Machinist

Clinkenbeard; South Beloit (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Clinkenbeard in South Beloit, IL, is seeking a full-time Machinist to set up and operate CNC and manual machines, producing precision components for industrial and aerospace customers. You will interpret drawings, select tooling, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances and surface finishes.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineers and production staff to optimize processes, support rapid prototyping, and maintain safety and quality standards in AS9100 / ISO 9001 environments.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T accurately.
• Experience in machining with tight tolerances and high-quality finishes.
• Knowledge of basic CNC programming or editing (G-code, offsets).
• Commitment to AS9100 / ISO 9001 environments and safety.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC and manual machines to produce precision components.
• Interpret blueprints and work instructions to select tooling and fixtures.
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, and gauges; document results.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to improve processes and meet rapid-turnaround deadlines.

Skills

CNC machining

Blueprints & GD&T

Materials: metals & plastics

G-code knowledge

AS9100 / ISO 9001 awareness

Teamwork & deadlines

Apprenticeship/technical training

Safety & quality focus

Education

Vocational/technical machining training

Tools

G-code

Offsets editing

Job description

Company Description

Clinkenbeard has been serving industrial and aerospace OEMs since 1966 with rapid-turnaround complex machined parts and assemblies. The company is a worldwide leader in rapid prototyping and production of complex cast and machined components, supported by strong in-house engineering and concurrent manufacturing expertise. Clinkenbeard’s core capabilities include rapid metal castings, development hardware, prototype through bridge and low-volume production quantities, and advanced 5-axis CNC machining of metals and plastics, including exotic alloys. The team also produces mechanical mockups, cutaways, training devices, and part-task training tools, delivering high quality and customer service while helping clients reduce costs. Clinkenbeard is AS9100 and ISO 9001:2008 certified and ITAR compliant, offering a professional environment focused on precision and continuous improvement.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Machinist role based in South Beloit, IL. The Machinist will set up and operate CNC and manual machines to produce precision components according to engineering drawings and work instructions. Daily responsibilities include interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate tooling and fixtures, performing machine setups and offsets, and monitoring machining operations to ensure parts meet dimensional and surface finish requirements. The role involves inspecting parts with measurement tools, documenting results, and making adjustments to optimize quality and efficiency. The Machinist will also perform routine machine maintenance, follow safety and quality procedures, collaborate with engineers and production staff on process improvements, and support rapid prototyping and small production runs for industrial and aerospace customers.

Qualifications

• Strong CNC and manual machining skills, including setup, operation, and adjustment of mills, lathes, and 5-axis equipment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, engineering drawings, and GD&T, with accurate use of measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Experience machining metals and plastics, including aluminum, steels, and exotic alloys, with a focus on tight tolerances and high-quality finishes.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, shop math, and basic CNC programming or editing (G-code, offsets) is highly beneficial.
• Commitment to safety, quality standards, and continuous improvement within AS9100 / ISO 9001 environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering and production teams, manage multiple jobs, and meet rapid-turnaround deadlines.
• Previous experience as a machinist in industrial or aerospace settings preferred; vocational/technical training or apprenticeship in machining is a plus.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift materials as required, and operate shop equipment in compliance with company safety policies.