CNC Machinist - Engineering Lab

At a Glance

Company:  Nidec

Location:

Hoffman Estates, IL
Job Type:  Full-Time
Pay Range:  $31–$45/hour (based on experience)

Shift:  Day Shift
Overtime:  As needed
Experience Level:  Mid–Senior (3–5+ years)
Work Environment:  Engineering Lab / Non-Production

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- Why This Role Exists

This role exists to support  product engineering, prototyping, and R&D efforts  within Nidec’s Engineering Lab. Rather than running production, this machinist plays a hands-on role in developing, refining, and validating machining processes for  gearboxes and motor components .

You’ll work directly with engineers, contribute to problem-solving discussions, and help shape how prototype parts are machined — making this an ideal role for a machinist who enjoys  variety, ownership, and technical collaboration .

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- The Work You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

Take ownership of machining projects from planning through completion

Set up, program, and operate CNC and manual machines

Machine prototype components, gears, and tooling to tight tolerances

Read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and engineering specifications

Hob and inspect gears and pinions using proper tooling and metrology

Create and modify CNC programs using G-code and CAM software

Perform in-process and first-article inspections and make adjustments

Participate in engineering problem-solving meetings

Develop and refine machining processes for continuous improvement

Maintain machines, tooling, and a clean 5S-compliant workspace

This is a  hands-on, start-to-finish role  where your machining judgment and problem-solving skills matter.

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- Machines, Controls & Software

You’ll work with equipment such as:

Machines:

CNC Mills (Haas, Sharp)

Manual Mills & Lathes

Gear Hobbing Equipment

Opportunity to expand into grinders and other machines

Controls & Programming:

G-Code programming

FeatureCAM

Inspection & Measurement:

Precision measurement tools for tight-tolerance gear inspection

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- What We’re Looking For

Required

3+ years of CNC machining experience

Experience setting up and operating CNC mills

Familiarity with manual lathe operations

Strong blueprint reading and troubleshooting skills

Solid understanding of tooling, setups, and inspection

Ability to manage time and work independently

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Preferred (Not Required)

CAM programming experience

Experience with gear cutting and toolmaking

Exposure to grinders and drill presses

Prototype, R&D, or engineering lab experience

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- Materials You’ll Work With

Steel

Aluminum

Other materials used in motor and gearbox components

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- Why Machinists Like Working Here

Machinists choose Nidec because this role offers:

A  non-production engineering lab environment

Direct collaboration with engineering teams

High-variety, technically interesting work

Ownership over setups, programming, and process development

Clean, organized, safety-focused workspace

Opportunities to expand skills across machines and processes

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- Pay, Benefits & Schedule

Pay Range:  $31–$45/hour (based on experience)

Full-time, stable role

Benefits offered by a global engineering-driven organization

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- Apply

Interested machinists can apply directly through  hire

CNC .

Apply Now  or  Save This Job  to come back later.