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

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Tool Room Helper

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

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

Machine Operator

Wood Dale, IL · 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 ...

CNC PROGRAMMER

Lincolnshire, IL · 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Shop Assistant information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do machine shop assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop assistant in Elgin, IL is $17.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $18.99 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 are the most commonly searched types of Machine Shop jobs in Elgin, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,119 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Itasca, IL • On-site

$25.25 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Our company expects all team members to uphold our core values of:

Safety Practice Safety First - Physical, Intellectual, and Emotional - Always.

Teamwork Offer help, ask for help, and leverage the strength of our diverse and inclusive team.

Respect Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Accountability Take responsibility for your actions and your words.

Continuous Improvement Take initiative and strive to do better.

Ethical Behavior Follow our Code of Ethics and meet our high standard of professional behavior.

Considerations: Chicago Glue & Machine (CGM) and our customers, convert and apply adhesives in a multitude of ways of application equipment. This position is best served by a person who likes variety, thinks creatively, and is a good communicator. The responsibilities include assessing and repairing customer's equipment in the CGM maintenance shop as well as installing and PM'ing equipment in the field (80%). The production operation at CGM includes equipment requiring maintenance/repair and assisting with facility projects as needed (20%).

This department is one we are focused and committed to growing. We value our employees as our greatest asset. Our track record shows our continued investment in and supporting people for personal and professional growth both as individual contributors and managers.

Full Time: Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, OT on evenings and weekends as needed.

Communication:

  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers
  • Ability to read and understand basic English
  • Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is helpful but not a requirement

Responsibilities

  • Install, repair, and maintain gluing systems and equipment at customer sites to manufacturer's specification by understanding the mechanics, hydraulics, pneumatic, and electrical components
  • Document and communicate information to assist our customers and us to make educated and insightful business decisions
  • Participate in and contribute to our quality management system
  • Initiate purchase order for parts and machines
  • Maintain technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing technical publications, and interfacing with industry experts.
  • Fabricate repair parts by using machine shop equipment such as drill press and welder
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Skills:

  • Knowledge of hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems
  • Read/interpret schematics and work with PLC
  • Time Management
  • Problem Solving
  • Basic computer skills, Microsoft Office products emphasis on Outlook and Excel
  • Basic math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with and without a calculator
  • Lift up to 50 pounds
  • Climb stairs and work from an elevated platform
  • Bend, stoop, push, pull, grasp, reach, kneel, twist frequently during the shift
  • Walk frequently within department, and ability to stand during the entire production shift
  • Forklift and other material handling duties
  • Detail, process, and goal oriented
  • Work efficiently in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment
  • Identify and resolve problems independently and collaboratively

Benefits

  • 10 paid holidays
  • Choice of HMO or PPO Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance offered
  • FSA
  • 401k, 3% employer match
  • Short Term Disability
  • Long Term Disability
  • Safety Committee
  • Fiesta committee and events planned by the committee for celebration, team building, and morale building
  • Stuck on Sustainability Committee
  • All-inGLUE-sive Committee (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
  • Peer Mentor Program

Requirements

  • High school or equivalent
  • Applicable Trade School
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working with electrical, hydraulics, programming, and mechanical PLCs is desired and not required
  • Electrical certification is preferred
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record as travel is required 20% - 40%
  • Must be able to pass background check and drug screen

Work is performed indoors; temperatures can range from refrigerated environments to 95 F.

Frequent exposure to the smell of different molten adhesive formulas.

Salary is commensurate with experience.