Honing Machine Operator

Honing Machine Operator

The Honing Machine Operator sets up and operates manual and CNC honing equipment to produce precision components to tight tolerances. This role focuses on achieving accurate internal and external surface finishes, optimizing machining processes, and ensuring consistent product quality through careful setup, operation, and inspection.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate manual and/or CNC honing machines to achieve precise internal and external surface finishes.
• Hone components such as cylinders, bearings, and bores to tight tolerances using appropriate tooling and abrasives.
• Adjust honing parameters, including speed, pressure, and stroke, to maintain required surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
• Troubleshoot machine and tooling issues to minimize downtime and maintain consistent production flow.
• Perform machine changeovers and replace tools between jobs to meet production requirements.
• Maintain proper coolant levels and ensure adequate lubrication of machines and tooling.
• Use inspection tools such as micrometers and bore gauges to verify part dimensions and surface finish.
• Read and interpret blueprints to understand specifications, tolerances, and machining requirements.
• Support process improvements aimed at reducing cycle times, improving quality, and minimizing scrap.
• Contribute to a clean, organized, and safe work area in and around the honing machines.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience setting up and operating manual hone machines.
• 2+ years of experience with /OD grinding;
  Studer grinding experience is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of precision machining and working to tight tolerances.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints accurately.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations related to machining and measurements.
• Hands-on experience using inspection tools such as micrometers and bore gauges.
• Familiarity with process optimization in a machining environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining and tooling issues during production.
• Experience working with manual machines in a production or job-shop environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Sunnen honing equipment or similar manual honing machines.
• Experience working with hydraulic cylinders or similar precision cylindrical components.
• Exposure to fixture design and tooling setup to support honing operations.
• Experience with calibration of measuring tools and equipment.
• Precision grinding experience in aerospace or other high-tolerance industries.
• Understanding of tight-tolerance requirements for aerospace or similar applications.
• Comfort working with both internal () and external (OD) grinding and honing processes.

Why Work Here?

Join a precision-focused manufacturing environment where your machining skills directly impact product quality and performance. You will work with high-accuracy equipment, gain exposure to advanced honing and grinding processes, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and reduce scrap. The schedule offers structured hours with the opportunity for overtime, providing both stability and the potential to increase earnings, while dedicated training supports your success in the role.

Work Environment

This position operates in a machining and precision manufacturing environment focused on tight-tolerance components, including applications such as aerospace. You will work primarily on a shift from Monday through Thursday, 3:24 p.m. to 1:54 a.m., with overtime as needed on Fridays. Mandatory initial training takes place on day shift for the first two weeks, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The role involves regular use of manual and CNC honing machines, as well as inspection tools such as micrometers and bore gauges.

The environment is production-oriented, where maintaining machine lubrication, coolant levels, and a clean, organized work area is essential to safe and efficient operation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Machesney Park, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/hr eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Machesney Park, IL.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.