
CNC PROGRAMMER
Northbrook, ILContract$28–36/hrSeen 2w agoSeen in employer's feed 2 days ago
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Job overview
Kelly Services is hiring CNC programmers for a client in Northbrook, Illinois, at varying experience levels and shifts. The role involves programming and setting up CNC equipment for prototype and low-volume new product introduction runs, verifying component quality, troubleshooting machining issues, and transferring processes to production. The posting describes Kelly Engineering Project Services consultant roles and says this position may lead to direct hire.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Benefits
Full job description
CNC Programmers Team (Northbrook, IL)
Our client is hiring several CNC PROGRAMMERS, varying shifts, starting as Kelly Engineering Project Service Consultants, minimum 2-10 years experience preferred, compensation, $28.00 to $36.00 per hour with a lot of flexibility, depending on experience and skill level.
The CNC Machine Set-Up Operator/ Programmer is responsible for setting up, operating, maintaining, and optimizing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment to support safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations. This position performs machine changeovers, tooling adjustments, first article inspections, preventive maintenance, and process verification while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, Lean Manufacturing, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Responsibilities increase in complexity, independence, and technical expertise based on the assigned level. Level I: Performs routine machine setups, tool changes, changeovers, and daily machine maintenance under general supervision. Learns production processes, completes repeat setups, performs first article inspections, and receives guidance on complex machining and programming activities.
Level II: Performs complex machine setups with minimal supervision. Independently completes new and repeat setups, optimizes machining processes, recommends tooling and cycle time improvements, supports engineering initiatives, and serves as a technical resource while mentoring less experienced operators and Set-Up I’s.
Shifts available:1st Shift, 6:00am to 2:30pm, 2nd Shift, 2:00pm to 10:30pm, 3rd Shift, 10:00pm to 6:30am.
Job Responsibilities:
Collaborate with engineering teams to review new product designs and provide input on manufacturability, particularly regarding CNC machining capabilities and limitations.
Assist in the development and documentation of CNC machining processes, including fixture design, tooling selection, cutting parameters, and inspection criteria for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
Program and set up CNC machines (mills, lathes, etc.) for prototype and low-volume NPI runs, ensuring adherence to specifications and design intent.
Perform first article inspections and conduct detailed measurements to verify the accuracy and quality of machined components.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to CNC machining processes, tooling, and equipment during NPI phases.
Collect and analyze process data, identifying opportunities for improvement in efficiency, cost, and quality for NPI manufacturing.
Work closely with production teams to transfer new CNC machining processes from NPI to sustained production, providing training and support as needed.
Maintain and calibrate CNC machinery and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance and accuracy.
Adhere to all safety protocols, quality standards, and Jabil's operational procedures.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing practices.
Job Qualifications:
Trade or Associate’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology preferred, Machining Technology, or a related technical field; or equivalent practical experience. 2-5 years of experience in a CNC machining environment, with a strong focus on programming, setup, and /or troubleshooting.
Experience performing CNC program edits and optimizing machining processes.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Demonstrated ability to set up and operate various CNC machine tools (e.g., 3-axis, 5-axis mills, lathes).
Strong knowledge of CNC machining principles, tooling, feeds, speeds, and machining practices.
Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and quality issues.
Strong mechanical aptitude and technical problem-solving skills.
Strong mathematical skills and understanding of machining calculations.
Experience with metrology tools and techniques (calipers, micrometers, CMM operation a plus).
Understanding of various CNC programming languages (G-code, M-code) and experience with CAM AND CAD software (e.g., Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM, Fusion 360, Mastercam, Esprit), a strong plus.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
Preferred:
Ability to safely set up and operate CNC lathes, Swiss-type lathes, vertical machining centers, and related manufacturing equipment.
2Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, and work instructions.
3Ability to use precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, calipers, indicators, bore gages, thread gages, height gages, and comparators.
Ability to perform first article inspections and verify product conformance to specifications.
Experience with multi-axis CNC lathes, Swiss-style CNC machines, and vertical machining centers.
Experience with HAAS, Citizen, Star, Tsugami, Miyano, or similar CNC equipment.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments (medical device preferred).
What is it like to start a position as Kelly Engineering Project Services Consultant? Project Service Consultants are Kelly Engineering’s Premier Engineers that tackle our customer’s specialized Engineering Projects- Premium Benefits, including PTO and medical benefits with some of the lowest premiums in the industry. Many of our Project Service roles do not have end dates, and lead to permanent positions within the firms they are consulting (this position is one of those roles, the right person for this role will be groomed for a Direct Hire) If you’re opened to a Contract to Hire, Project Services are for you- Best of Both Worlds, Flexibility without sacrificing a benefits package.
A Kelly Engineering Project Services roles gives you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge engineering projects with clear objectives, defined deliverables, and a supportive team structure—ensuring you’ll make a genuine impact, collaborate with top talent, and see your results drive real-world operational improvements, all while enjoying flexibility, professional growth, and career advancement with an industry leader dedicated to your success.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly ® Engineering?
Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.
About Kelly
Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment\_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.
How this job compares
Set against the 401 open CNC Programmer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 12, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$28–36/hr
- US median$30–40/hr152 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $32/hr, is 9% below the US median midpoint ($35/hr) — in the middle half of CNC Programmer hourly ranges across the US.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 19 open CNC Programmer jobs in Illinois and 401 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 2 years of experience — less than three in four CNC Programmer postings that state a minimum ask for (median 4 years, across 276 postings).
- Education
- 7 of the 401 open CNC Programmer jobs (2%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 12, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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