Entry-Level CNC Machining Apprentice

Job Description

Job Description

Launch your craft at Howmet Aerospace — Winsted, CT

Picture your first day. You check the visual control boards and hour-by-hour charts, review tooling calibration logs during your daily walk-around, and prepare a CNC workstation. With coaching, you set up a rotary or surface grinder, complete a wheel change within standard time, run first-piece and in-process inspections, and keep production and quality records spotless. Throughout the shift, you uphold 6S standards, execute clean-up procedures, and contribute ideas to continuous improvement and EH&S initiatives. That’s a typical day for an Entry-Level CNC Machining Apprentice at Howmet Aerospace.

• Set up, operate, and maintain at least one CNC process machine (rotary, surface grinder, etc.) to meet safety, schedule, and quality targets.
• Perform machine set-ups and wheel changes within standard times.
• Maintain productivity, utilization, and quality documentation, including tooling calibration records and daily walk-arounds.
• Conduct in-process inspections and keep accurate production records.
• Maintain 6S housekeeping, follow shift clean-up procedures, and keep visual control boards/hour-by-hour charts current.
• Engage in continuous improvement and comply with all Quality and EH&S programs.
• Follow Employee Handbook guidelines, maintain strong attendance, and achieve/maintain certified status.

• Minimum starting salary: $21.00 (higher based on skills)
• Shift differentials: 2nd shift +$2.00, 3rd shift +$3.00
• Ability to train on 1st shift for several months if needed
• External hires are eligible for a $3,000 sign on bonus
• Benefit package includes Medical, Dental, Visual, Vacation, and more
• Excellent 401K match
• Growth Potential and Referral Bonus Program

• High school diploma or GED
• Comfort with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (including decimals and fractions); basic formulas, charts, and tables
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, specifications, and technical diagrams
• Experience using computer scanning devices
• Proficiency with adjustable measuring instruments (e.g., micrometers, calipers)
• Skill reviewing and interpreting reports, forms, records, and comparable data
• Capacity to plan work sequences for set-ups, operations, and processes
• Ability to follow instructions, routines, methods, and standard practices
• 1–2 years of machine operation experience preferred

• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

• Measurement Gauges
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)
• CNC Lathe (5+ axis)
• Horizontal Machining Center (5+ axis)
• OD/ID Grinding Machine

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This is an exciting opportunity to grow with us. Apply today to see if you qualify!