Trainee High Precision Manufacturing Jobs in Elgin, IL

Dexter Magnetic Technologies “Dexter”, headquartered just outside of Chicago, engineers and manufactures low-volume/high-value critical precision assemblies that are components of larger systems for the defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and medical markets. We are the leading player in North America, having significant growth over the past seven years, by offering unique solutions to our customers’ magnetic engineering challenge.

Basic Purpose and Objective of the Position:

The Precision Machining Technician is responsible for independently setting up, operating, optimizing, and maintaining high-precision manufacturing processes involving Wire EDM, grinding, slicing, and related precision machining technologies used in the production of advanced magnetic and precision components. The role is responsible for maintaining process stability, dimensional accuracy, manufacturing quality, traceability, and repeatable production performance within a highly disciplined precision manufacturing environment.

The position requires a technician capable of working within tight tolerances, interpreting technical documentation independently, identifying process instability proactively, and maintaining consistent manufacturing standards with minimal supervision. This position requires a higher level of technical responsibility than a typical machine operation role, including independent setup, process optimization, quality verification, and troubleshooting activities. The role requires strong technical judgment, precision-oriented thinking, personal accountability, and a commitment to quality, safety, and manufacturing discipline. During the initial European site build-up and ramp-up phase, the position also supports equipment commissioning, process validation, manufacturing readiness activities, assembly operations, and other production support activities as required.

• Independently set up, operate, optimize, and control precision manufacturing processes involving EDM, grinding, slicing, and related precision machining operations.
• Manufacture precision components involving dimensional tolerances in the low-micron range where required, critical dimensions, demanding surface requirements, and repeatable manufacturing performance.
• Read, interpret, and execute technical drawings, GD&T requirements, dimensional tolerances, manufacturing specifications, and process documentation independently.
• Perform machine setup, tooling changes, offsets, NC program creation and modification, parameter optimization, and process adjustments required to achieve dimensional accuracy, process stability, and repeatable manufacturing performance. Support equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities during the initial site build-up and ramp-up phase.
• Identify dimensional deviations, tooling wear, process instability, machine abnormalities, or potential quality risks proactively before non-conforming product is produced.
• Perform dimensional inspections, process verification, production documentation, ERP transactions, and manufacturing traceability activities in accordance with quality requirements.
• Execute prototype manufacturing, precision assembly operations, and other manufacturing support activities as required by operational priorities.
• Maintain high standards regarding cleanliness, organization, workmanship, safety, and manufacturing discipline within a high-precision production environment.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance, equipment care, and machine reliability activities required to sustain stable manufacturing operations.
• Contribute to operational flexibility, process stability, knowledge transfer, cross-training, and continuous improvement initiatives within a growing precision manufacturing environment.

Education:

• Technical vocational training in precision manufacturing, machining, toolmaking, industrial mechanics, precision grinding, EDM, or comparable technical disciplines preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience within high-precision manufacturing, EDM, grinding, slicing, or comparable high-precision machining environments.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating precision manufacturing equipment independently.
• Proven ability to work within tight tolerances, critical dimensions, and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of technical drawings, GD&T requirements, dimensional tolerances, and manufacturing documentation.
• Confident use of precision inspection equipment including micrometres, gauges, callipers, dial indicators, and related measuring instruments.
• Background in Wire EDM, precision grinding, surface grinding, slicing, or comparable precision machining processes.
• Experience within aerospace, semiconductor, medical device, tooling, or similarly demanding manufacturing environments is considered advantageous.
• Experience with CNC programming, CAM systems, or CNC machining environments is considered advantageous.