Job Description
CNC Programmer/Machine Shop Lead
East Peoria, IL – Full Time
Productive Resources is seeking a candidate to be part of our engineering team for our customer's facility in East Peoria, IL. As a member of our team, the selected candidate will be a highly skilled and hands-on CNC Programmer / Machine Shop Lead to oversee CNC programming, machine setup, process development, and daily technical leadership within a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a CNC expert who can take ownership of the machine shop, lead complex setups, mentor operators, and help scale operations during a significant expansion phase. The successful candidate will work directly from solid models and engineering drawings to design fixturing, generate CNC programs, prove out processes, and document production-ready operator instructions. This individual will serve as the technical authority for CNC machining while laying the foundation for future team growth.
This is a full-time position that is indefinite in duration with the opportunity of professional growth, and additional opportunities within our organization.
Duties:
Program, setup, and run CNC machines using Fanuc controls, including:
5-axis machining centers
3-axis machining centers
Upcoming 9-axis mill-turn machines
CNC camshaft grinding equipment
Develop complete machining processes from concept to production:
Review solid models and drawings
Design and implement fixturing
Generate and optimize G-code
Select tooling and cutting strategies
Prove out and validate machining processes
Create clear, detailed operator instructions to enable repeatable production by lower-level operators.
Lead machine setups and first-article runs for new and existing products.
Troubleshoot machining, tooling, and process issues to ensure quality and efficiency.
Mentor, train, and support CNC operators and junior programmers.
Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and optimize cycle times.
Support continuous improvement initiatives in a lean, high-mix manufacturing environment.
Prepare the shop for rapid growth, including new equipment installations and increased production volumes.
Primary focus on engine internal components, with expansion into:
Increased engine production volumes
Fuel pump manufacturing
Advanced multi-axis machining and grinding
Requirements:
Extensive hands-on experience programming and setting up CNC machines
Strong expertise with Fanuc controls.
Proven experience with multi-axis machining (5-axis required; 9-axis mill-turn experience strongly preferred).
Ability to independently take a part from model/drawing to production-ready process.
Experience designing fixturing and selecting tooling for complex components.
Strong understanding of machining principles, tolerancing, and GD&T.
Demonstrated leadership or shop-floor mentoring experience.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment.
Preferred:
Background in engine components, rotating assemblies, or precision machined parts.
Experience with CNC grinding (camshaft grinding a plus).
Familiarity with multiple CNC control platforms beyond Fanuc.
Experience supporting shop growth, equipment additions, or facility expansions.
Manufacturing Engineering or technical degree, or equivalent hands-on experience.
CAM software such as Mastercam, SmartCAM, or similar.
CAD tools including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
Experience with multiple CNC platforms and machine builders.
As a condition of employment consideration, Productive Resources conducts pre-employment screening, including a background check and drug test. In addition, an employment candidate is required to provide proof of identity and legal authority to work in the United States.
Why work for Productive Resources?
Productive Resources is a full-service engineering firm with over two decades of experience serving leading global clients. Our expertise is project-based product development and manufacturing engineering support. Our primary focus industries are off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, defense, mining, recreational, industrial, and specialty machines. We lead with our reputation for quality, teamwork, and innovative solutions. We invest in our people, providing resources and opportunities for ongoing development. Our workplace fosters innovation, prioritizes the well-being of our team, and encourages creativity. Our diverse experience and client base will challenge your technical skills and provide greater opportunities for growth.
We Offer Competitive Benefits:
Group Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
Company Paid Life Insurance
Voluntary Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance available
Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident Insurance available
Long-Term Disability
Short-term Disability
Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
Flexible Spending Plans for Medical Expenses and Dependent Care
Health Savings Account (HSA) Programs available
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Health Care Support Program complimentary health advocacy program provides 24/7 assistance.
Adoption Assistance Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Caregiver Support Programs
Financial Wellbeing Support
Commuter Benefits Program
Training and Development
Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Full-time