Machinist

Element Materials Technology; Glendale Heights (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology Chicago in Glendale Heights, IL is seeking an experienced Machinist to set up and operate CNC and conventional machine tools to produce precision test specimens and components for material and product testing.

The role requires reading engineering drawings, programming CNC machines, inspecting parts, and collaborating with technicians and engineers. Hours are 7am–3pm, with DOE salary of $27-$32 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of professional machining experience.
• Experience operating CNC mills and/or lathes.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, feeds/speeds, and work holding.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers, gauges).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with trouble-shooting machining issues.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with technicians/engineers.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC and conventional machine tools to produce precision test specimens.
• Machine metals, alloys, composites for test purposes.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications, GD&T requirements.
• Program CNC machines and choose tooling, workholding, and parameters.
• Inspect finished specimens for conformance before lab testing.
• Maintain production and inspection documentation per ASTM, ISO, and internal requirements.

Skills

Machining

CNC programming

GD&T interpretation

Measuring equipment

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

EDM

Waterjet

Job description

Overview

Element Materials Technology Chicago is seeking an experienced Machinist to join our growing team in Glendale Heights, IL. Working with laboratory technicians, engineers, and metallurgists, the Machinist will set up and operate conventional and CNC machine tools to produce precision test specimens and components that meet specified dimensional and surface-finish requirements supporting critical material and product testing.

This position is ideal for a machinist who enjoys precision work, problem-solving, advanced materials, fixture development, and interpreting engineering drawings. Opportunities are available for continued technical development and career advancement.

Salary: $27- $32/hr DOE

Hours: 7am - 3pm (with earlier flexibiliy if needed)

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC and conventional machine tools, including mills, lathes, saws, grinders, and related equipment, to produce precision test specimens.
• Machine metals, alloys, composites, and other engineering materials for tensile, fatigue, fracture toughness, impact, hardness, corrosion, metallurgical, and other materials testing.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, customer specifications, SOPs, and GD&T requirements.
• Program CNC machines and select appropriate tooling, workholding, cutting parameters, and machining processes based on material and specimen requirements.
• Perform precision machining to specified dimensional, geometric, and surface-finish requirements, making necessary machine and program adjustments.
• Inspect and verify completed specimens for conformance with applicable requirements before release for laboratory testing.
• Identify and troubleshoot machining, tooling, equipment, and material issues, collaborating with laboratory and engineering personnel as needed.
• Maintain accurate production and inspection documentation and follow applicable ASTM, ISO, customer, Element, safety, and quality requirements.
• Prioritize work to meet customer turnaround requirements, maintain equipment and work areas, and support continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, and productivity.

Skills / Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional machining experience.
• Experience operating CNC machining equipment, including CNC mills and/or lathes.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling, feeds and speeds, and work holding.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, gauges, and similar inspection tools.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and troubleshoot machining issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with technicians, engineers, and laboratory personnel.
• Preferred Skills and Qualificationso Technical or vocational training in machining or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.o Experience programming and adjusting CNC equipment.o Experience operating EDM, waterjet, or other specialized machining equipment.
• Physical Demandso Ability to stand for extended periods while performing machining activities.
• Ability to frequently lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift items weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform work requiring a moderate level of physical exertion.

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.