Junior Swiss-Type Lathe Operator, Training Program

NN, Inc - USA; Kentwood (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Autocam (NN, Inc.) in Kentwood, MI is seeking a trainee to operator for our Swiss-type machining line. Start on days, then transition to nights to support Tornos Swiss screw machines and keep production moving with a focus on quality and reliability.

The role offers hands-on learning with mentoring, on-site training, and opportunities to advance from trainee to trusted operator through practical experience and tool changes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; machining coursework/certifications are a plus.
• Passing score on an onsite mechanical aptitude test.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and a love of hands-on learning.

Responsibilities

• Start on day shift, then move to nights to support Tornos Swiss screw machines.
• Keep production flowing and maintain quality.
• Grow from trainee to trusted operator through hands-on training and mentoring.
• Perform basic maintenance and tool changes as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Hands-on learning

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Tornos machine controls

Job description

Ready to turn curiosity into capability?Do you enjoy mechanical challenges, learning by doing, and making parts that meet exacting specs? At Autocam (NN, Inc.), you’ll join a global team of 3,200+ across 23 manufacturing locations, all focused on precision and innovation. Our Kentwood, MI Screw Machine Academy is your pathway into Swiss‑type machining.Your missionStart on days, then move to nights to support Tornos Swiss screw machines. You’ll help keep production flowing, protect quality, and grow from trainee to trusted operator.What success looks like by Month 3Comfort identifying the main components of a Tornos screw machine and explaining how they interact.Confident using operator controls and performing basic maintenance tasks.Reliably preparing and restocking bar stock for uninterrupted runs.Diagnosing likely causes of quality defects and taking appropriate action.Executing tool changes and precise slide adjustments.Applying shaving, roller supports, and floating holders to improve outcomes.Maintaining collets and pushers; replacing cutoff tools at the right time.Adjusting pickoff and cutoff operations to spec.ScheduleTraining phase: Day shift for 4–6 weeks with dedicated mentors.Regular shift: Nights, 8:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. (about 50 hours per week).Must‑havesHigh school diploma or GED; machining‑related coursework/certifications are a plus.Passing score on an onsite mechanical aptitude test.Strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and a love of hands‑on learning.Nice‑to‑have experiencesAutomotive RepairBrakesOil ChangesTire ServiceDrywall InstallationManual Machining SkillsHigh School / GEDShop Math SkillsExperience in a Manufacturing EnvironmentFor positions requiring access to technical data, NN, Inc. may have to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. As such, applicants for this position – except U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, and protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) – may have to go through an export licensing review process.About the teamAutocam’s culture is hands‑on, mentor‑driven, and quality‑obsessed. If you’re ready to learn fast, work hard, and master Swiss‑type machining, we’re ready to invest in you.