Industrial Millwright

CareerNerds; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking an Industrial Millwright Apprentice in Skokie, IL. Earn while you learn in a structured mentorship, handling dies, tooling, and basic machine shop work.

You will gain hands-on experience with lathes, mills, grinders, and drill presses, reading drawings, and maintaining records in a clean, climate-controlled environment. This is a strong foundation role for a long-term career in metal fabrication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training is a plus.
• Some mechanical foundation and willingness to learn in an apprenticeship.
• Experience with manual machining preferred but not required.
• Blueprint reading is a plus.
• Reliable, team-oriented, and committed to a clean, organized work area.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform inspection, repair and refurbishment of dies and tooling under mentorship.
• Fabricate replacement components using manual machine tools.
• Operate lathes, milling machines, surface grinders and drill presses.
• Read engineering drawings and blueprints where available.
• Use precision measurement tools such as micrometers and calipers.
• Support tooling setup, alignment and adjustments to maintain quality.
• Assist production during changeovers, setups and startups as needed.
• Maintain tooling inventory and records of repairs and modifications.
• Follow safety, quality and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Manual machining

Lathe operation

Milling operation

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical or vocational training

Tools

Lathes

Milling machines

Surface grinders

Drill presses

Job description

Industrial Millwright – Apprentice | Manual Machining & Die Repair
Location: Skokie, IL
Pay: $28.00–$32.00/hour
Schedule: 1st Shift

Overview

A respected metal fabrication operation is adding an Industrial Millwright to work directly alongside a seasoned veteran who is ready to pass on decades of hands‑on knowledge. One of two long‑tenured tool room employees recently retired, and the remaining specialist wants to bring in someone eager to learn the trade the right way.

This is not a role where you will be thrown into the deep end alone. The expectation is that the right person comes in with some mechanical foundation, a willingness to absorb a lot, and the attitude to build something long term. The tool room is clean, organized, and climate‑controlled. The environment reflects the standard the team holds itself to.

What the Job Involves

• Learn and perform inspection, repair, and refurbishment of dies, punches, and production tooling under direct mentorship
• Fabricate replacement components and tooling solutions using manual machine tools
• Operate lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and related equipment
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints where available
• Apply hands‑on judgment for legacy tooling that has no existing prints
• Use precision measurement instruments including micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and height gauges
• Support tooling setup, alignment, and adjustments to maintain product quality and dimensions
• Assist production teams during changeovers, setups, and startups as needed
• Maintain tooling inventory and keep accurate records of repairs and modifications
• Follow all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards

What They Need

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training is a strong plus
• Background in manual machining with hands‑on lathe and mill experience preferred
• Mechanically inclined candidates without formal machining experience will be considered if they show strong aptitude and genuine eagerness to learn
• Blueprint reading skills are a plus
• Reliable, team‑oriented, and committed to a clean and organized work environment
• Someone who wants to learn a trade properly, not shortcuts