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

Broadwind, Inc.

Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

Cicero, IL · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

... assist with workflow through the plant and create routings and work instructions. Experience working in a machine shop with an understanding of turning, milling, and gear cutting is highly desired.

Alfred Conhagen Inc

Manual Machinist

Joliet, IL

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment. * Machine ... Inspect finished parts to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards. * Assist ...

Ovation Holdings, Inc.

Manual Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment. * Machine ... Inspect finished parts to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards. * Assist ...

Conhagen

Manual Machinist

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Set up and operate manual lathes, mills, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment. * Machine ... Inspect finished parts to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards. * Assist ...

Actalent

Cmm Programmer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... management. * Assist the project management department with specialty applications and quality ... Experience working in a machine shop environment with close collaboration between machining and ...

Aeleris

Maintenance Technician

Geneva, IL · On-site

Machine Shop Maintenance Technician Precision Manufacturing This Isn't Your Average Maintenance Job ... Manage spare parts inventory and reordering * Assist with equipment installation, relocation, and ...

Alfred Conhagen Inc

Field Technician

Joliet, IL

$19 - $26.25/hr

Key Responsibilities * Assist with the installation, assembly, disassembly, inspection, and repair ... Climate-controlled machine shop environment. * Moderate noise levels typical of industrial ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachine Shop JobsMachine Shop Assistant JobsMachine Shop Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Machine Shop Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$18

$23

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Chicago, IL is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Machine Shop jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Machine Shop Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,682 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

Broadwind, Inc.

Cicero, IL • On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description
We Think BIG about our Engineering team! Our Brad Foote Gearing division is searching for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Cicero, IL. The Manufacturing Engineer will work closely with the production floor to troubleshoot production challenges, assist with workflow through the plant and create routings and work instructions. Experience working in a machine shop with an understanding of turning, milling, and gear cutting is highly desired. ISO9001 experience is required and AS9100 is a big plus! Come join our team!
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Develop detailed routings, work instructions and engineering prints related to CNC machining and CNC gear hobbing
  • Develop and improve processes for manufacturing gear related products
  • Assist manufacturing supervisors with tooling and applications
  • Assist in the selection of correct speeds and feeds on CNC machine tools and gear hobbing, gashing and general machining
  • Troubleshoot machining operations on the shop floor, assisting supervisors with problem solving and process improvement
  • Assist with the qualification and setup of first article qualification
  • Analyze costs, processes, planning and functional controls to insure continuous improvement to cost, quality and delivery
  • Research and understand manufacturing process improvement technologies and innovations
  • Work with tooth grinding operators to interoperate gear micro geometries
  • Work with CMM/GMM operators to accurately inspect gear micro geometries
  • Troubleshoot machine tool problems and assist maintenance with repair and diagnosis
  • Assist in plant layout of machine tools for product flow and efficiency
  • All other duties as assigned

Requirements
Academic/Experience/Credentials/Certifications
  • BSME or similar degree; and 3+ years as a manufacturing engineer in a machining environment required
  • Gearing industry experience or heavy machining experience with knowledge of turning, milling parts is strongly preferred
  • AS9100 experience desired
  • ISO9001 experience required

Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Ability
  • Read technical drawings for precision gearing and components
  • Develop processes in milling; drilling; tapping; turning; gear cutting; gear grinding; cylindrical grinding and have a working knowledge of heat treating processes
  • Read and understand G code and conversational programming for various machine tool controllers
  • Strong knowledge of cutting tool applications is preferred
  • Proficient in the use of precision measuring gages and product acceptance requirements or willingness to learn
  • Strong knowledge of tooling applications and fixtures
  • Proficient in the implementation of lean principles related to machining on the shop floor or willingness to learn
  • Proficient in CNC programming or willingness to learn

Apply