FOREMAN OF MACHINISTS

City of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 132,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chicago seeks a Foreman of Machinists for the Chicago Department of Transportation, Division of In-House Construction. You will supervise journeyman machinists, read blueprints, plan and schedule work, and ensure safety and quality at 1501 West Pershing Road. Hours are 7:30 a.m.

– 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Starting salary is $65.89 per hour under the IA Machinists Local 126. Qualifications include eight years as a machinist or approved apprenticeship with journeyman status plus two

Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of journey-level experience as a Machinist or equivalent.
• Apprenticeship training program with journeyman status + 2 years journey-level experience, or company/industry-sponsored apprenticeship + 4 years journey-level experience.
• Valid State of Illinois driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise journey-level machinists engaged in manufacturing, repair, and rebuilding of precision metal parts.
• Study blueprints, specifications, or models to assess job scope and materials.
• Plan, assign, and schedule jobs based on priorities and resources; monitor progress.

Skills

Leadership

Blueprint reading

Planning

Education

Journeyman Machinist

Machinist apprenticeship

Tools

CNC machinery

Metalworking tools

Job description

FOREMAN OF MACHINISTS

Job Number: 416482

BID ANNOUNCEMENT

Foreman of Machinist, PR

Chicago Department of Transportation

Division of In-House Construction

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $65.89p/h

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on September 22, 2026

This position is covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS LOCAL 126 (BARGAINING UNIT #36). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid on this position.

Under general supervision, supervises journey-level machinists engaged in the manufacturing, repair, and rebuilding of precision metal parts for the maintenance of mechanical equipment and machinery. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Studies blueprints, specifications, or models of parts to be made to assess size of job and amount of work required.
• Monitors the inspection and dismantling of mechanical equipment and machinery and reviews diagnoses of malfunctions and needed repairs.
• Prepares cost estimates of labor and materials needed to complete repair jobs.
• Plans, assigns, and schedules jobs based on established priorities and the availability of resources.
• Orders materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Makes staff work assignments and monitors work in progress to ensure efficiency, timeliness, and adherence to safety procedures.
• Provides technical assistance in unusual or difficult fabrication jobs.
• Inspects finished products for compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Oversee the installation and testing of new and rebuilt parts, mechanical equipment, and machinery to ensure malfunctions have been corrected.
• Trains staff in work and safety procedures and evaluates their performance.
• Works with other trades at job sites to ensure efficiency of operations.
• Approves employee time records.
• Maintains work records and prepares project status reports.
• Tests of new machine tools, including computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, and make recommendations for possible acquisition.

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location: 1501 West Pershing Road

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience

• Eight (8) years of journey-level experience as a Machinist, OR
• Successful completion of a US Department of Labor registered Machinist apprenticeship training program and journeyman status, plus two (2) years of journey-level machinist work experience, OR
• Successful completion of a company or industry sponsored apprenticeship training program as Machinist, plus four (4) years of journey-level experience as a Machinist.

NOTE: A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to loud noise, fumes or dust, oily or wet environment
• Exposure to hazardous conditions (e.g., heavy machinery)

EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment (e.g. telephone, printer, photocopier, fax machine, calculator)
• Computer and peripheral equipment (e.g. personal computers, computer terminals, hand-held computers, modems)
• Hand and power tools (e.g., wrench, plied, die grinders, buffers)
• Standard tools and equipment of the machinist trade (e.g., machine tools, precision instruments, micrometers, dial indicators)
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, shoes, glasses, gloves, vest, pads)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Substantial lifting (up to 50 pounds) is required * Ability to stand and walk for extended or continuous periods of time
• Ability to quickly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with one's body, arms, and/or legs
• Ability to operate applicable hand tools, power tools, and equipment.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to successfully pass a written test / skills assessment and complete an interview. Test results will be sent out by the Department of Human Resources after test results have been analyzed and compiled. The interviewed candidate(s) receiving a passing score on the test and possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected in seniority order according to the collective bargaining agreement.

For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html

For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf

Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. The Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor