Machinist Apprentice

Hytorc • Mahwah, NJ

4d

About The Position

The Machinist Apprentice develops the technical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed to become a skilled machinist. Under the guidance of experienced machinists and engineering personnel, the apprentice supports prototype and custom-part manufacturing, tooling and fixture development, CNC and manual machining operations, inspection activities, and safe organization of the machine shop.

The role includes learning to set up and operate manual and CNC equipment, producing components from drawings and work instructions, assisting with customer specials and prototypes, and supporting Engineering and R&D projects. The apprentice also assists with tooling and fixture development, performs first-piece inspections, maintains tooling and materials, and keeps the work area clean, safe, and organized.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, sketches, dimensions, and work instructions.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Ability to use or learn precision measuring instruments and follow documented inspection requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, communicate effectively, solve problems, and work independently and as part of a team.
• Must occasionally lift and move up to 100 pounds.
• Vision must be 20/20 with or without corrective lenses.
• Must be able to maintain focus and concentration for the time needed to make a part.
• Must be physically fit to stand for the majority of an 8-hour workday.

Nice To Haves

• Technical school, vocational training, apprenticeship coursework, or machining-related education.
• Previous manufacturing, machining, mechanical, or shop experience.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CAD/CAM software, or CNC programming.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform setup and operation of manual lathes, Bridgeport or vertical mills, drill presses, grinders, and related machine-shop equipment.
• Produce components from engineering drawings, sketches, samples, and work instructions under appropriate supervision.
• Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and support basic machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Assist with CNC machine setup, tooling, material loading, operation, and monitoring.
• Learn machine controls, work offsets, tool offsets, and basic CNC machining principles; report quality, tooling, or equipment concerns promptly.
• Support the manufacture and modification of customer specials, prototype parts, samples, and replacement components.
• Assist Engineering and R&D with product-development projects, feasibility evaluations, and prototype testing.
• Create parts or modifications to support customer orders, demonstrations, sales meetings, or trade shows.
• Assist in designing, fabricating, modifying, and maintaining jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing tooling.
• Support Engineering in developing machining solutions that improve manufacturability, efficiency, and quality.
• Help maintain cutting-tool, fixture, and raw-material inventory and keep tooling organized.
• Perform first-piece inspections using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other approved inspection tools.
• Verify conformance to engineering drawings and specifications, document results, and communicate nonconformances.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area according to company safety and housekeeping standards.
• Properly store tools, materials, and equipment; assist with shop organization, material movement, and waste disposal.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED