Job Description

Apprentice CNC Operators are developing skills and experience at operating machine tools to produce precision parts out of metal, plastic or other materials. This apprenticeship is a joint program between Cirrus Aircraft and Lake Superior College offering an ‘earn-while-you-learn,’ hands-on experience, technical training, and mentorship to help develop the skills needed to operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery and equipment. As an apprentice, you will work under the guidance of skilled CNC operators and technicians, progressively learning the operation, maintenance, and programming of CNC machines in a real-world manufacturing environment. This program involves enrolling at Lake Superior College and completing coursework along with job training requirements. This 1-year program will provide all the training and work experience to award a college CNC Operator Certificate and a Machinist Operator position at Cirrus Aircraft. This program also meets all the requirements to reach the Aircraft Metals Technician Journeyman worker status through the MN Department of Labor.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Assist in setting up and operating CNC machines (including mills, lathes, etc.). Ensure parts are fabricated to specifications by following detailed work instructions.
• Learn to load tools, fixtures, and raw materials into machines. Assist in the preparation of CNC machines for operation by verifying proper machine settings and making necessary adjustments.
• Deburr product to drawing requirements using hand and power tools with high precision
• Check and fill machine fluid levels, manage chips, and monitors equipment for maintenance requirements
• Learn to read, understand and interpret engineering drawings and specifications to guide activities and ensure quality
• Use measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, etc.) to check the accuracy of finished parts and components, ensuring they meet quality standards and tolerances.
• Follow verbal, written, and electronic work instruction to complete tasks
• Keep daily production records of work performed, including production data, machine settings, and maintenance logs.
• Learn, practice and follow all safety standards and policies and ensure a safe operating environment, including use of appropriate protective equipment (PPE) and reporting of potential hazards
• Actively participate in on-the-job training, workshops, and formal education to gain knowledge in CNC programming, machine operation, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Work closely with senior operators, engineers, and other team members to improve processes and resolve operational issues.
• Maintains a clean and organized work environment.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Enrolled at Lake Superior College earning the CNC Operator Certificate
• Able to manage work requirements while also completing college level technical courses.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgement and effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to effectively manage stress, including competing work demands and multiple projects at the same time
• Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Action Oriented: Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Nimble Learning: Actively learns through experimentation when tackles new problems, using both successes and failures as learning opportunities.
• Self-Development: Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
• Being Resilient: Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.