Machining Workforce Development Specialist

CNC School Leader

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary:

The CNC School Leader will confer with management to gain knowledge of specific work situations requiring employees to better understand standard machining practices, American Rheinmetall procedures and machining techniques. This position will be responsible for training and evaluating entry level machinists as well as in charge of the selection, development of testing and evaluation procedures to be used at completion of training. This position goes beyond training and is accountable for improving CNC Machinist performance, engagement, and retention. The role partners cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Human Resources to align training with operational needs and business objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Leadership & Program Ownership
• An extensive working knowledge of CNC mill and lathe machines
• Ability to operate and teach computer numerical control (CNC) mill and lathe machining centers to perform machine functions such as boring, facing, and threading parts of metallic work pieces such as castings, forgings and bar stock.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, planning sheets, sketches, layout, job order and related technical data for product specifications such as dimensions and tolerances, and tooling instructions such as feed rates, cutting speeds, depth of cut, and determines control settings, material requirements, machining methods and sequence of operations.
• Selecting, positioning, and securing tool in tool holder (chuck, collet, or tool post).
• Positioning and securing workpiece in holding device, machine table, chuck, centers, or fixtures.
• Ability to move controls, to position tool and workpiece in relation to each other, and to set specified feeds, speeds, and depth of cut.
• Turn valve handle to direct flow of coolant or cutting oil against tool and workpiece.
• Start machine and monitor displays and machine operation to detect malfunctions.
• Capable of inspecting first run piece and spot checks succeeding pieces for conformance to specifications (including documentation of results).
• Enter commands or manually adjust machine controls to correct malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining.
• Changing worn tools and cleaning machine, tooling, and parts.
• Operating bench grinder to sharpen tools.
• Performing light machine maintenance (check oil and coolant levels).
• Performance Monitoring & Accountability
• Track and report key program metrics, including:
• CNC Machining progression
• Time to competency
• Retention rates
• Training effectiveness and production readiness
• Maintain accurate training and certification records in Plex and related systems
• Provide monthly reporting and participate in bi-weekly training meetings
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Partner with Production to ensure machinists are prepared for real-world job demands
• Collaborate with Quality to align training with machining standards and defect reduction goals
• Work with HR to support onboarding, development, and retention strategies
• Support internal and external audits, including responding to customer training-related requirements
• Assist supervisors, as needed, with certification processes such as overhead crane and forklift training
• Operational Execution
• Maintain training equipment, tools, and supply inventory, including ordering as required
• Ensure training environments are clean, organized, and professional
• Store training aids and materials in approved locations
• Compliance & Safety
• Ensure all training activities comply with company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Maintain required certifications and program compliance requirements
• Promote and enforce safe work practices in both classroom and shop environments
• Ensure all trainees follow established policies, procedures, and safety expectations
• Conduct required evaluations

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• Minimum of 10 years of machining experience in a production and/or training environment
• Experience in training, coaching, or developing employees preferred

Background Prerequisites:

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience developing structured training programs
• Experience building, improving, or scaling a workforce development or training program in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production welding challenges, including variability, throughput, and real-world application of weld standards
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop employees across varying skill levels, including entry-level and experienced welders
• Experience identifying performance gaps and implementing targeted development plans to improve skill and retention
• Experience improving employee retention or training effectiveness metrics within a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing environments (AS9100, ISO14001, or similar)
• Experience using ERP or training tracking systems (Plex, Socrative, or similar) to manage workforce development and certification tracking
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and HR to drive alignment and results
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both shop floor employees and leadership
• Experience supporting customer or third-party audits related to welding or training programs

Performance Expectations:

• Improved welder retention and engagement across all locations
• Reduced time to competency and increased effectiveness of the CNC Machining Program
• Consistent training standards and delivery across all facilities
• Improved machining quality and reduction in training-related defects
• Strong alignment between training outcomes and production needs
• Positive feedback from machinists, supervisors, and cross-functional partners

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Combination of classroom, office, and manufacturing/shop floor environments
• Exposure to shop conditions including noise, heat, fumes, and welding operations
• Close proximity to moving equipment and other personnel
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas

Travel & Schedule Requirements:

• Occasional travel to other American Rheinmetall facilities
• Ability to work across multiple shifts (days and nights) to support training and evaluation needs as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent standing and walking
• Occasional Sitting
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching
• Occasional repetitive motion
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds

Additional Physical Considerations:

• Ability to demonstrate welding techniques and operate related equipment
• Ability to move between classroom and shop environments throughout the workday
• Ability to maintain focus and awareness in a dynamic manufacturing environment

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.