Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Trimmer

🎯 Role Definition

A Trimmer is a skilled production technician responsible for accurately trimming, finishing, deburring, and preparing parts and assemblies to engineering specifications. Typical work spans hand‑trim operations and machine/robotic trimming (CNC routers, waterjets, band saws, pneumatic shears) in industries such as aerospace, automotive, composites, textile, and plastics. The Trimmer ensures dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, and traceability by following work instructions, blueprints, inspection criteria, and safety procedures.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assembler or Manufacturing Operator
Composite Layup Technician or Upholstery Assistant
Machine Operator / Fabricator

Advancement To:

Senior Trimmer / Lead Trimmer
CNC Machinist or Composite Machinist
Quality Inspector / Metrology Technician
Manufacturing Supervisor or Shift Lead

Lateral Moves:

CNC Operator / Programmer
Maintenance Technician or Tooling Technician
Quality Technician (non‑destructive testing, CMM)
Toolroom or Fixtures Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up and operate trimming equipment (CNC routers, waterjet cutters, band saws, pneumatic shears, hand routers, grinders) to cut and trim parts to engineering drawings and work instructions, ensuring parts meet specified dimensions and finish standards.
Read, interpret, and apply blueprints, engineering drawings, and CAD prints including GD&T callouts to determine trimming locations, tolerances, and machining sequences.
Perform manual hand trimming, routing, sanding, and finishing of composite and polymer parts using knives, sanders, files, deburrers, and rotary tools while maintaining surface integrity and avoiding damage to core materials.
Measure and verify part dimensions using precision metrology tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges) and perform in‑process inspections to ensure compliance with tolerances and first‑article requirements.
Execute CNC offsets, tool changes, and basic program edits under supervision; set fixturing/fixtures and verify part hold‑down and alignment prior to machine start.
Deburr, chamfer, and edge‑finish metal and composite components to meet cosmetic and functional finish requirements; apply edge sealing or minor repairs as specified.
Prepare, label, and package trimmed components according to work orders and shipping/traceability requirements; maintain appropriate protective packaging to prevent part damage.
Document production data, inspection results, scrap/rework, and process deviations in manufacturing records, job travelers, and ERP/MES systems to maintain product traceability.
Identify, tag, and segregate nonconforming parts; complete defect reports and collaborate with quality/engineering on containment, root cause, and corrective actions.
Operate abrasive equipment, vacuum systems, and local exhaust while following PPE requirements and safe handling procedures for dust, solvents, and adhesives.
Perform first‑article inspections and process checks for new part numbers; participate in set‑up validation and capability runs to achieve production readiness.
Follow AS9100/ISO9001 or customer‑specific quality requirements and work instructions; maintain calibration traceability for gauges and measuring equipment.
Conduct regular visual and dimensional inspections during and after trimming to ensure product meets customer cosmetic and performance standards.
Adjust machining parameters (feed, speed, depth of cut) and fixturing to optimize cycle time and surface quality while preventing delamination or tool chatter on composite parts.
Remove tooling marks and burrs using approved techniques and hand tools without reducing part integrity or violating thickness/tolerance requirements.
Support kitting and subassembly lines by providing correctly trimmed components on schedule, ensuring just‑in‑time availability to downstream operations.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, lean events) to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase first‑pass yield on trimming operations.
Maintain trimming equipment, perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and basic preventive maintenance; report machine faults and support the maintenance team to minimize downtime.
Train junior operators and cross‑train peers on trimming processes, safe tool usage, and inspection best practices to broaden departmental capability.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to provide feedback on tooling, nest layouts, and trimming sequences to enhance manufacturability and reduce scrap.
Follow job safety analyses (JSAs) and lockout/tagout procedures during tool changes, maintenance, or when clearing jams to ensure personal and team safety.
Handle flammable consumables, adhesives, and chemical agents per MSDS and company environmental procedures; properly dispose of hazardous and non‑hazardous waste.
Maintain workstation organization and tooling inventory; ensure backup tooling and fixtures are available to support uninterrupted production flow.
Document and communicate process changes, lessons learned, and special handling instructions for unique materials (e.g., honeycomb, carbon fiber, Kevlar, urethane) to prevent process drift.
Support quality audits by providing process records, demonstrating competency, and ensuring all required documentation is up to date and accessible.

Secondary Functions

Assist manufacturing engineering with process validation, capability studies, and setup documentation for new parts and tooling.
Help develop visual work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training guides for trimming operations to improve consistency and reduce onboarding time.
Participate in cross‑functional teams for continuous improvement projects, tooling development, and cost reduction initiatives.
Support ad‑hoc production priorities and urgent rework where quick turnaround is required to meet customer commitments.
Provide input to purchasing on consumable usage rates and tooling life estimates to optimize inventory and reduce downtime.
Contribute to the development and roll‑out of safety initiatives, ergonomic improvements, and workstation enhancements.
Shadow quality and engineering personnel to expand skillsets in inspection techniques, CAD reading, and process controls.
Assist in inventory cycle counts and labeling to maintain accurate production stock levels and traceability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in manual trimming techniques: knives, routers, deburring tools, sanders, and hand finishing to tight tolerances.
Experience setting up and operating CNC routers, waterjet cutters, band saws, or other automated trimming equipment.
Strong blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation skills, including understanding of GD&T symbols and tolerance callouts.
Skilled in dimensional inspection using calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, and visual inspection techniques.
Knowledge of composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, honeycomb) — handling, delamination prevention, and repair basics.
Familiarity with quality systems and standards such as AS9100, ISO9001, PPAP, and first‑article inspection processes.
Ability to perform basic CNC offsets, fixture setup, and verify toolpaths; experience with CAM/CNC operators is a plus.
Experience with measurement systems and CMM coordination or hand‑off for final inspection.
Proficiency in documenting production data in ERP/MES systems, following job travelers, and maintaining traceability records.
Competence in performing routine equipment maintenance, housekeeping (5S), and basic troubleshooting of trimming machines.
Knowledge of safe handling and disposal of adhesives, solvents, and composite dust; adherence to PPE and local exhaust requirements.
Experience with lean manufacturing tools — 5S, Kaizen, standard work documentation, and waste reduction practices.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with a focus on delivering high‑quality parts that meet specification and cosmetic requirements.
Excellent manual dexterity and steady hand for precision trimming and finishing tasks.
Problem‑solving mindset with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical corrections on the shop floor.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to report defects, document nonconformances, and interact with engineers and quality teams.
Dependable time management and production pacing skills to meet scheduled outputs while maintaining quality.
Team player who collaborates smoothly with operators, engineers, quality, and maintenance personnel.
Adaptable and coachable — willing to learn new equipment, processes, and inspection techniques.
Strong safety orientation and the ability to follow and enforce lockout/tagout, JSA, and PPE requirements.
Proactive in suggesting process improvements and participating in continuous improvement activities.
Ability to remain organized under shifting priorities and handle multiple part numbers or jobs simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Composite Materials, or related trade school credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Composite Materials Technology
Manufacturing or Industrial Technology
Machinist/Tool & Die or CNC Programming
Aerospace or Automotive Manufacturing
Welding/Sheet Metal Fabrication (for metal trimming roles)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 to 5 years in production trimming, machining, or related manufacturing roles; entry level applicants with related hands‑on vocational training considered.

Preferred:

2+ years trimming experience in composites, aerospace, automotive, or plastics industries with demonstrated competency in manual and/or CNC trimming, blueprint reading, and inspection practices. Experience with AS9100 or ISO9001 environments and familiarity with metrology/CMM processes is highly desirable.