Manufacturing Apprentice Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The 5-Axis CNC Machine Operator is responsible for safely setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining 5-Axis CNC machining equipment used to manufacture and repair die casting tooling, including dies, inserts, cores, slides, holders, and related components. This role produces precision-machined components from tool steels and other materials while meeting required dimensional tolerances, surface-finish specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.

The successful candidate has strong machining fundamentals, experience interpreting complex engineering drawings and CAM-generated machining programs, and a disciplined approach to safety, quality, and toolroom workmanship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 5-axis CNC milling machines to machine die casting dies, cavities, cores, inserts, slides, and other tooling components.
• Load, verify, and run CNC programs; make approved offsets, tool-length adjustments, and minor program edits as needed to maintain part quality.
• Install and indicate fixtures, vises, pallets, workholding, cutting tools, probes, and tooling assemblies.
• Select and install appropriate cutting tools, inserts, holders, and workholding based on material, machining operation, geometry, and required surface finish.
• Machine tool steels and other materials commonly used in die casting tooling, including pre-hardened steel, hardened steel, aluminum, copper alloys, and stainless steel.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, setup sheets, tooling drawings, work instructions, and inspection requirements.
• Verify part dimensions using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, height gages, bore gages, indicators, thread gages, CMMs, and optical or probing systems.
• Perform in-process inspections and document results in accordance with quality procedures.
• Monitor machining cycles for tool wear, vibration, coolant flow, chip control, machine alarms, and other conditions that may affect quality or equipment performance.
• Identify machining defects or nonconforming conditions; stop work when necessary and promptly notify the supervisor, programmer, or quality representative.
• Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication checks, coolant checks, chip removal, and basic preventative-maintenance activities.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area in accordance with 5S, housekeeping, and plant safety requirements.
• Support die maintenance, repair, tryout, engineering changes, and continuous-improvement activities as workload requires.
• Communicate clearly with CNC programmers, toolmakers, quality personnel, maintenance, and supervisors regarding job status, tooling needs, quality concerns, and equipment issues.
• Follow all company policies, safety procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, PPE requirements, and environmental practices.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Four or more years of CNC machining experience, preferably operating multi-axis CNC milling equipment.
• Experience with 5-axis CNC machining in a toolroom, mold-making, die-making, aerospace, automotive, or similarly high-precision manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed blueprints, models, process sheets, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing requirements.
• Working knowledge of CNC controls such as Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, Mazak, Haas, Okuma, or comparable systems.
• Experience using precision measurement tools and performing dimensional inspection.
• Knowledge of cutting tools, feeds, and speeds, workholding methods, machining fundamentals, and tool wear management.
• Ability to safely lift, position, and secure tooling and workpieces using approved lifting devices and material-handling equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and commitment to quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a CNC machining, tool-and-die, manufacturing technology, or related apprenticeship/trade program.
• Experience machining die casting dies, molds, cavities, cores, slides, and hardened tool steels.
• Familiarity with CAM software and ability to understand CAM setup sheets and toolpaths.
• Experience with probing systems, palletized machining, high-speed machining, and complex 3D contouring.
• Experience with CMM inspection or machine-tool probing.
• Forklift, crane, or overhead-hoist certification.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous-improvement practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to maintain tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes on complex tooling components.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic machining, tooling, fixture, and program-related issues.
• Ability to work independently from setting up documentation and job priorities while escalating concerns appropriately.
• Ability to manage multiple jobs, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional toolroom and manufacturing team.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and protection of company equipment and tooling assets.

Physical and Working Conditions

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and use of hands and arms throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds regularly and heavier items with approved lifting equipment.
• Ability to work around machinery, cutting fluids, metal chips, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Required use of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, hearing protection, gloves as appropriate, and other PPE required by the task.
• May require overtime, weekend work, or shift flexibility to support production schedules, urgent die repairs, and tooling launches.

Performance Expectations

• Produce conforming parts that meet drawing, tolerance, and surface-finish requirements.
• Maintain safe, efficient machine operation and minimize downtime due to preventable setup, tooling, or handling errors.
• Complete assigned work accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain organized work areas, accurate documentation, and clear communication with the team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in machining quality, cycle time, tooling life, and overall toolroom performance.