communication systems built to perform when failure isn't an option, serving the military, law enforcement, public safety, and industrial customers worldwide.
  • As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness as a result, our growth continues
  • Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company's profits to celebrate our collective success.
  • As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success.
  • We are proudly American!

Specifically, we are seeking experience with

  • Working in a machine shop - tooling for manufacturing new and existing products
  • Basic electronics
  • Wiring
  • Programming

Our Manufacturing Process Engineer will develop methods and processes, including tooling for manufacturing new and existing products. Provide required documentation to clearly communicate these processes to production. Manage activities of multiple projects. Provide production support, coordinate activities between engineering, other internal departments, vendors and customers to successfully achieve goals set for the project.

The Manufacturing Process Engineer will:

  • Establish design concept for jigs and fixtures from production drawings or production feedback that meet or exceed the requirements on all respects.
  • Make design changes to existing tooling to improve product quality and reduce cycle time.
  • Prepare layouts, BOM's, ECN's detail drawings (Preferably on CAD), and other documents as requested.
  • Assemble and debug mechanisms.
  • Order purchased components for in house design mechanisms.
  • Work with machine shop to have component parts fabricated.
  • Machine or modify component parts.
  • Train production personnel to safely operate new and existing equipment.
  • Develop process flowcharts and write process specifications for new and existing equipment.
  • Production line support.
  • Work with product engineer and production supervisor to implement new products to manufacturing, from pilot run through normal production.
  • Design, build, program and debug controller boxes on in-house equipment.
  • Provide tooling cost estimates for quotations to customers.
  • Determine project schedules and milestones which meet or exceed desired goals.
  • Proactively inform management of changes in circumstances, provide alternate corrective actions to maintain progress and recover to original schedules if possible.  Report project status to management on a regular basis.
  • Coordinate activities affecting internal departments, vendors and customers to achieve project schedules, milestones and goals.  Coordinate multiple projects in parallel by efficient use of time and internal resources.
  • Supervise and provide technical guidance to support staff such as designers, drafters and technicians.
  • Perform all functions or engineering positions below this level of responsibility.
  • Participate in the Material Review Board (MRB) including developing and processing Discrepant Material Reports (DMRs) and performing part analysis as directed by MRB members.
  • Assist with other related duties as required or assigned.

About you - What you'll bring to the table:

  • Minimum 2 years of experience as a manufacturing engineer or equivalent.
  • Machine Shop/machine building experience preferred.
  • Experience in basic electronics, wiring, and programming preferred.

What OTTO offers for this specific position:

The hiring range listed in this posting is what we, in good faith, anticipate relying on when confirming a base salary for this position; exceptions may be considered for highly experienced candidates with multiple years of at-level experience.

  • Target base salary hiring range: $68,000 to $80,000, based on qualifications and experience.
  • Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
  • Vacation: 80 hours - vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.

OTTO's Benefits:

Health:

Medical Insurance-

  • HMO Plan
  • Standard PPO Plan
  • Enhanced PPO Plan
  • High Deducible PPO Plan
  • FSA, LFSA, and HSA

Dental Insurance-

  • Base Plan
  • Buy-Up Plan

Vision Insurance

401(k) with a company match

Life insurance:

  • Life/AD&D
  • Voluntary Life/AD&D
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability

10 paid holidays

Company picnic

Holiday party

AND numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year!

To review all of OTTO's available opportunities,

please visit our career page by clicking on the link below:

https://otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr/

OTTO Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

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Request for Assistance / Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the online application process. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.

If you need an alternative method for applying, please contact OTTO Engineering via telephone at 847-428-7171 or email at HRDepartment @ ottoexcellence.com

These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests; please do not inquire as to the status of an application.

OTTO Engineering does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters, agencies, or similar organizations; any submissions will not be honored.