D

Darley

Manufactures firefighting and defense equipment

Utility Machinist

Full-Time
$21.70 - $30.12/hr+ Employee bonus opportunities
Mid
Bachelor's
Chippewa Falls, WI, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production OperationsPrecision Machining & Toolmaking
No H1B Sponsorship

About the job

Requirements
  • A technical school diploma in Machine Tooling or a related field, equivalent military training, or relevant occupational experience is required.
  • Experience setting up and operating manual and CNC machining equipment is required.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills are required.
  • The candidate must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and handle varied work.
  • Competency with measuring instruments and machine shop tooling is required.
  • The candidate must be able to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and work instructions.
  • The role requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials up to 50 pounds; frequent standing and walking; bending, reaching, twisting, and repetitive hand movements; and working safely around machine shop equipment and moving machinery.
  • The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification, pre-employment drug screening, a written aptitude test, and machine proficiency testing.
  • The candidate must be a U.S. person under ITAR, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as a backup operator for CNC mills and CNC lathes.
  • Set up and operate manual machine tools, including drill presses, radial arm drills, vertical and horizontal mills, engine and turret lathes, grinders, saws, and specialty machine shop equipment.
  • Use standard machine shop measuring tools.
  • Retrieve and set up fixturing as required.
  • Read and interpret blueprints and work instructions.
  • Complete required production and quality documentation.
  • Maintain established production standards.
  • Support a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience operating Okuma and/or Mazak equipment is preferred.
  • Previous manufacturing or machine shop experience is preferred.
  • Experience with precision measuring equipment and quality inspection processes is preferred.

About the company

Darley manufactures and distributes equipment for firefighting and defense, including fire trucks, fire pumps, PPE, and other firefighting tools, and provides tactical and robotic gear to the U.S. Department of Defense. Its products work by supplying water and pressure through fire pumps and apparatus, protecting responders with PPE, and supporting military and emergency operations with robotics and tactical gear. The company differentiates itself through a long family history dating back to 1908, private ownership, financial stability, and long-standing relationships, along with in-house manufacturing in Wisconsin and Iowa and direct/global distribution to municipal, emergency, and defense clients. The goal is to deliver reliable, durable equipment and dependable support to first responders and defense customers while maintaining steady growth through established partnerships.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Itasca, Illinois

Founded

1908

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • NASA awarded Darley a SEWP VI position on September 21, 2026.
  • Darley says defense sales topped $1 billion and supports the 3B30 plan.
  • Lee Wise became president on January 1, 2026, sharpening succession.

What critics are saying

  • Darley depends heavily on federal and municipal procurement cycles, which swing sharply.
  • Pierce, Oshkosh, and specialty defense rivals pressure margins in apparatus and contracts.
  • If 3B30 misses, Darley stays a niche supplier, not a scaled platform.

What makes Darley unique

  • Since 1908, Darley combines family control, manufacturing, and distribution across fire and defense.
  • Its portfolio spans pumps, apparatus, PPE, robotics, and unmanned systems.
  • Former General Votel and fire veteran Taylor strengthen customer credibility immediately.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Company News

FFL Search
Sep 29th, 2026
Darley welcomes Jack "J." Taylor III to Fire Advisory Board.

Darley welcomes Jack "J." Taylor III to Fire Advisory Board. By Eric G - Published September 29, 2026 ITASCA, IL - September 29, 2026 - Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack "J." Taylor III to its Fire Advisory Board. Jack "J." Taylor III brings more than three decades of fire service leadership to the Darley Fire Advisory Board. A retired Fire [...] Related Topics:

Hand Media International
Aug 18th, 2026
Darley named among fastest growing US companies.

Darley named among fastest growing US companies. Darley is featured in the 2026 Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. In brief. Darley has been ranked on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, recognising the fastest growing private companies in America. The annual ranking celebrates independent businesses achieving significant growth while supporting innovation, employment and economic development. Previous honorees include Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle and Patagonia. Across this year's 5,000 companies, the median three year revenue growth rate reached 130 per cent. Collectively, businesses on the list have added more than 627,208 jobs to the US economy over three years. Darley has been ranked number 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America. The annual list recognises successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses that have achieved significant growth while contributing to innovation, job creation and the wider economy. Previous Inc. 5000 honourees include Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle and Patagonia. US business growth recognised. The 2026 Inc. 5000 features companies operating across sectors including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer products and professional services. According to Inc., the businesses included in this year's ranking are expanding their impact and creating employment while demonstrating the continuing contribution of entrepreneurial businesses to the US economy. Companies deliver 130 per cent growth. Across the 5,000 companies included in the 2026 list, the median three year revenue growth rate was 130%. Collectively, the companies have added more than 627,208 jobs to the US economy during the past three years. The complete Inc. 5000 list also includes company profiles and can be searched by industry and location. Paul Darley, CEO and Chairman of Darley, said: "Being named to the Inc. 5000 is an incredible honour and a testament to the dedication of its employees, the trust of its customers, and the strength of its partnerships. "As a fourth-generation family-owned company, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support first responders, warfighters, and the communities they serve. This recognition reflects the hard work of our entire team and our continued focus on creating lasting value for our customers." Mike Hofman, Editor-in-Chief of Inc, said: "Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still. Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance-it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honourees on this significant achievement." About Fire Buyer. International Fire Buyer is the leading authority in global passive and active fire content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the fire sector. To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact its team.

FFL Search
Aug 12th, 2026
Darley named No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of America's fastest-growing private companies.

Darley named No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of America's fastest-growing private companies. By Eric G - Published August 12, 2026 Company Recognized for Three-Year Revenue Growth, Earning a Place Among the Nation's Most Successful Independent Businesses Itasca, Illinois, August 12, 2026 - Darley today announced it has been ranked No. 2026 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of [...] Related Topics:

Fire Engineering
Jul 24th, 2026
Darley welcomes General Joseph Votel to Board of Directors.

Darley welcomes General Joseph Votel to Board of Directors. July 24, 2026 Share to: ITASCA, IL - July 24th, 2026 - Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, is pleased to announce the appointment of General (Ret) Joseph L. Votel to its Board of Directors. General Votel brings a distinguished record of military leadership, strategic expertise, and a lifelong commitment to serving the nation's warfighters. General Joseph L. Votel is a retired U.S. Army Four-Star officer and former Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), where he was responsible for U.S. and coalition military operations in the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia. During his 39 years in the military, he commanded special operations and conventional military forces at every level. His career included combat operations in Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Notably, he led a 79-member coalition that successfully liberated Iraq and Syria from the Islamic State Caliphate. Prior to his assignment at CENTCOM, he served as Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Following his retirement from military service, General Votel served as President and CEO of Business Executives for National Security (BENS). He currently serves on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards and advisory organizations, including AeroVironment, Minnesota Wire, DC Capital Partners, NtelSec, Insight Partners, and the Middle East Institute. He is also the Distinguished Chair of the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Paul C. Darley, Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are so honored to have General Votel join our board. His life of selfless service to our country, serving our warfighters in JSOC, SOCOM and CENTCOM will help us to better serve our Department of War customer base." General Votel stated, "I am really excited to join Darley and be a part of this legendary company that does such great work for our first responders and military." General Votel's appointment reflects Darley's ongoing commitment to building on the strength of its Board of Directors with experienced leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight in support of the company's long-term direction and continued success. About Darley: You serve others. We serve you. Darley provides the highest quality pump, technology, and equipment solutions for first responders around the world. With origins in Midwest manufacturing, Darley offers a complete line of unmanned systems, immersive training technology, equipment and pumps. Learn more on our websites: www.darley.com and shop.darley.com. Matthew Wells Marketing & Communications Specialist [email protected]

Rigspot
Jul 13th, 2026
Inside Darley: july-august 2026.

Inside Darley: july-august 2026. During George's tenure at Spartan Motors, the company went public in 1984, launched the Fire Truck Training Conference in 1994, and branched into manufacturing complete fire apparatus solutions. Johnson's appointment reflects Darley's ongoing commitment to building on the strength of its board of directors with experienced industry leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight. Darley recently exhibited at Interschutz 2026 with a team of about 15 Darley team members and met customers from around 60 or 70 different countries around the world.