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Sheet Metal Fabricator - Machinist

Panduit · Tinley Park Rdg, IL · $25.00–$31.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 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 prototype you built to a tight tolerance. What made it hard, and how did you get it right?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle one-off R&D work, where there is no proven program to fall back on.

Tell me about a time you learned a new machine or skill on the job.

What they are checking: Whether they will grow into new equipment like a CNC waterjet, as the tool room expects.

What would you do

An engineer hands you a drawing that you think cannot be formed as shown. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up early with a practical alternative, which matters in a tool room that supports design.

You are asked to rush a prototype for an engineer's demo tomorrow. How do you balance speed with getting it right?

What they are checking: Whether they can move fast without skipping the checks that make a prototype worth testing.

About the work

Walk me through programming and setting up a CNC press brake for a part you have never run before.

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on programming and setup skill, which the posting calls essential.

How do you figure out bend allowance and bend order on a complex part so the last bend does not hit the tooling?

What they are checking: Whether they plan bends with an understanding of material and tool clearance rather than learning by scrapping parts.

Which inspection tools do you reach for to check a formed part, and how do you use a height gage and dial indicator to check an angle or flatness?

What they are checking: Whether they can measure accurately in process with calipers, micrometers and indicators and record the results correctly.

Your first part comes off two degrees short on one bend. How do you correct it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand springback and know how to adjust the program or tooling instead of forcing parts by hand.

How do you document your inspection results so engineering can trust a prototype?

What they are checking: Whether they record measurements carefully, since prototype data drives design decisions.

What safety habits do you keep around a press brake?

What they are checking: Whether they respect pinch points and guarding on a machine that can cause serious hand injuries.

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The full job description

As published by Panduit.

At Panduit, we don’t just offer a job – we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company’s success. You’ll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you’re ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, apply today and make your mark with Panduit! Join Panduit’s R&D Tool Room Team as a Sheet Metal Fabricator - Machinist, where you’ll bring innovative prototype designs to life using advanced CNC technology. In this hands-on role, you’ll program, set-up, and operate a CNC press brake to create complex, high-quality sheet metal prototypes. Strong CNC press brake programming, setup and operation experience is essential. What You Will Do • Program, set up, and operate a CNC press brake to build precision sheet metal prototypes in an R&D Tool Room environment. • Perform high-precision fabrication work to tight tolerances on complex designs. • Conduct in-process inspection utilizing calipers, height gages, micrometers, protractor, precision square and dial indicators while accurately documenting the quality results. • Continuously expand technical capabilities by learning new skills identified by Tool Room Management. Desired areas of growth include programming and operating a CNC waterjet & CNC laser/punch machine. In addition, converting 3D CAD models into 2D flat patterns while creating setup and inspection documentation. • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives . What You Will Bring • Education: Highschool diploma or GED equivalent required. • Experience: 2 years in a similar role with experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC press brake. Ability to accurately utilize inspection equipment. CAD/CAM experience is a plus. • Knowledge: Strong ability to read engineering drawings, follow work instructions, and perform basic mathematical calculations with precision. • Skills: Mechanically inclined, self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with engineering and tool room teams. • Physical Ability: Ability to lift up to 45lbs and walk/stand throughout the day. What We Can Offer You • Competitive Pay & Benefits: Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more. • Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance. • Generous Time Off: Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community. • Retirement & Growth: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career. • Parental Leave: Because we care about your family and your future. Shift: Evening 3pm-11pm Compensation : The expected starting base pay range for this role is $25 - $31 an hour. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Making the connections that matter. Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process. Work Shift Evening (United States of America)

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