Trainee Program Jobs in West Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

Participate in the CNC Training Program to learn machinist duties associated with production of components for pistols, revolvers and rifles. Operate computer numerical controlled machines to fabricate parts. If necessary, load parts into machine as well as cycle machines and detect malfunctions in machine operations such as worn or damaged cutting tools. Run production lots, communicate with co-workers regarding production runs, and maintain safe, organized and clean work environment.

Once the training program is completed, trainees are expected to have achieved intermediate skills and be able to perform complex production work in the following areas: set-up, tech support, and CNC machining, following all prescribed methods and procedures. These skills will require performing and sharing goals as part of a participative work team, regardless of assigned shift.

Shift & Pay

Trainees work on day shift 6:00am - 6:00pm on a rotating schedule.

Trainees move to night shift 6:00pm-6:00am as CNC Operators.

Starting $24.68

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Once trained, essential duties for this position include the following - other duties may be assigned:
• Performing all general/intermediate machinist duties and responsibilities
• Setting-up CNC equipment by installing and adjusting three and four jaw chucks, tools, attachments, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers; indicating vices; tramming fixtures
• Loading feed mechanism by lifting stock into position
• Verifying settings by measuring positions, first-run parts, and sample work pieces including zero and reference points; setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; adhering to international standards; manipulating and interpreting a variety of bench gauging (micrometers, calipers, pins, snap gauges, indicators, height gauges (micro-height, etc)) and adjusting CNC accordingly
• Maintaining specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning, facing, knurling and thread chasing operations; taking measurements; detecting malfunctions; troubleshooting processes; adjusting and reprogramming controls; sharpening and replacing worn tools; adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes; using a variety of both CNC tool holders and cutting tools
• Maintaining safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations
• Maintaining equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs
• Maintaining continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs; managing a co-worker (most positions have a loader/unloader as a helper); multi-tasking -- normal workload is operating 6-10 CNC machines
• Documenting actions by completing production and quality logs
• Updating job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications
• Accomplishing organizational goals by accepting ownership, accomplishing new and different requests, exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments
• Performing other miscellaneous job duties and related functions as directed by Supervisor or other designated individual; problem solving in order to keep machines operating
• Being actively involved and willing to complete all training requirements to advance skills and proficiencies
• Monitoring and verifying quality in accordance with work instructions, statistical process or any other variances of control procedures prescribed for certifying or testing equipment
• Working with all floor supervisors and lead people, making every effort to maintain production schedules, and limiting waste, scrap, re-works or turn backs
• Working with Quality Control personnel to maintain the highest quality product
• Regular attendance (as defined in our policies) is required

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at anytime in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Experience, Competencies and Education

• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: CNC Certification required
• Completion of vocational academic program or a machining skills certification program preferred
• Previous experience in machine shop or CNC environment preferred
• Must have math skills equal to that used in a machining environment preferred
• Excellent conceptual skills, process improvement, verbal communication, functional and technical skills, controls and instrumentation skills, supply management, tooling, coordination, inventory control, attention to detail, and judgment preferred
• Must have working command of the English language
• Must be able to read, write and interpret the English language
• Must be able to communicate in English verbally and in writing (basic verbal instructions, simple written memos and instructions)
• Basic computer skills preferred

Training Requirements

• All trainees will be required to complete any assigned technical, administrative, EH&S, compliance/regulatory and interpersonal training programs to become a working team member
• After training position, trainee will move to a night spot in any department or crew.
• Must take and pass a math and mechanical aptitude test
• To advance level of proficiencies and skills, trainees will be required to complete technical and core training requirements through traditional methods, online training and hands-on training, as prescribed by each supervisor

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, push, pull, carry, reach, twist
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment

Mandatory wearing of certified safety glasses and hearing protection

The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear

All employees are required to apply ergonomic correctness to all job tasks

May be required depending on position:

Involvement in the hearing conservation program

Wearing of safety certified shoes/boots

Participation in the stretching program if applicable

Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting

Work environment is similar to most manufacturing operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting

Updated 5/1/2026