Department: Manufacturing
Supervisor: Manufacturing Supervisor
Base Location: State College, PA
FLSA Status: Regular, Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Document: JD-MFG-MCHNRY-MCHINSC
Summary
The Machinist I is an entry-level position that supports the daily production operations of the machining workgroup. This role focuses on learning core machining processes while assisting senior machinists with various tasks and functions as needed to ensure efficient workflow and production support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Include the following; other duties may be assigned:
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, CAD models, and technical specifications to manufacture highly precise or specialized components.
- Perform advanced setup, programming, operation, and disassembly of conventional, manual, and CNC machine tools, including complex tooling configurations and multi-step machining processes.
- Develop and implement machining strategies for complex, prototype, or specialized components to achieve optimal precision and production efficiency.
- Program, optimize, and troubleshoot CNC machining operations, including adjusting tolerances, feeds, speeds, and cutting paths to meet engineering and quality requirements.
- Prepare machines for operation by performing test runs, making adjustments, and completing minor repairs to equipment during production as needed.
- Diagnose and resolve advanced machining, tooling, and process issues to maintain dimensional accuracy and production efficiency.
- Align, secure, and adjust tooling, fixtures, and workpieces required to complete job orders and maintain proper machine performance.
- Prepare raw materials to required specifications using equipment such as power band saws, table saws, and radial arm saws.
- Compute and verify dimensions, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces using precision measuring instruments to ensure adherence to strict quality standards.
- Perform finishing operations such as filing, grinding, deburring, and fitting components to ensure proper assembly and final product quality.
- Serve as a technical resource for machinists and production teams, providing expertise in machining techniques, equipment operation, and process improvement.
- Train, mentor, and support the development of Machinist I and Machinist II employees to strengthen shop capability and technical proficiency.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to machining processes, tooling efficiency, and workflow optimization.
- Assist supervisors and engineering teams in evaluating new equipment, tooling, machining techniques, and production methods.
- Follow all safety regulations and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Operates as a subject matter expert in machining operations and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Independently manages complex machining work, machine setups, programming, and troubleshooting.
- Provides technical leadership and mentorship to other machinists within the workgroup.
Level of Independence
Supervisory Responsibilities
- No supervisory responsibilities for this position.
- Advanced Blueprint & Technical Interpretation - Expert ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical specifications to produce highly precise components.
- Advanced Machine Setup & CNC Programming - Proficient in performing complex setups and programming of manual, automatic, and CNC machine tools, including multi-step machining processes and tooling configurations.
- Precision Measurement & Quality Assurance - Highly skilled in the use of advanced precision measuring instruments to verify tight tolerances and ensure adherence to strict quality standards.
- Machining Process Optimization - Strong understanding of machining strategies, tooling selection, feeds and speeds, and material behavior to improve machining efficiency and part quality.
- Advanced Troubleshooting & Technical Problem Solving - Ability to diagnose and resolve complex machining, tooling, and process issues to maintain production performance and accuracy.
- Technical Leadership & Mentorship - Ability to serve as a subject matter expert, mentor junior machinists, and collaborate with engineering and production teams to improve manufacturing processes.
Skills and Competencies
Required, demonstrated competencies and skills:
Qualifications and Experience
Preferred, but not required:
- Education/Experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in setting up, programming, and operating manual, automatic, and CNC machining equipment.
- Advanced ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, CAD models, and machining specifications.
- Proficiency using precision measuring instruments and performing inspections to verify tight tolerances and quality standards.
- Strong knowledge of machining processes, tooling selection, feeds and speeds, and material characteristics.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex machining issues and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Experience mentoring or training less experienced machinists and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand or sit; required to wear necessary protective gear and safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection; must have the ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 lbs. The employee must have the ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one place; the ability to quickly move your and, your hand together with your arm you’re your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects; the ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions; the ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Work Environment
This position operates in a dynamic manufacturing environment with frequent interaction between production teams, engineering, and cross-functional departments. The role involves regular presence on the production floor, where noise levels can be high and temperatures may vary. Employees must be comfortable working around machinery, materials, and overhead lifting equipment. Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends may occasionally be required to meet production goals.
Accessibility
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Contact us at 814 272 2800 or email,
[email protected].
