CNC Operator

Chemring Group; Downers Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Life insurance and supplemental cover

Job summary

The CNC Operator at Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) supports high-precision manufacturing by ensuring CNC equipment is prepared, aligned, and optimized for production. The position will produce finished parts and components according to drawings and specifications, contributing to efficiency and continuous improvement.

Candidates should have at least 2 years of CNC experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and familiarity with GD&T and precision metrology.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years CNC operator experience.
• Knowledge of GD&T and precision measurement tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with CMS in-process inspection is a plus.
• ITAR restrictions clearance and explosives eligibility required.

Responsibilities

• Interpret drawings to produce parts from stock to finished product.
• Operate multiple machines with tight tolerances.
• Adjust offsets to stay within print tolerances.
• Monitor tool wear and document inspections.
• Follow standard work and CMS procedures for production.
• Ensure output matches job requirements and quantity targets.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

Reading drawings

Precision metrology

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High School diploma

NIMS/trade certificate preferred

Tools

CNC Lathes

Vertical Machining Centers

CMS system

Job description

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission‑critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $23.50 to $28.75 / hour. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

JOB SUMMARY

The CNC Operator plays an essential role in supporting high‑precision manufacturing by ensuring CNC equipment is properly prepared, aligned, and optimized for production. The position will produce finished parts and components according to specifications and will contribute to operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Interpret part drawings, including basic engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing; use drawings to produce parts from raw stock to finished product
• Ability to operate multiple machines simultaneously
• Adjust offsets to stay within part drawing tolerance
• Monitor tool wear and document Tool Wear Sheets and Inspection Logs
• Operate CNC Lathes and Vertical Machining Centers with the capacity to hold close tolerances on production runs
• Ability to follow standard work instructions as provided by the Set‑Up Operator or CNC Programmer
• Monitor production quantities to ensure the correct number of parts are produced and that output stays on pace with job requirements
• Check part to print dimensions using micrometers, calipers, drop indicator, Go/No Go gages (thread plug, thread ring, pin gages), functional gages, and precision gage blocks
• Perform part preparation and finishing activities, including washing parts, deburring parts, cutting stock, and deburring parts while the machine is in operation
• Accurately clock in and out of jobs using PJD or MOD numbers and work closely with CMS in‑process inspection

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ensure 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Special projects and additional duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalency
• NIMS or trade school certificate preferred

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 2 years of experience as CNC machine operator

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Lawful US Person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
• Ability to maintain physical stability, control, and precision when performing tasks that require delicate manipulation or fine motor skills
• Ability to use tools to make adjustments to machines and tooling
• Ability to communicate effectively within the CMS team environment, and other functional departments as required
• Complete all work while adhering to safety requirements

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Use of computer. Additionally, must have the ability to sit or stand in a machine shop environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, oil mist, and the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may require ear protection.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

CED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] or call [phone]and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.