In-Job Train To Become an Industrial Engineer

Manufacturing Engineering Trainee Machinist-to-Industrial-Engineer Career Track Precision Machining of Defense / Military Components Full-Time

• On-Site
• Entry-Level with Defined Growth Path
• ITAR/Defense Environment Starting Salary $52,000/year
• Growth to $100,000+ as You Advance Position Summary We are seeking a motivated individual who wants to build a career in precision machining and grow into an industrial / manufacturing engineering role.

This is a hands-on development position: you will start on the shop floor learning CNC machining, inspection, and our quality systems, then progressively take on process engineering, tooling, and continuous-improvement responsibilities. Our shop produces complex, tight-tolerance components for defense and military customers, where traceability, documentation, and quality are non-negotiable. The right candidate is mechanically curious, detail-driven, and eager to learn the engineering side of manufacturing while keeping their hands on real parts. What You'll Do Phase 1 - Build the Foundation (Shop Floor)

• Learn to set up and operate CNC machining centers and lathes under the guidance of experienced machinists.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and work instructions.
• Perform in-process and first-article inspection using calipers, micrometers, height gages, CMM, and optical comparators.
• Deburr, clean, and prepare finished parts to print, including cosmetic and dimensional requirements.
• Follow material handling and traceability procedures for controlled defense materials. Phase 2 - Grow Into Engineering Support
• Assist in developing and refining CNC programs, tooling selection, and fixture design.
• Learn industry-standard CAD/CAM software — Mastercam, Siemens NX, and

SOLIDWORKS

— with on-the-job training provided.

• Support process documentation: routers, work instructions, and setup sheets.
• Participate in quality activities such as PFMEA, control plans, PPAP, FAI (AS9102), and Gage R&R studies.
• Help analyze scrap, rework, and cycle-time data to identify continuous-improvement opportunities.
• Contribute to lean / 5S initiatives and shop-floor layout improvements. Phase 3 - Own Engineering Responsibility
• Drive process improvement projects from problem statement through validation and standardization.
• Apply statistical methods (SPC, Cpk/Ppk) to monitor and improve process capability.
• Lead root-cause / corrective-action efforts on quality escapes.
• Collaborate with quality and program management on customer requirements and defense compliance (DFARS, CMMC readiness). What You Bring
• High school diploma or equivalent; mechanical aptitude and a strong desire to learn machining and engineering.
• Comfortable with basic math (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) as applied to part dimensions and tooling.
• Detail-oriented with the discipline to follow documented procedures exactly.
• Reliable, safety-conscious, and able to work on-site full time in a manufacturing environment.
• U.

S. Person status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) as required for ITAR / defense-controlled work. Compensation & Growth Starting salary is $52,000 per year, with structured increases tied to skill development, certifications, and added responsibility as you progress through the career track. As you grow into a full manufacturing / industrial engineering role, total compensation advances to over $100,000 per year. We reward people who invest in their craft and take on more. Career Progression Path This role follows a clearly defined ladder. Each step builds on the last, combining hands-on machining skill with growing engineering responsibility: → Step 1: CNC Machine Operator - learn to run CNC machines and produce parts to print → Step 2: Junior CNC Setup → Step 3: CNC Setup → Step 4: Senior CNC Setup → Step 5: Junior CNC Programmer → Step 6: CNC Programmer → Step 7: Senior CNC Programmer → Step 8: Junior Process Engineer → Step 9: Process Engineer → Step 10: Industrial Engineer Advancement is based on demonstrated skill, reliability, and readiness — motivated people can move through the steps as quickly as they earn it. Why This Role This is a genuine career path, not just a job. We invest in people who want to learn the craft of machining and then apply it as engineers. You'll work on demanding, mission-critical parts, gain mentorship from seasoned machinists and engineers, and develop a rare combination of practical shop knowledge and engineering skill that makes for a highly capable manufacturing engineer. As you grow, your responsibilities, title, and compensation grow with you. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent on the ability to access ITAR-controlled technical data, which may require verification of U.S. Person status.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Relocation assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person