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Trainee Cnc Router Operator Jobs in Naperville, IL

Moldmaker

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees. Primary Job Responsibilities Build tooling to ... operating system, and CAD/CAM software Functional knowledge of CNC, EDM, manual milling, and ...

Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees. Primary Job Responsibilities Build tooling to ... operating system, and CAD/CAM software Functional knowledge of CNC, EDM, manual milling, and ...

... operating system, and CAD/CAM software * Functional knowledge of CNC, EDM, manual milling, and ... Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees as needed * Document and monitor departmental KPI ...

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Trainee Cnc Router Operator information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do trainee cnc router operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee cnc router operator in Naperville, IL is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Cnc Router Operator vs Cnc Router Programmer?

AspectTrainee Cnc Router OperatorCnc Router Programmer
Required CredentialsBasic technical skills, on-the-job trainingAdvanced knowledge of CNC programming, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floors, operating CNC machines under supervisionDesign and write CNC programs, often in office or design areas
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in manufacturing, woodworking, metalworkingSpecialized role in manufacturing, requiring programming expertise

The Trainee Cnc Router Operator typically learns to operate CNC routers through on-the-job training, focusing on machine operation and safety. In contrast, the Cnc Router Programmer designs and develops the CNC programs, requiring more technical skills and knowledge. While the trainee role is entry-level, the programmer role is more specialized, often requiring prior experience or certifications.

What can I expect during my first few months as a Trainee CNC Router Operator?

As a Trainee CNC Router Operator, your initial months will typically focus on hands-on training with experienced operators, learning machine setup, basic programming, and safety protocols. You’ll gradually take on more responsibility, such as monitoring machine operations and performing routine maintenance. The work environment is usually a team-oriented production floor, where collaboration with supervisors, engineers, and quality control staff is common. Expect to spend time troubleshooting minor issues and learning to read technical drawings. This period is crucial for building a strong foundation in CNC operations and understanding the workflow of your team.

What does a Trainee CNC Router Operator do?

A Trainee CNC Router Operator assists in operating computer-controlled cutting machines known as CNC routers, which are used to cut and shape materials like wood, plastic, or metal. In this entry-level role, trainees learn how to set up the machine, load materials, read technical drawings, and monitor the cutting process under supervision. They also help with basic machine maintenance and ensure that finished products meet quality standards. Over time, trainees gain the skills needed to operate CNC routers independently and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee CNC Router Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee CNC Router Operator, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, CNC machine controls, and safety protocols is usually required, though formal certification may be gained on the job. Strong problem-solving skills, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help trainees stand out in this hands-on role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring precision, maintaining safety, and supporting efficient manufacturing processes.
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Cnc Router Operator jobs in Naperville, IL? For Trainee Cnc Router Operator jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Trainee Cnc Router Operator jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Trainee Cnc Router Operator job openings:
Builder/Maker/Cabinet Maker | Exhibits, Events | Woodridge, IL

Builder/Maker/Cabinet Maker | Exhibits, Events | Woodridge, IL

PINNACLE

Woodridge, IL

$24 - $35/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Want to make cool stuff with your hands?

We are doing some incredible things here at Pinnacle. We’re all about challenging convention and doing the hard work it takes to create mind-blowing digital and physical experiences, events, exhibits and environments for some of the world’s top brands. Our Rules of Engagement—being gracious, invested and creative—reward imagination and encourage disruptive thinking in the pursuit of flawless execution for our clients.

We are based in Portland, Oregon with facilities in both Northern and Southern California, Chicago, Illinois, Raleigh Durham, North Carolina and two groups in Connecticut! We are recruiting for talented Builders to work in our Woodridge, IL facility. Our builders work with a skilled team of designers and fabricators to produce innovative brand experiences.

Unlike residential cabinetry where you build the same boxes every day, we build high-end, custom environments for trade shows. Every week is a different project. If you enjoy precision fabrication, working with diverse materials, and seeing a massive structure come together from a set of prints, this is the spot for you.

Some nuts and bolts about what our Builders do on the daily:

  • You will build cool stuff! You can see it, touch it and smell it and be proud of what you’ve made!
  • Using your general finish carpentry experience, you’ll use table saws, routers and all kinds of hand tools to fabricate custom, large-scale exhibits, events, activations, environments!
  • Along with your lead and the Project Manager, you will determine the best way to construct something. You’ll look at detail drawings and solve the puzzle.
  • You’ll assemble CNC parts to create cabinets, counters, walls, fixtures.
  • You’ll laminate, peel laminate and laminate some more.
  • You’ll get to be creative and tactical all day every day.
  • Fabrication: Building custom counters, kiosks, and large-scale booth structures from plywood, MDF, and hardwoods.
  • Laminating: Proficient use of high-pressure laminates (HPL) and veneers.
  • Blueprint Reading: Working from detailed shop drawings and cut lists to assemble complex units.
  • Tool Operation: Safe and expert use of table saws, routers, miter saws, and pneumatic fasteners.

We are an energetic and creative bunch and have high expectations for all of our employees. In addition to being fun to work with, we would like to hire someone with the following experience, skills, and attributes:

  • 2+ years of professional experience in a cabinet shop or scenic fabrication environment.
  • Problem Solvers: You can look at a drawing and figure out the best assembly sequence.
  • Detail-Oriented: Tight seams and flush laminates are a must.
  • Team Players: We work in a collaborative shop environment with tight deadlines.
  • Experience with CNC operation or assembly of CNC-routed parts.
  • Knowledge of specialty hardware (cam locks, hanging brackets, LED integration).
  • You pay attention to the details—you have a dedication to excellence. You take pride in your work.
  • You can work some crazy hours. We get busy!

Our culture is important to us, and we are looking to hire interesting, enthusiastic people who enjoy working hard and helping our clients build their brands. We believe we can build a more creative, nimble, and devoted workforce to provide better service to our clients if we focus on both diversity and inclusion. Pinnacle is at its best when everyone is respected, included, and heard. We believe in creating a work environment where everyone can show up as themselves and feel empowered to do their best work every day. We are a team-based company with each employee operating at the individual contributor level meaning we all have to be the experts at what we bring to the table. It’s energizing and challenging and rewarding! We offer a well-rounded benefits package that includes PTO, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance and long term disability.

We are looking for full and part time folks. We look forward to hearing from you!