Apprentice Cnc Router Operator Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Gwynedd Manufacturing, a growing defense contractor located in North Wales, PA, is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility dedicated to producing quality products for the U.S. Department of Defense and various U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. As an innovative company offering a wide array of products, we strive to continuously develop new technology and drive process improvement.

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on CNC Machinist to support our manufacturing operations by setting up, operating, programming, and optimizing CNC machining equipment. This position is ideal for an experienced machinist who enjoys working directly on the shop floor, solving machining challenges, improving processes, and producing high-quality precision components.

The CNC Machinist will work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to ensure parts are produced accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with established specifications and quality standards.

An engineering degree is not required for this position. Candidates with strong hands-on CNC machining experience, technical training, or relevant trade experience are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machining equipment to produce precision components in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Program and/or modify CNC programs as needed to support production requirements and improve machining processes.
• Work with 4- and 5-axis CNC machinery, including setup, tooling, workholding, and machining operations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and other technical documentation.
• Select and install appropriate cutting tools, fixtures, workholding, and inspection equipment.
• Develop, modify, and optimize machining strategies to improve cycle times, tool life, part quality, and overall production efficiency.
• Troubleshoot machining issues and make adjustments to programs, tooling, feeds and speeds, and setups to resolve production challenges.
• Inspect finished and in-process components using precision measuring equipment to ensure parts meet dimensional and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and resolve quality or production issues.
• Assist with the development and implementation of machining processes, work instructions, tooling, fixtures, and production methods.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, improving throughput, increasing tool life, and achieving right-first-time production.
• Maintain accurate production and inspection documentation.
• Provide guidance and technical support to other machinists and machine operators when needed.
• Follow all established safety procedures, quality requirements, and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on CNC machining experience preferred.
• Experience setting up and operating 4- or 5-axis CNC machines.
• Experience with CNC programming, editing, or program optimization.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and precision measurement techniques.
• Experience selecting cutting tools, workholding, tooling, and machining parameters.
• Familiarity with CAM software such as Siemens NX, PartMaker, or similar platforms is preferred.
• Ability to troubleshoot machining, tooling, and programming issues independently.
• Strong understanding of machining practices, including feeds and speeds, tolerances, tool wear, and material removal.
• Basic understanding of quality systems and ISO 9001 principles preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and manage multiple priorities.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical school, CNC machining certificate, apprenticeship, or other relevant machining training is preferred but not required.
• Engineering degree is not required. Equivalent hands-on experience and technical knowledge will be considered.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on CNC Machinist who takes pride in precision work and enjoys figuring out how to make a process better. They should be comfortable troubleshooting problems on the shop floor, making program or tooling adjustments, and working collaboratively with Engineering and Quality to improve production.

Candidates who have progressed from CNC Operator or Setup Machinist into more advanced programming, setup, and process optimization responsibilities are encouraged to apply.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

This position is based in a manufacturing environment and may require the following over extended periods of time up to a full 8-hour work shift (excluding lunch and breaks): stand, walk, sit, squat or bend, kneel and rise, lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to — and occasionally exceeding — 50 pounds, view a computer or other digital screen, work on a computer, workstation or comparable system, and make accurate entries in such systems. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills are required for detailed assembly and precision work. Work may take place in areas with varying temperatures or no climate control, varying noise levels, and production equipment in motion. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated areas at all times as required by company policy. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities but are always subject to safety concerns for the employee and all team members.  Employer may require a physical assessment of the candidate’s ability to perform these tasks as a condition of an offer letter.  Any assessment will be performed by a third party vendor and will be reported on a pass/fail basis with no other medical information conveyed to employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Gwynedd Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Note: This job description reflects general duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Management may modify or assign other responsibilities as needed.