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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Machinist Trainee

💰 $ - $

aerospacemanufacturingmachiningcnc

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Machinist Trainee is an entry-level, hands-on manufacturing position in aerospace machining focused on learning and executing precision metal removal and finishing operations for jet engine and airframe components. Working under the supervision of experienced machinists and engineers, the trainee will develop skills in CNC setup and operation, manual machining, blueprint interpretation, precision measurement, tooling selection, and adherence to aerospace quality and safety standards. This role is ideal for candidates seeking a career path in aerospace manufacturing, precision machining, or CNC programming.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • High school diploma with vocational/technical coursework in machining or manufacturing
  • Trade school / community college machining program graduate
  • Apprenticeship or internship in a machine shop or aerospace manufacturing environment

Advancement To:

  • Jet Machinist (Aerospace Machinist)
  • CNC Programmer / CAM Specialist
  • Senior Machinist / Lead Machinist
  • Tooling & Fixture Design Engineer
  • Production or Manufacturing Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Inspector / First Article Inspector (FAI)
  • Maintenance Technician (machine tool maintenance)
  • Manufacturing Process Technician / Continuous Improvement Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate and learn to set up CNC vertical and horizontal machines (Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Okuma) under supervision, including loading programs, setting tool offsets, and monitoring first-run parts for compliance with engineering drawings and manufacturing process standards.
  • Read, interpret and apply engineering blueprints and technical drawings (including GD&T symbols) to ensure machined jet engine components meet specified tolerances and finish requirements for aerospace applications.
  • Conduct step-by-step machine setups: select and install cutting tools, tool holders, fixtures and workholding devices; verify runout and concentricity; and perform dry-run checks prior to cutting aerospace alloys such as titanium, Inconel, stainless steel and aerospace-grade aluminum.
  • Perform first article inspections (FAI) and in-process inspections using precision metrology equipment (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height gauges) and document measurement results in inspection reports and traveler sheets.
  • Program and edit basic CNC code (G-code/M-code) and collaborate with senior programmers to optimize feed rates, spindle speeds, cutting depths and toolpaths for complex jet components while minimizing tool wear.
  • Load raw material and finished parts to and from machines, ensure correct batch identification, lot traceability and maintain accurate shop floor paperwork in accordance with aerospace quality systems (AS9100/NADCAP/ISO).
  • Deburr, chamfer, grind and surface finish machined parts to meet cosmetic and functional aerospace specifications while ensuring radii and edge breaks conform to drawing callouts.
  • Support machine troubleshooting and corrective actions: identify chatter, tool breakage, improper chip formation or surface finish issues and apply recommended tooling or program changes to resolve root causes.
  • Participate in machine maintenance tasks and basic preventative maintenance (PM) including cleaning, lubrication, tool change verification and simple mechanical/electrical checks under guidance of maintenance personnel.
  • Prepare parts for subsequent operations including heat treat, plating, passivation or assembly by following routing instructions and communicating with downstream operations to maintain production flow for jet engine assemblies.
  • Maintain detailed manufacturing documentation, process control records, NCRs (non-conformance reports) and corrective action logs to meet traceability requirements for aerospace components.
  • Perform quality audits and assist quality engineering with first article inspections, calibration checks and sample audits in support of internal and customer-driven quality objectives.
  • Work safely and maintain compliance with industry safety standards (OSHA, FAA where applicable), lockout/tagout procedures, clean room or contamination control procedures, and hazardous material handling protocols for coolants and cutting fluids.
  • Adhere to ITAR, export control and controlled materials handling policies when working with regulated aerospace components and sensitive manufacturing data.
  • Learn to operate coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and optical comparators for complex dimensional verification and report results to quality and engineering teams, escalating anomalies promptly.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, Lean Manufacturing) by contributing ideas for reduced cycle time, improved fixture design, optimized tooling and scrap reduction on jet component processes.
  • Assist with tooling and fixture inventory control, tool crib management and re-order recommendations to ensure uninterrupted production of critical aerospace parts.
  • Follow manufacturing process flows and change control notices; execute documented routings precisely and raise requests for engineering change orders when necessary to ensure part conformity and safety.
  • Participate in training programs, cross-train on multiple machines and document training progress and competencies to advance from trainee to qualified machinist status.
  • Communicate effectively with production planners, quality inspectors, engineers and team leads to coordinate production schedules, expedite critical parts and clarify drawing intent or special instructions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support production test builds and final assemblies by providing correctly machined sub-components and assisting assembly technicians as needed.
  • Assist with data entry of production metrics, scrap, run times and basic machine logs to support shop floor reporting and continuous improvement dashboards.
  • Shadow senior machinists and participate in on-the-job mentoring sessions, safety stand-downs and process improvement meetings to accelerate skill development.
  • Help prepare tooling, gauging and inspection setups for engineering qualification trials and capability studies.
  • Contribute to tooling design feedback by validating fixture performance in the machine and documenting issues or improvement suggestions for design engineers.
  • Participate in supplier inspection activities and incoming material verification to confirm that supplied raw materials meet required specifications for aerospace machining.
  • Execute special handling and packaging instructions for finished jet components to ensure safe transport and compliance with customer shipping standards.
  • Assist quality and engineering teams with material review board documentation and disposition recommendations for minor non-conformances.
  • Support production flexibility efforts by cross-training to adjacent cells and helping to balance workload during peak demand or employee absence.
  • Maintain a clean, organized and safety-compliant work area in accordance with 5S expectations and company housekeeping standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient blueprint reading and interpretation, including full understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards used in aerospace drawings.
  • Basic to intermediate CNC operation and setup knowledge (Fanuc, Haas, Mazak, Okuma preferred), including tool offset entry, work offsets, probing and program transfer.
  • Fundamental G-code editing and CAM experience (Mastercam, Fusion 360, or similar) with the ability to review and suggest simple program optimizations.
  • Experience or training with precision measurement equipment: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, bore gauges, height stands and familiarity with coordinate measuring machine (CMM) operation.
  • Knowledge of machining best practices for aerospace alloys (titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, 7000 and 6000 series aluminum) including cutting speeds, feeds and coolant strategies.
  • Familiarity with AS9100, NADCAP expectations and aerospace traceability documentation (serial/lot control, traveler completion, FAI reporting).
  • Basic shop math and blueprint tolerancing calculations: trigonometry, geometry, conversions and tolerance stack-up comprehension.
  • Skilled in deburring, finishing, rework and surface preparation techniques to meet tight aerospace surface finish and edge condition standards.
  • Tooling and fixturing selection experience, including use of collets, chucks, vises, soft jaws, modular fixturing and quick-change tooling systems.
  • Understanding of preventive maintenance (PM) activities for machine tools and basic mechanical troubleshooting of spindle, turret and feed systems.
  • Experience with SPC (statistical process control) charts and basic quality tools such as root cause analysis, 5 Whys, and corrective action documentation.
  • Knowledge of safe handling, disposal and use of cutting fluids, coolants and lubricants; understanding of shop environmental and hazardous material controls.
  • Familiarity with ITAR and export control concepts as they apply to handling controlled aerospace parts and technical data.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing defect-free parts to tight tolerances.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with engineers, quality and production teams.
  • Rapid learner with a growth mindset, motivated to absorb new machining techniques and certification requirements.
  • Problem-solving orientation with the ability to escalate appropriately and contribute to corrective action plans.
  • Time management and organizational skills to meet production schedules, prioritize tasks and manage multiple setups.
  • Team player mentality with respect for mentorship, safety culture and continuous improvement activities.
  • Adaptability and resilience when troubleshooting machining issues or changing production priorities.
  • Professionalism and integrity in record keeping, calibration compliance and documentation of non-conformances.
  • Detail-focused quality mindset with a bias toward process control, documentation and repeatability.
  • Safety-focused: consistently adheres to PPE requirements, machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with coursework in mathematics, mechanical drawing, or industrial technology.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in machining technology, manufacturing technology, CNC operation, or aerospace manufacturing.
  • Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or NIMS/NATF certification program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machining Technology / Precision Machining
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology
  • Aerospace Manufacturing / Aerospace Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance / Machine Tool Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–2 years (entry-level trainee to junior machinist)

Preferred: 6–24 months of hands-on machine shop experience, vocational training, internship or apprenticeship in precision machining or aerospace manufacturing that demonstrates basic competency in machine setup, tool handling, blueprint reading, and use of measuring instruments.

  • Preferred certifications: NIMS credentials, OSHA 10, basic CNC operator certificate, AS9100 awareness training, NADCAP familiarity.
  • Demonstrable proficiency or training with one or more CNC platforms (Fanuc, Haas, Mazak) and exposure to CAD/CAM tools (Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM, Fusion 360) are advantageous.
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