Custom Machine Systems Builder (Precision OEM)

Quick facts

• Location: Wheeling, IL
• Compensation: $30–$40/hour, commensurate with experience
• Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (approximately 6 months)
• Shift: 1st Shift, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM (post-training flexibility to start between 7:00–8:00 AM)
• Travel: 2–3 overnight trips per year for installs/startups
• Degree: Not required

Build one-of-a-kind machines

Aegis Worldwide has teamed up with a long-standing, privately owned manufacturer known for highly engineered equipment and precision finishing solutions serving aerospace, defense, and other advanced sectors. This is not repetitive, high-volume assembly—it’s ground-up construction of custom, made-to-order machinery alongside a tight-knit team that values craftsmanship, precision, and problem-solving.

A day in the build

Your morning kicks off in a clean, modern facility with a print review. You’ll translate engineering drawings into action—assembling subassemblies, mounting fixtures and slides, installing spindles, and methodically bringing a machine to life. Throughout the day you’ll measure, verify, and document with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and dial indicators. When the system powers on, you’ll align and adjust it to spec, collaborating closely with mechanical and electrical peers. Every so often, you’ll head to a customer site to complete installation and startup—seeing your work in the real world.

Core responsibilities

• Build custom machinery and mechanical subassemblies directly from engineering drawings/blueprints.
• Assemble and install precision components: fixtures, slides, spindles, and related mechanisms.
• Use hand/power tools, inspection equipment, and precision metrology instruments.
• Interpret mechanical blueprints; surface potential build issues and troubleshoot during assembly.
• Perform final alignment, run-offs, and mechanical adjustments once machines are operational.
• Verify accuracy with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and dial indicators; document results.
• Maintain a neat, organized, professional work area.
• Partner closely with mechanical and electrical builders to complete custom equipment.
• Occasionally travel for equipment installation and commissioning (2–3 overnights/year).

What you bring

Required

• 3–5+ years in machine building, equipment building, machine tool, tool & die, or similar mechanical assembly.
• Hands-on experience creating both subassemblies and full machine assemblies.
• Regular use of precision tools: calipers, micrometers, gauges, dial indicators.
• Ability to read and apply mechanical blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Organized, tidy approach; comfortable in a clean, structured environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer installs (overnight).

Preferred

• Experience with machine tools: lathes, mills, grinders, or other precision equipment.
• Background with OEM or custom equipment manufacturers.
• Familiarity with ISO 9000 environments.
• Customer-facing or field service exposure.
• Electrical know-how (e.g., panel building or equipment troubleshooting).

No degree required.

Why you’ll like it here

• Every build is unique—custom, engineered-to-order machinery.
• Work with precision equipment and exotic materials for cutting-edge industries.
• Stable, privately owned company with decades of history and strong employee tenure.
• Modern, state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering environment.
• Small, trusted team; your manager provides autonomy, support, and resources.
• Hands-on, low-repetition mechanical building.
• Grow your skills in precision machine building, alignment, inspection, and installation.
• Potential overtime as the team expands.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401(k)

Interview process

30-minute phone interview with the Engineering Manager.On-site interview with Engineering, the Machine Building team, and HR.

Projected Start: ASAP