CNC Machinist

CNC Machinist – Custom / High-Mix Machining

A growing, privately held manufacturing company in the western Chicago suburbs is looking for an experienced CNC Machinist to join its production team. This is a highly hands-on opportunity for someone who enjoys custom, one-off machining projects rather than running the same production parts all day.

You’ll work closely with engineers and machine builders to turn prints and concepts into finished components used in custom automation and engineered-to-order equipment. The work is high-mix, low-volume, and gives you significant ownership over how each job gets machined.

What You’ll Do

• Take engineering drawings from print to finished component, determining the best machining approach for each job
• Program, set up, prove out, and operate CNC milling equipment
• Primarily work with multi-axis CNC mills, including Haas equipment
• Select tooling, establish workholding, and determine appropriate speeds and feeds
• Inspect your own work using micrometers, calipers, indicators, and other precision measuring equipment
• Work directly with Mechanical Engineers to clarify prints and address manufacturability questions
• Manage multiple jobs and prioritize work across a variety of custom projects
• Machine components for custom automation, tooling, material handling, and engineered equipment

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of CNC machining experience
• Strong CNC milling experience with the ability to independently program, set up, prove out, and run parts
• Experience programming from engineering drawings using CAM software
• Strong blueprint reading, shop math, tolerancing, tooling, speeds/feeds, and workholding knowledge
• Ability to inspect your own work with precision measuring equipment
• Self-directed mindset with the ability to manage multiple jobs without constant supervision
• Comfortable working in a smaller, collaborative manufacturing environment

Nice to Have

• Haas CNC mill experience
• Doosan or DMG experience
• BobCAD, SolidWorks CAM, or similar CAM software
• Manual machining experience with Bridgeport/knee mills, lathes, or surface grinders
• Experience machining components for custom machinery, automation, tooling, or engineered-to-order equipment
• Experience holding tight tolerances, including work down to .0002"
• Mechanical assembly or machine-building experience

Why This Opportunity?

• Custom, high-mix machining — very little repetitive production work
• Up to $40/hour, with flexibility up to $45/hour for an exceptional candidate
• Company-wide 3% bonus, potentially closer to 4% this year
• Annual merit-based compensation review
• 10-hour shifts, Monday–Thursday
• Significant overtime available — typically Fridays, with additional Saturday opportunities
• Work alongside engineers and experienced machine builders
• Growing company with automation at the forefront of its business
• Privately held company with a close-knit, family-oriented culture
• Opportunity to take real ownership of projects from raw material to finished component

Location: Plainfield, IL
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 10-hour shifts + overtime opportunities
Compensation: Up to $40/hour; up to $45/hour for an exceptional candidate + company-wide bonus
Job Type: Full-time, direct hire