CNC Operator/CNC Machinist

The Fountain Group; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Group is seeking a CNC Machinist in West Chicago, IL to support the Specialty Tooling Department. The role requires safely setting up, operating, and supporting CNC and manual milling equipment to manufacture and repair dies, molds, and tooling components.

Candidates should have extensive machining experience, be proficient with Mastercam and AutoCAD, read drawings and 3D models, and work from digital design data while maintaining quality and on-time production in a fast-paced shop.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of machine shop and CNC milling experience.
• 2–5 years of Mastercam and AutoCAD programming.
• Familiarity with G-code and M-code.
• Experience reading drawings and 3D models.
• Ability to select tooling and maintain tolerances.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and shop standards.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines, manual mills, and lathes.
• Read customer drawings and 3D models.
• Use Mastercam and G/M code to support programs.
• Inspect parts with micrometers and calipers.
• Adjust feeds/speeds and tooling for quality and cost.
• Troubleshoot issues and maintain specs.
• Support workflow priorities and timely completion.
• Assist training of less experienced machinists.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CNC milling

Mastercam

AutoCAD

G-code

3D models

M-code

Precision measurement

Reading drawings

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Trade school preferred

Tools

Mastercam

AutoCAD

Job description

Title: CNC Machinist

Location: West Chicago, IL

Duration: 6+ months (Possible extension/conversion based on performance and budget)

Hourly Rate on W2: $35/hr.

The CNC Machinist supports the Specialty Tooling Department by safely setting up, operating, and supporting CNC and manual milling equipment used to manufacture and repair dies, molds, and tooling components. Safety is the top priority in this role, requiring consistent adherence to all safe work practices, standard procedures, and quality expectations while maintaining efficient production across manned and unmanned operations.

This position requires strong machining knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work from drawings, 3D models, project communications, and Mastercam programs. The CNC Machinist will operate equipment including Toyoda, Okuma, Nidec, Haas, manual mills, and lathes while supporting continuous improvement, inspection, troubleshooting, and workflow priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all safety procedures, job safety practices, and shop standards at all times.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines, manual mills, and lathes to produce and repair tooling components.
• Read and interpret customer drawings, 3D models, specifications, and project communications.
• Utilize Mastercam and G/M code knowledge to support machining programs and efficient production.
• Inspect parts using micrometers, calipers, height indicators, and other measuring equipment to ensure quality requirements are met.
• Adjust feeds, speeds, cutting tools, and machining methods to improve quality, throughput, and cost effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot machining or program issues and make necessary adjustments to maintain specifications.
• Support workflow priorities, repair processes, and timely completion of scheduled work.
• Assist in training and supporting less experienced machinists as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Experience

• 8+ years of machine shop and CNC mill operation experience preferred.
• 2–5 years of programming experience with Mastercam and AutoCAD preferred.
• Familiarity with G-code and M-code required.
• Experience handling 3D models and applying machining strategies from digital design data.
• Ability to select tooling, configure cutting tools, and apply good manufacturing practices.
• Proficient with measuring equipment and capable of holding tight tolerances.
• Strong communication, math, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; trade school, associate degree, or related certification preferred.