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

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.

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.

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

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

Materials You'll Work With

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Other materials used in motor and gearbox components

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

Pay, Benefits & Schedule

• Pay Range: $31-$45/hour (based on experience)
• Full-time, stable role
• Benefits offered by a global engineering-driven organization

Apply

Interested machinists can apply directly through hireCNC.

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