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Machinist

Flex · Buffalo Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time a part came out of spec. How did you find the cause?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot machine, tool and setup methodically instead of just rerunning.

How do you keep your machine and work area safe and clean?

What they are checking: Whether they follow shop safety habits that protect themselves and keep the machine accurate.

Tell me about a tool, jig or fixture you built from scratch.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the full range of specialized work this role covers.

What would you do

You are repairing a die or fixture and the drawing is unclear. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask the Special Tooling Manager or engineer rather than guessing on critical tooling.

A production line is down waiting on a tool you are repairing. How do you handle the pressure?

What they are checking: Whether they work quickly without cutting corners, since a bad repair causes more downtime.

About the work

Tell me about your experience running a CNC grinder.

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on grinding experience, since that is the core of this role.

How do you set up a grinding job to hold a tight tolerance?

What they are checking: Whether they understand fixturing, wheel dressing and measurement needed for precision work.

What measuring tools do you use to check your parts?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable with micrometers, gauges and indicators to verify work.

How do you read a blueprint with GD and T callouts?

What they are checking: Whether they can interpret drawings well enough to build and repair tools, jigs and fixtures.

How do you know when a tool or instrument needs calibration?

What they are checking: Whether they understand calibration as part of keeping measurements trustworthy.

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The full job description

As published by Flex.

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary At Flex, we welcome people of all backgrounds. Our employees thrive here by living our values: we support each other as we strive to find a better way, we move fast with discipline and purpose, and we do the right thing always. Through a respectful, inclusive and collaborative culture, a career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference, invest in your career growth and join our purpose -- to make great products that create value and improve people’s lives. Job summary : To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a CNC Grinder Operator located in Buffalo Grove IL. Reporting to the Special Tooling Manager the CNC Grinder Operator performs a variety of complex, specialized tasks related to the construction, repair, maintenance, and calibration of machine shop tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and instruments Schedule - Mon- Fri - 6am-2:30pm What a typical day looks like: • Inspect work, document sizes, follow a schedule and strive for quality and efficiencies on each machine. • Operates various conventional machine shop equipment such as lathes, mills, grinders, vertical and horizontal saws to produce and detail a variety of small parts, ranging form simple to complex, which are within prescribed tolerances. • Operates Computer Numerical Control (CNC) grinding machine with Fanuc controller. • Performs machine set-ups, adjusting speeds, feeds, and depth of cut, to machined parts to specifications set forth in blueprints, drawings, engineering orders, etc. • Checks machined parts for conformance to prescribed tolerances. • May be required to operate numerical control machines. Specialized Job Responsibilities may be required for certain positions. These could include one or more of the following duties: • Designs and constructs machine shop tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures. • Interprets all types of tooling and fixture requests, converting them to sketches, and fabricating them using various machines, as required. • Gives advice and assistance to tool designers in the formation of new tooling. The experience we’re looking to add to our team: • Ability to set up and operate 2 Precision Okamoto water grinders • Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience in a tight tolerance medical mold making industry. • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, algebraic, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Has awareness of Flex technologies/ techniques. • Demonstrates advanced technical skills, which may be used to conduct on-the-job training and/or lead/guide other employees. • Demonstrates broad knowledge of functional techniques and has input to process improvement. • Has awareness of and may apply new technologies. • Must have an understanding of manufacturing functions and the ability to train others. • Ability to read complicated drawings, mathematics, handbook formulas and a variety of measuring instruments. Able to read, comprehend and interpret complex instructions. • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. What you'll receive for the great work you provide: • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans • Life Insurance • Short-term and Long-term Disability • Matching 401(k) Contributions • Vacation and Paid Sick Time • Tuition Reimbursement 
 Application Deadline: Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume. 

 The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity. $34.40 USD - $47.30 USD Hourly Job Category Operations Is Sponsorship Available? No Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

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