Geared toward hands-on machinists comfortable with precision equipment and custom work, in a small shop environment in Peoria, IL, where collaboration and initiative are emphasized.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Rheo Engineering via Greenhouse
Production Machine Operator
Production | Peoria, IL | Full-Time
Pay: $35 – $45 per hour
Reports To: Production Team Supervisor
Good pay. Great benefits. Real machining work — custom parts, not the same piece over and over. If you take pride in precision and want a shop that respects your craft, keep reading.
Rheo Engineering designs and builds powder handling equipment used to make life-saving medicine. As a Production Machine Operator, you’ll turn Engineering’s prints into accurate, finished parts on lathes, mills, press brakes, and more.
What You’ll Do
Perform all machinist-related tasks on each project safely, responsibly, and effectively
Read and interpret fabrication prints and drawings from the Engineering Department
Run precision machine tools and equipment, including hydraulic press brake, slip roll, vertical mill, horizontal bandsaw, drill press, hydraulic tube bender, and lathe
Use gauges and measuring instruments to hold tolerance requirements
Set up and use the right inserts, fixtures, and tooling for the job
Do the shop math — perform computations, interpret technical instructions and diagrams, collect data, and solve problems
Read and follow safety rules, operating and maintenance manuals, and procedure manuals
Coordinate with Engineering and the Production Team Lead to get every workpiece right and on time
Provide budgetary labor estimates for workpieces based on your machining knowledge
Perform routine maintenance and daily cleaning on machine tools and equipment
Deliver quality work on time — quality, efficiency, and attention to detail are top priorities in this role
Take on other tasks as assigned by your supervisor
What We’re Looking For
Experience
High school diploma or GED
Experience with precision machining tools and equipment
Experience operating a forklift
Software
Familiarity with Microsoft Outlook and Teams for team communication
Traits
Detail-Orientation — high attention to detail and highly organized
Extreme Ownership — you see a project through from beginning to end, no matter the obstacle
Respectful Communication — you communicate honestly and respectfully with your team
Safe Operation — you run tools and equipment with skill and with safety first
Hands-On Craftsmanship — you excel when working with your hands
Values Alignment
Initiative: instinct for taking action to improve, solve, and deliver.
Collaboration: proactive communication with your stakeholders.
Competence: ability to do your job well.
Reliability: persistent follow-through on commitments.
Bold Humility: courage to speak, act, and listen without arrogance.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s Degree or completion of a related apprenticeship program
Experience machining or forming stainless steel
Why Rheo
Steady work in a stable industry — the equipment you help build is used to make life-saving medicine, and that work doesn’t dry up. A small shop where you’re a name, not a number — about 100 people and a team that has your back. Real variety — custom work, not the same part over and over. And great pay and benefits to go with it.
Benefits
Leading medical insurance — consistently low rates compared to other businesses in the area
Health Savings Account with employer contributions (plan-dependent)
Dental, vision, and life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Identity theft insurance
401(k) with 4% employer match
Generous PTO
Paid paternity and maternity leave
Paid cell phone plan with stipend for a new phone every 2 years
Employee referral program
Working Conditions
This is a shop-floor position. You must be able to work on your feet for prolonged periods, bend/stoop, climb stairs and ladders, squat, kneel, push/pull, lift up to 50 lbs, and use vibratory and other basic tools, on an occasional to frequent basis depending on the project. Standard 8-hour workday, with overtime as requested by your supervisor. The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this role, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Rheo Engineering is an equal opportunity employer.