ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Machining Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

TekPro

Union Machining Trainee

Downers Grove, IL

$20 - $26/hr

Union Machining Trainee ???? Downer's Grove, IL | ???? Aerospace Manufacturing We're partnering with a well-established aerospace manufacturer looking for a Machining Trainee/Apprentice to join their ...

Broadwind

Manufacturing Engineer - Machining

Cicero, IL · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

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!

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachining JobsMachining Jobs in Chicago, IL

Machining information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$68K

$93.5K

$132.4K

How much do machining jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for machining in Chicago, IL is $93,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $99,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machinist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machinist, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with blueprint reading, typically supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Proficiency with CNC machines, manual lathes, milling machines, and familiarity with CAD/CAM software are essential, along with relevant certifications such as NIMS. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure precision manufacturing, safe operations, and efficient collaboration in producing high-quality components.

What is machining?

Machining is a manufacturing process in which material is removed from a workpiece to shape or finish it into the desired form, typically using tools such as lathes, mills, or drills. It is commonly used in metalworking but can also be applied to plastics, wood, and other materials. Machining processes include cutting, drilling, grinding, and turning, and are essential for creating precise parts for various industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Skilled machinists operate these machines, read blueprints, and use measuring instruments to ensure accuracy. Advancements in technology, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, have greatly improved precision and efficiency in the field.

What is a machining job?

Machining jobs refer to positions in the manufacturing industry that operate computers and machines to create metal parts. Job titles include machinist, mill hand, toolmaker, or fitter. Machinists use powerful tools, such as lathes, grinders, lasers, millers, drill presses, and planers to cut large pieces of metal, wood, glass, or plastics, and turn them into specialized tools. Examples of machinist products include bolts, pistons, and parts for automobiles and airplanes. Precision is a machinist’s top priority; they must carefully manage every step of their process, from developing a plan to cooling the metal.

What is the difference between Machining vs CNC Operator?

AspectMachiningCNC Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; CNC programming knowledge often preferred
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, manufacturing plantsManufacturing facilities, machine shops
Job RoleOperating various manual or semi-automatic machines to shape partsSetting up, operating, and monitoring CNC machines
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, aerospace, automotivePrimarily in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive sectors

Machining involves operating manual or semi-automatic machines to create parts, requiring technical skills and hands-on work. CNC Operators focus on programming and managing CNC machines, often requiring knowledge of G-code and setup procedures. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ in technical complexity and automation level.

What are some of the common challenges faced by machinists on the job, and how can they be managed?

Machinists often encounter challenges such as tight production deadlines, maintaining high precision in parts manufacturing, and keeping up with evolving CNC technology. Managing these challenges typically involves strong attention to detail, effective time management, and continuous learning to stay current with new machinery and software. Collaborating closely with engineers and quality control teams also helps resolve production issues quickly and ensures that finished products meet specifications.
More about Machining jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Machining jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Machining jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Machining jobs in Chicago, IL? For Machining jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Machining jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Machining jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Machining jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Machining job openings:
Machining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machining job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,550 per year, or $45 per hour.

CNC Milling Set Up Operator

Acme Machining

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The CNC Mill Setup Technician is an experienced, self-sufficient machinist responsible for setting up, proving out, and running complex CNC milling programs on second shift with minimal supervision. This is not an operator role — it is a setup role. The right candidate owns the machine from job launch to last part, troubleshoots independently, holds tight tolerances on high-mix, low-volume aerospace and defense components, and has the instinct and experience to be the last line of defense on second shift.

Essential Responsibilities
  • Perform complete job setups on CNC vertical and/or horizontal machining centers from engineering drawings, routers, and work orders
  • Select, install, and qualify tooling, fixtures, and workholding for each job
  • Prove out new and revised programs; make offsets, edits, and parameter adjustments as needed to achieve first-article approval
  • Run in-process and final inspection using precision measurement tools — micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and CMM where applicable
  • Read and interpret GD&T and blueprints accurately and independently
  • Diagnose and resolve machine alarms, tooling failures, surface condition issues, and out-of-tolerance conditions without waiting for engineering or programming support
  • Maintain accurate production records, setup sheets, first-article documentation, and non-conformance reports
  • Transition jobs cleanly to operators once setups are proven; document setups clearly for repeatability
  • Support shift continuity by communicating open issues, in-process jobs, and priorities to day shift at turnover
  • Follow all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards; support 5S on the shop floor
  • Participate in cross-training and knowledge transfer as the team grows
Qualifications

Required:

  • 5+ years of CNC milling experience with demonstrated setup responsibility — not operator-only background
  • Ability to set up jobs start to finish independently, including workholding, tooling, and program prove-out
  • Proficiency reading blueprints and GD&T
  • Experience with precision measurement and first-article inspection
  • Ability to troubleshoot out-of-tolerance conditions, tool wear issues, and machine alarms independently

Preferred:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, or heavy industrial precision manufacturing
  • Familiarity with FANUC controls
  • Exposure to AS9100 or ISO quality management systems
  • Experience with high-mix, low-volume complex component manufacturing
  • Experience informally training or mentoring less experienced operators
What We Offer
  • Competitive hourly wage commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
  • A stable, growing company with 70+ years of history and a long-term ownership mindset
  • Complex, interesting work — high-mix aerospace and defense components, not repetitive production runs
  • Active investment in workforce development and apprenticeship — room to grow into training, lead, and mentorship roles