CNC Setup/Operator Apprentice

Ametek, Inc.; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

AMETEK, Inc. is seeking a CNC Setup/Operator Apprentice in Waterbury, CT.

You will learn to produce precision machined parts through structured, supervised on-the-job training, developing CNC machining, blueprint reading, measurement, quality, safety, and equipment-care skills while supporting production and progressing toward independent operation. The program covers reading blueprints, using micrometers, calipers, and other gauges, and working with QMA/MAZ/SPC databases.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical school coursework preferred but not required.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing, machining, or related experience preferred.
• Strong interest in learning CNC machining and building a manufacturing career.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to use hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Basic math skills; ability to learn shop math, geometry, and introductory trigonometry.
• Ability to read blueprints, specification drawings, quality plans, and work instructions.
• Follow detailed instructions, accept coaching, and work safely in a team environment.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn production and quality systems.
• Demonstrate increasing competency and independence as training milestones are completed.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured on-the-job training with supervision.
• Learn to safely operate CNC machining centers and Swiss machines per standard work instructions.
• Assist with loading raw materials and unloading finished parts.
• Read and apply information from blueprints, routers, and quality plans.
• Use micrometers and calipers to verify part dimensions under guidance.
• Perform in-process inspections and record results accurately.
• Learn tooling, work-offsets, and machine adjustments within allowed skill level.
• Identify and report machine, tooling, material, quality, or safety concerns.
• Learn to use QMA, MAZ, SPC, and other production databases.
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks after training.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and organized work area.
• Follow safety, quality, environmental, and operating procedures including PPE and LOTO.

Skills

Willingness to learn CNC

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Basic math skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school coursework preferred

Tools

Micrometers

Digital calipers

Snap gauges

Optical comparators

Quality databases (QMA/MAZ/SPC)

Job description

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Job Title: CNC Setup/Operator Apprentice

Location:
Waterbury, CT, US, 06705

Business Unit: Haydon Kerk Pittman

Job Description:
The CNC Setup/Operator Apprentice learns to produce precision machined parts through structured, supervised on-the-job training. The apprentice develops foundational CNC machining, blueprint reading, measurement, quality, safety, and equipment-care skills while supporting production requirements and progressing toward independent machine operation.

What you will do:

• Participates in structured on-the-job training and completes assigned learning activities under the guidance of an experienced CNC operator, set-up operator, area leader, or supervisor.
• Learns to safely operate assigned CNC machining centers and CNC Swiss machines in accordance with standard work instructions.
• Assists with loading raw materials, unloading completed parts, and monitoring machine operation.
• Learns to read and apply information from blueprints, specification drawings, routers, quality plans, and written work instructions.
• Uses micrometers, digital calipers, snap gages, optical comparators, and other measuring instruments, with guidance, to verify part dimensions.
• Performs in-process inspections and accurately records inspection results as trained.
• Learns basic tooling, work-offset, and machine adjustments. Adjustments are made only within the apprentice’s demonstrated skill level and with required approval or supervision.
• Identifies and promptly communicates machine, tooling, material, quality, or safety concerns to the set-up operator, area leader, or supervisor.
• Learns to use QMA, MAZ, SPC, and other applicable production or quality databases.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance tasks, including checking or topping off lubricants and coolants, after receiving training.
• Maintains a neat, clean, and organized work area by cleaning equipment, removing chips, and eliminating clutter.
• Follows all established safety, quality, environmental, and operating procedures, including required personal protective equipment and lockout/tagout requirements as applicable.
• Demonstrates reliable attendance, active participation, and satisfactory progress through the apprenticeship training plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the area leader or supervisor.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AItools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

What we are looking for:

• High school diploma or GED required. Technical school coursework, manufacturing experience, or related vocational training is preferred but not required.
• 1–3 years of relevant manufacturing, machining, mechanical, or related experience preferred.
• Strong interest in learning CNC machining and building a career in manufacturing.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn the use of hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Basic math skills. Ability to learn shop math, geometry, and introductory trigonometry as required for the role.
• Ability to learn to read blueprints, specification drawings, quality plans, and written work instructions.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions, ask questions, accept coaching, and work safely as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn production and quality systems.
• Ability to demonstrate increasing competency and independence as training milestones are completed.

Additional Characteristics:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• This position requires the ability to lift more than 20 pounds occasionally, 10–20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• This position may require standing and/or sitting for long periods of time, up to 8 hours per day.
• This position requires good manual dexterity and visual acuity.
• This position may be exposed to industrial cleaning chemicals, coolants, and oils. Required training and personal protective equipment will be provided.

Compensation

Employee Type: Hourly

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 40,000

Salary Maximum: 60,000

Incentive: 1289

Disclaimer:Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5billion.

AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers’ most complex challenges. We employ 22,000colleagues, in 35countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK isacomponent of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 [phone].