Roper Whitney of Rockford, IL has been producing quality tools and equipment that have been changing the shape of sheet metal since 1910. Behind our extensive history and expansive range of products stands our employees, keeping the gears turning and wheels rolling from the shop to the desk. We value our employees, continuously strive to make our company a great place to work, and believe in taking care of our team. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and professional growth. From competitive pay to career advancement opportunities, we’re committed to helping you thrive in every aspect of your career. Our currently available positions are listed below. If you are looking for a career with Roper Whitney, please email your resume to hr@roperwhitney.com. A $500 sign-on bonus is available for all positions. CNC Machinists for 1st and 2nd Shift Salary range for this position is $18.00 – $35.00 per hour. PURPOSE/FUNCTION/SUMMARY (TRAINING NEEDS) Set up and operate CNC machines. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Verifies that all product produced meets customer specifications and is in accordance with Company quality standards. • Performs set-up and operates vertical or horizontal CNC Mills or CNC Lathes. • Operates variety of machines when needed. • Reads blueprints and gages. • Works with tight tolerances. • Knowledge of GD&T. • Ability to perform set-ups for long and short term production. • Ability to analyze job orders, blueprints, specification and design data to calculate dimension, tool selection and machine speed. • Work with more complex tooling. • Provides assistance to co-workers as needed, in the spirit of teamwork, with the goal of meeting or exceeding customer requirements. • Supports and promotes a team environment. • Meets or exceeds all production and quality standards. • All other duties as assigned by a supervisor. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED • Education/Training: High School Diploma or equivalent required. • Experience/Skills: Minimum 1 year of CNC milling or lathe experience. CNC Programming experience is a plus.
See More Details >>Roper Whitney of Rockford, IL has been producing quality tools and equipment that have been changing the shape of sheet metal since 1910. Behind our extensive history and expansive range of products stands our employees, keeping the gears turning and wheels rolling from the shop to the desk. We value our employees, continuously strive to make our company a great place to work, and believe in taking care of our team. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and professional growth. From competitive pay to career advancement opportunities, we’re committed to helping you thrive in every aspect of your career. Our currently available positions are listed below. If you are looking for a career with Roper Whitney, please email your resume to hr@roperwhitney.com. A $500 sign-on bonus is available for all positions. Lead Machinist Salary Range: $26.45 – $36.00 per hour PURPOSE/FUNCTION/SUMMARY (TRAINING NEEDS) The Lead Machinist oversees or performs machine setup and adjustments as needed. Reviews production schedules to estimate labor hours and coordinate job assignments efficiently. Performs setup operations on CNC lathes and milling machines, verify proper tooling is available, and ensures jig and fixture configurations are correctly applied to support precision and repeatability. Additionally, implements daily and weekly preventive maintenance programs for all machine shop equipment to reduce downtime and maintain optimal performance. Follow all safety policies and procedures to ensure a safe and compliant working environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Overseeing multi-axis CNC machines and CNC lathes (Swiss lathe included) to produce high-tolerance components. • Fabricate, install, and utilize jigs, fixtures, and tooling to support accurate and repeatable machining processes. • Train and mentor machinists and operators on proper machine setup, operation, and safety protocols. • Troubleshoot machining issues and perform real-time adjustments to tooling, programs, and machine parameters. • Interpret complex engineering drawings, including GD&T specifications, to ensure precise part production. • Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to verify that all parts meet design and inspection standards. • Maintain CNC machines and related equipment to minimize downtime and ensure consistent performance, in collaboration with the maintenance department. • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by recommending process optimizations and tooling enhancements. • Perform in-process and final inspections using calipers, micrometers, CMMs, and other precision measuring tools, in collaboration with the quality department. • Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence on the shop floor. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED • High school diploma or GED required; trade school or associate degree in machining or related field preferred. • 3–5 years of hands-on machining experience, including setup and operation of CNC machines. • Proficient in reading blueprints, interpreting GD&T, and programming/editing G-code. • Skilled in the design and use of jigs and fixtures for complex and precision components. • Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and mentor junior machinists in best practices. • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. • High attention to detail with a strong focus on quality and process consistency. • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is a plus. • Performs other duties as assigned to support team and production goals.
See More Details >>Roper Whitney of Rockford, IL has been producing quality tools and equipment that have been changing the shape of sheet metal since 1910. Behind our extensive history and expansive range of products stands our employees, keeping the gears turning and wheels rolling from the shop to the desk. We value our employees, continuously strive to make our company a great place to work, and believe in taking care of our team. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and professional growth. From competitive pay to career advancement opportunities, we’re committed to helping you thrive in every aspect of your career. Our currently available positions are listed below. If you are looking for a career with Roper Whitney, please email your resume to hr@roperwhitney.com. A $500 sign-on bonus is available for all positions. General Laborer 1st or 2nd Shift Pay Range: $17.50 – $22.00 per hour PURPOSE/FUNCTION/SUMMARY (TRAINING NEEDS) Under general supervision, the General Laborer will be responsible for paint prep and pulling parts for Assembly and 2nd shift. The General Laborer may also be responsible for performing additional duties not stipulated below. If so, these duties are specified on an as needed basis. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Paint Prep: • Prepare equipment to be ready for painting, deburring, tapping, sanding, etc. • Operated various power tools, including sanders and grinders, to prepare and finish surfaces according to specifications • Utilized overhead and mobile cranes to safely lift, move, and position heavy materials and equipment • Applied bonding agents and sealants to surfaces and joints to ensure proper adhesion, waterproofing, and structural integrity General Labor: • Assist Assembly by pulling parts from Warehouse and putting parts away in the Warehouse. • Performs other duties as specified. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED • Education/Training: High School Diploma or equivalent required. • Experience/Skills: Ability to use hand tools, grinders, sanders, etc. Effective oral and written communication skills commensurate with the responsibilities of the position are required.
See More Details >>Becoming a sheet metal worker in Rockford, IL, typically begins with a structured apprenticeship, which combines practical on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships in the sheet metal trade last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under experienced professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 5,200 new sheet metal workers needed across the United States by 2032, with a projected job growth of 2%. In Rockford, IL, apprentices earn an average of $604.33 per week, with experienced professionals earning up to $1,334.50 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like the Sheet Metal Workers' Apprenticeship Program help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
