Manual Turning Machinist - Large Gears / VBM (2nd Shift)

At a glance

Company: Brad Foote Gearing
Location: Cicero, IL 60804, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: 2nd shift
Experience: 3+ years of manual turning or comparable precision machining
Machines: Engine lathes, turret lathes and vertical boring mills

Why join Brad Foote Gearing?

Brad Foote Gearing has manufactured precision gears and gearboxes for more than 100 years. This role is for a genuine manual machinist—not a CNC operator mislabeled as one. You will perform close-tolerance turning, facing, boring, chamfering, recessing and form-turning operations on large steel parts used in demanding industrial gearing applications.

The Cicero plant produces gears from roughly one inch to 140 inches in diameter and combines higher-production areas with high-mix, low-volume work. Manual machinists are a small, experienced group within the broader machining team, so your ability to read the job, plan the setup, measure accurately and make sound adjustments matters. Brad Foote has invested approximately $10 million in machinery over five years and has diversified its customer base to support sustainable growth.

⚙️ What you'll be doing

• Set up and operate engine lathes, turret lathes and vertical boring mills
• Review route sheets, blueprints, sketches and written operation instructions
• Measure rough stock and plan machining to ensure complete cleanup
• Perform turning, facing, boring, chamfering, recessing and form turning
• Indicate and true parts, including close-tolerance second-side setups
• Check dimensions throughout the operation and make size corrections
• Deburr, stamp, inspect and prepare finished parts
• Use shop mathematics, micrometers and other precision-measuring instruments
• Maintain safe work practices while handling large components

️ Machines, controls & software

• Engine lathes
• Turret lathes
• Vertical boring mills
• Manual turning and boring equipment
• Micrometers, indicators and precision-measuring instruments

⭐ Shop highlights

• More than 100 years of precision gear-manufacturing experience
• Approximately 200,000-square-foot Cicero facility
• Large, technically challenging steel components
• High-mix, low-volume and production work
• Small, experienced manual-machining team
• Approximately $10 million invested in machinery over five years
• Guaranteed annual pay increase each February
• Medical, dental, vision, HSA contribution and 401(k)
• Long-term demand supported by diversified markets

Materials you'll work with

• Large steel parts used in precision gears, pinions, shafts and gearboxes

✅ What we're looking for

Required

• At least three years of experience operating manual turning equipment or comparable machine tools
• Ability to read blueprints, sketches, route sheets and written work instructions
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics and machining principles
• Ability to use micrometers, indicators and other precision-measuring tools
• Ability to independently set up work, verify dimensions and make corrections
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred

• Experience with engine lathes, turret lathes or vertical boring mills
• Large-part, gear or heavy-industrial machining experience
• Experience with close-tolerance second-operation setups

Why you'll like working here

• Work that depends on real manual-machining skill and judgment
• Large, complex parts rather than repetitive small-component production
• Experienced coworkers and direct access to the shop floor
• Medical, dental and vision coverage beginning the first of the month following your start date
• Company HSA contribution
• 401(k), life insurance, and short- and long-term disability
• Guaranteed annual pay increase each February
• Optional overtime and opportunities to grow with the operation

Pay, benefits & schedule

Pay: Competitive hourly compensation based on manual-machining experience; the final range is being confirmed
Schedule: 2nd shift, Monday–Friday
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, company HSA contribution, 401(k), life insurance, and short- and long-term disability

About Brad Foote Gearing

Founded in 1924, Brad Foote Gear Works is an established manufacturer of precision gears, pinions, shafts and gearboxes. The company supports power generation, infrastructure, defense and other demanding industrial markets from facilities in Cicero, Illinois and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Cicero operation combines manual machining, CNC milling and turning, vertical turning, gear cutting and gear grinding. Its reputation is built on quality-focused work rather than low-cost commodity production. Continued investment, diversification and long-term customer demand are creating opportunities for experienced machinists who want stable, technically meaningful work.

Apply today

If you are an experienced manual machinist who can set up turning equipment, read blueprints and hold close tolerances on large parts, apply through hireCNC to join Brad Foote Gearing in Cicero.