CNC Machinist

About Us:

As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and extraordinary customer service. We pride ourselves on competitive cost structure, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality.

The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers. Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products.

About the Opportunity:

As a CNC Machinist at our Chicago, IL facility, you will play a key role in manufacturing aerospace components that power flight and global defense applications. You will set up, operate, and monitor a variety of production CNC machinery-to meet exacting aerospace specifications. You'll interpret engineering blueprints, follow detailed work instructions, and utilize precision measuring tools to ensure part quality and adherence to customer requirements. This role requires strong attention to detail, commitment to safety, and a passion for producing high-quality components. You will collaborate daily with quality, engineering, and production team members as part of a high-performance manufacturing team focused on delivery, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Location: Chicago, IL

This is a full-time role that may require some extended hours and weekends, as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, and monitor CNC to produce aerospace components according to production schedules.
• Interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and process specifications to ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges, etc.) to perform in-process and final inspections.
• Measure and verify part dimensions using GD&T principles and document results accurately.
• Perform machine offsets and tool changes as needed to maintain product quality.
• Monitor machine performance and surface finish, reporting abnormal conditions to the Supervisor or Engineering.
• Follow standardized work, routers, and control plans to maintain process consistency.
• Complete production documentation, including part counts, inspection check sheets, and quality records.
• Adhere to AS9100 quality procedures and contribute to root cause analysis when defects occur.
• Perform basic routine maintenance such as cleaning machines, replacing coolant, and removing chips.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area following 5S and company safety practices.
• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and reduce scrap.
• Communicate effectively with quality inspectors, programmers, engineers, and maintenance teams to resolve production issues.
• Support team goals for productivity, on-time delivery, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate
• 2+ years of experience operating CNC machining equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time bases without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with aerospace components or working in an AS9100/ISO-certified environment.
• Familiarity with CNC lathes, mill-turn centers, broaches, grinders, or other precision machining equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
• Experience using precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, or CMM data.
• Basic understanding of machining processes, feeds, speeds, and tooling.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing, 5S, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality parts.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with quality, engineering, and maintenance teams.
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to EHS policies.

Working Conditions

• Requires mobility in a manufacturing plant environment while using Personal Protective Equipment.
• Must be able to frequently sit, stand and walk.
• Must be able to climb ladder, work on platforms, and climb stairs
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses and safety shoes) is required on the shop floor
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate priorities, deadlines, and schedules.

Acknowledgements:

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Benefits:

Pursuit Aerospace also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements, among other things.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Pursuit Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.