Precision Manual Machining Specialist — Industrial Pumps

Shape the performance of critical pump components

Hydro, Inc. is a global industrial pump engineering company headquartered in Chicago. Since 1969, we’ve grown into the world’s largest independent pump rebuilder, delivering engineering expertise, repair, and support services to customers worldwide.

We’re hiring a Precision Manual Machining Specialist for our Chicago, IL facility in the West Loop. You’ll work hands-on in a clean, employee-focused, custom job shop environment—producing and refurbishing large pump parts with exacting accuracy.

What a day looks like

You’ll begin your shift reviewing job travelers and blueprints, plan setups for a Vertical Turret Lathe or manual lathe, and select the right jigs, fixtures, mandrels, and steady rests. As you machine impellers, wear rings, bearing housings, covers, and seals, you’ll validate dimensions using precision inspection tools and translate results into numerical data. You’ll collaborate with engineers and fellow machinists to refine procedures, troubleshoot issues, and keep our equipment running at peak performance—all while following Hydro shop safety policies.

Core responsibilities

• Set up and manually machine custom components for a wide range of pump types in a job-shop environment
• Produce and repair parts to specification, including impellers, wear-rings, bearing housings, covers, and seals
• Interpret and work from mechanical drawings, blueprints, and sketches to define machining methods
• Perform precision cutting, grinding, shaping, and fitting using horizontal and vertical boring mills and ID/OD grinders
• Verify critical dimensions and record measurements using appropriate inspection equipment
• Assess and improve machining procedures for efficiency and quality
• Maintain machine tools and shop equipment in proper operating condition
• Adhere to Hydro shop safety policies and procedures
• Partner with engineers, shop staff, and machinists to solve problems and recommend solutions

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years post-training as a manual machinist in an industrial setting, machining LARGE PARTS
• Proficiency with manual lathes and Vertical Turret Lathes (VTLs)
• Ability to machine pump shafts 3–10 ft and hold tolerances of 0.0005 in. or better using a steady rest
• Strong shop math; ability to apply geometry for angles, radii, bolt circles, and related dimensions
• Knowledge of feed rates and the impact of adjustments
• Skilled at setting up jigs, fixtures, arbors, mandrels, centers, and clamps
• Attention to detail; excellent manual/finger dexterity; coordination and control precision
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training in machining required (Journeyman preferred)

Compensation, schedule, and benefits

• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: $28.00–$35.00 per hour (based on skills and experience)
• Expected hours: 40 per week
• Schedule: 8-hour shift; Monday–Friday; Overtime
• Supplemental Pay: Differential pay
• Benefits: 401(k) matching; Health, Dental, Vision; Health Savings Account; Life Insurance; Paid Time Off; Referral Program
• Extras: Free onsite parking; clean shop; employee-focused culture

Location and logistics

• Work Location: In person — Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop)
• Ability to Commute: Chicago, IL 60607 (Required)
• Ability to Relocate: Chicago, IL 60607 — Relocate before starting work (Required)
• Shift availability: Night Shift (Preferred)

If you’re passionate about hands-on precision and want to build a career with a recognized leader in pump engineering and repair, we’d like to meet you.