Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
Aerospace jobs in Illinois are active and competitive, with demand concentrated in defense systems, commercial aviation, and aerospace manufacturing across roles from entry-level technicians through senior engineers and program managers. The Chicago metro, Rockford, and Decatur anchor most of the hiring, where companies like Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Caterpillar's aerospace division maintain long-standing operations. The most sought-after specialties include systems engineering, propulsion, avionics, and structural design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Shape the Future of Motion at Timken | Aurora Bearing Facility
Picture your afternoon beginning on the shop floor where precision is the standard. You review a print, choose the right arbor and tooling, and bring bar stock to life—turning, facing, chamfering, grooving, and drilling to exact I.D./O.D. specs. You verify the first-piece, record the results for set-up approval, and keep production humming with in-process checks and smart adjustments. Fluids are topped off, machines are dialed in, and when needed, you surface-grind and re-sharpen arbor teeth to keep quality on point. That’s a day in the life of a CNC Machinist at Timken’s Aurora Bearing facility.
What You’ll Do
- Program and/or operate CNC lathes and mills to produce precision components from bar stock, executing ID/OD turning, facing, chamfering, grooving, and drilling per print requirements.
- Select and change arbors, fixtures, speeds, inserts, and tooling to meet specifications.
- Run first-piece parts, make fine-tuned adjustments to achieve quality characteristics, and complete the documentation required for set-up approval.
- Load parts, cycle machines, and perform in-process checks at defined intervals; adjust offsets and tooling to maintain tolerance throughout the operation.
- Maintain machine health, including fluid-level checks and routine care.
- Surface grind and re-sharpen teeth on arbors when needed.
Training, Growth, and Schedule
- On-the-job training with clear pathways for advancement.
- Afternoon/second-shift opportunities available.
- 1st Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- 2nd Shift: 3:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Compensation
- Starting pay from $21.50/hour, based on experience.
- $1.50/hour shift differential for 2nd shift.
Basic Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Prefer 1+ year in a manufacturing environment operating CNC equipment; set-up experience is a plus.
- Experience with Hardinge lathes and platforms like HAAS, Mazak, Ganesh, or Doosan is advantageous.
- Competence using gages and micrometers.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
Skills You’ll Use Daily
- GD&T
- Equipment Troubleshooting
- CNC Tooling
- Troubleshooting Skills
- G-Code
- M-Code
- CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
- Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Troubleshooting CNC Machines
- Manual Machining Skills
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Shop Math Skills
- Experience in a Manufacturing Environment
- Blueprint Reading
- Basic Computer Skills
Equipment in Our Cell
- CNC Mill (3–4 axis VMC) — Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Doosan
- CNC Lathe (2–4 axis) — Mazak, Haas, Okuma, Doosan
- CNC Swiss Lathe
- CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)
- CNC Lathe (5+ axis)
Timken Benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match on the first 6%
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short- and long-term disability benefits
- Health Savings Account with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Account
- Company-paid life insurance
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Wellness programs and discounts
Join a team that powers aerospace and industrial motion with precision. Grow your craft while building components that matter.
See All 29 Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
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Find Aerospace JobsAerospace Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Aerospace Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Transportation & Logistics
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aerospace jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering required
- Experience with CAD software such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks
- Familiarity with FAA regulations, MIL-SPEC standards, or AS9100 quality systems
- Ability to obtain or currently hold a U.S. security clearance
- Proficiency in systems integration, structural analysis, or avionics testing
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional team collaboration
Aerospace Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a aerospace in Illinois?
Aerospace roles in Illinois typically require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited program. Illinois has no state-issued license specific to aerospace engineers, but roles in safety-critical systems often require Professional Engineer certification through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Many employers also expect candidates to complete a background investigation to qualify for a federal security clearance before starting work.
Which companies hire aerospaces in Illinois?
Employers hiring aerospaces in Illinois right now include IFS, Woodward, and M&R Precision Machining, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's strong defense contracting base and its proximity to major logistics and manufacturing corridors make it a consistent source of aerospace hiring across both large primes and specialized suppliers.
Which Illinois cities have the most aerospace jobs?
Itasca, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago have the most aerospace job openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its concentration of defense contractors, corporate engineering offices, and proximity to O'Hare, while Rockford's long-standing aerospace manufacturing cluster and Decatur's industrial base drive demand in those markets.
Are there remote aerospace jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Most aerospace work in Illinois involves hands-on lab testing, hardware integration, or on-site program coordination that requires physical presence. About 45% of aerospace openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those openings tend to be concentrated in systems analysis, technical writing, and program management functions where day-to-day work is documentation and coordination rather than hardware.
How can I get hired as a aerospace in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to internship or new-graduate rotational programs at large Illinois defense and manufacturing employers, where structured programs exist specifically for candidates without professional experience. Boeing and Collins Aerospace both run early-career programs out of their Illinois facilities. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in mechanical engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing engineering are common entry points, and earning an EIT designation through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation gives candidates a measurable edge in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to aerospace jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to aerospace jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 29 Aerospace Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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