Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Machinist Apprentice

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Machinist Apprentice is an entry-level, hands-on position within aerospace manufacturing focused on learning and performing precision machining and finishing operations on jet engine components. Working under experienced machinists and supervisors, the apprentice will gain practical knowledge in setting up and operating manual machines and CNC mills/lathes, reading and interpreting engineering blueprints and GD&T, conducting first article and in-process inspections, and following AS9100/ISO9001 quality systems and safety procedures. This role emphasizes skill development in tooling selection, measuring with micrometers and CMMs, basic CAM/CNC programming exposure, and strict adherence to surface finish, tolerance, and balancing requirements for turbines, rotors, shafts, and other jet engine parts.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Manufacturing or machine shop helper/assistant
CNC Operator (entry-level) or manual lathe/mill operator
Military aircraft mechanic or engine technician transitioning to civilian aerospace

Advancement To:

Jet Machinist (Journeyman Machinist - Aerospace)
CNC Programmer / Setter
Toolroom Technician or Tooling Engineer
Quality Inspector (CMM/Metrology Specialist)
Production Supervisor or Process Engineer

Lateral Moves:

NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Technician
Aerospace Assembler / Engine Overhaul Technician
Heat Treat / Surface Finish Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Learn to set up, operate, and maintain manual lathes and milling machines to machine jet engine components to print tolerances, including turning, boring, drilling, and facing operations on high-value aerospace parts.
Assist in CNC mill and lathe setups under direct supervision, including loading programs, setting tooling offsets, verifying fixtures, and performing dry cycles to confirm safe operation and program accuracy.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, prints, and GD&T callouts for jet engine parts (turbine blades, compressor discs, shafts, housings) and translate dimensional requirements into machining actions.
Perform precision measurement and inspection of machined parts using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, bore gauges, and thread gauges to ensure component conformance to aerospace tolerances.
Support and execute first article inspections (FAI) and in-process inspection routines, documenting results and raising non-conformance reports when measurements fall outside specified limits.
Set up and balance rotating assemblies and components in accordance with specified balance tolerances for jet engine rotors and shafts, following established balancing procedures and documentation.
Deburr, grind, polish, and finish surfaces to meet specified surface finish (Ra) and edge-break requirements, using hand tools, bench grinders, finishing stones, and polishing equipment.
Assist with tool selection, installation, and condition monitoring, including choosing appropriate cutters, inserts, and coolant, and logging tool life and replacements in tooling records.
Perform simple CAM/CNC program edits (under supervision), including feed/speed adjustments, toolpath verification, and program transfer to CNC controllers while following configuration control procedures.
Execute set procedures for heat-sensitive or exotic aerospace materials (e.g., titanium, Inconel, nickel alloys), including appropriate feed/rate strategies and coolants to avoid work hardening or tool failure.
Participate in shop-floor quality systems and AS9100/ISO9001 compliance activities, including maintaining complete traveler documentation, batch records, process sheets, and calibration traceability.
Use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and digital metrology devices under training to verify complex features, create basic inspection routines, and interpret output reports for supervisors.
Follow established safety practices and PPE requirements in machining cells, including lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding, and proper handling of cutting fluids and solvents.
Troubleshoot basic machining problems (chatter, tool deflection, poor surface finish) under mentorship, recommending corrective actions such as tooling, feed/rate, or fixturing changes.
Set, use, and maintain jigs and fixtures: load parts, verify clamping and datum alignment, and report fixture wear or issues for repair or redesign.
Perform routine preventive maintenance and housekeeping on machines, coolant systems, and workstations to ensure reliable machine performance and clean, organized work areas.
Assist in non-destructive inspection (NDT) preparations, including masking, marking, and dimensional pre-checks, and coordinate with NDT technicians for radiography, eddy current, or dye-penetrant testing as required.
Support supply chain and inventory control by issuing tooling and consumables, logging serial numbers, part numbers, and lot codes for traceability on aerospace components.
Participate in continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives by suggesting process improvements, documenting time studies, and assisting in Kaizen events focused on machining process efficiency and quality.
Maintain accurate electronic and physical documentation of setup parameters, inspection results, SPC charts, and process changes to comply with audit and regulatory requirements.
Shadow experienced machinists during complex repair, overhaul, and rework operations, learning procedures for straightening, welding-prep machining, and fit-up for assembly of engine components.

Secondary Functions

Support engineering and quality teams by preparing parts for build and final assembly, including cleaning, marking, and packaging per product specifications.
Assist with data collection for process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and provide shop-floor measurements for statistical process control under supervision.
Participate in apprentice training programs, skill assessments, and cross-training rotations to broaden exposure to grinding, laser welding prep, balancing, and heat-treat operations.
Help maintain calibration schedules for metrology equipment and coordinate downtime for calibration with supervisors to ensure measurement accuracy and traceability.
Collaborate with CNC programmers and tooling engineers to trial new tooling or fixtures and document machining results for program optimization.
Provide support to production scheduling by communicating job status, expected completion dates, and tooling or material constraints to leads and planners.
Assist in maintaining safety and environmental compliance by handling waste streams (used coolants, metal swarf) per company procedures and reporting spills or hazards immediately.
Contribute to customer-focused activities, such as preparing sample parts for customer approval, walking through inspection findings with customer representatives, and participating in corrective action investigations when needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T symbology for aerospace components.
Basic operation, setup, and maintenance of manual and CNC lathes and mills, including understanding of tool offsets and work offsets.
Hands-on experience or formal training in precision measuring instruments: micrometers, calipers, height gauges, bore gauges, and thread gauges.
Familiarity with Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and basic inspection software or the ability to learn CMM routines and read CMM reports.
Understanding of cutting tool selection, speeds and feeds, coolant usage, and tooling life management for exotic alloys (titanium, Inconel).
Knowledge of surface finish specifications (Ra) and finishing techniques including grinding, polishing, and deburring.
Exposure to CAM/CNC program basics and the ability to make supervised edits and perform safe program transfers.
Working knowledge of aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and ISO9001 and experience maintaining traveler and traceability documentation.
Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and safety protocols including lockout/tagout procedures.
Familiarity with basic balancing procedures for rotating assemblies and awareness of vibration and tolerance impacts on engine performance.
Experience with fixtures, jigs, and workholding design for repeatable, accurate setups.
Basic knowledge of non-destructive testing (NDT) requirements and prep steps for eddy current, dye penetrant, or radiographic inspection.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing zero-defect, high-precision aerospace parts.
Effective verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and team collaboration.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to ask clarifying questions and escalate issues appropriately.
Ability to work well under supervision and take constructive feedback during apprenticeship training.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance setup, production, and inspection responsibilities.
Team-player attitude and willingness to cross-train and support colleagues across machining cells.
Continuous improvement orientation; open to learning Lean, Six Sigma basics, and participating in Kaizen events.
Reliability and professional workplace behavior in a shop-floor environment with strict safety expectations.
Adaptability to changing production schedules, engineering changes, and process improvements.
Ethical responsibility for handling traceable aerospace parts and maintaining accurate documentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with coursework in math, blueprint reading, or industrial technology.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree, certificate, or diploma in Precision Machining, Tool and Die, Manufacturing Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Completion of an accredited apprenticeship program or vocational/technical school with emphasis on CNC/machining.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Precision Machining / Tool & Die
Manufacturing Technology / CNC Operation
Aerospace Technology / Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Metallurgy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 2 years of hands-on machining experience; immediate entry-level candidates are acceptable if enrolled in or committed to apprenticeship training.

Preferred:

1–3 years of shop experience or documented completion of a machining apprenticeship, vocational program, or military aviation maintenance experience with exposure to engine component work.
Demonstrated familiarity with aerospace quality systems, basic GD&T application, and use of precision measuring instruments.