Manufacturing Trainee — Gear Manufacturing

Position Summary

This entry-level position provides an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of manufacturing in a precision gear-making environment. The Manufacturing Trainee will participate in a structured training program designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits necessary for success in manufacturing.

Training will focus on workplace safety, quality, material identification and handling, basic measurement, production support, and an introduction to manufacturing processes. As training progresses, employees may have opportunities to develop skills in machining, CNC operation, gear cutting, and other gear manufacturing processes.

We welcome candidates with no prior manufacturing experience who demonstrate mechanical aptitude, reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. Candidates with relevant manufacturing or hands-on technical experience are also encouraged to apply.

Successful completion of the training program may lead to placement in a permanent manufacturing position based on demonstrated competencies, individual aptitude, available positions, and business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties represent the primary expectations of the position. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Safety and Workplace Practices

• Follow established safety procedures, work instructions, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Learn the proper use of tools, equipment, and material-handling methods.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential hazards.

Material Handling and Production Support

• Load, unload, move, and stage materials, workpieces, and finished products using approved handling methods.
• Identify materials and maintain accurate counts and production records.
• Assist with production preparation, material flow, and other manufacturing support activities.
• Follow instructions for material identification, storage, and handling to prevent damage or mix-ups.

Quality and Manufacturing Fundamentals

• Learn and follow standard work instructions and production procedures.
• Develop basic measurement skills using appropriate measuring instruments as assigned and trained.
• Understand the importance of product quality, dimensional accuracy, and preventing defects.
• Recognize and communicate unusual conditions, discrepancies, or potential quality problems rather than making unauthorized adjustments.

Training and Skill Development

• Participate in assigned training activities and demonstrate progress toward established training milestones.
• Develop an understanding of manufacturing terminology, processes, and equipment.
• Learn basic manufacturing mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and measurement-related calculations.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow instructions, ask questions when uncertain, and apply feedback.
• As appropriate to the training plan and demonstrated competency, develop introductory skills related to machining, CNC operation, gear cutting, and gear manufacturing.

Teamwork and Accountability

• Work cooperatively with supervisors, trainers, and other employees.
• Communicate clearly regarding work assignments, production issues, and training needs.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Take responsibility for assigned work and demonstrate a consistent commitment to safe, quality-focused performance.

Training and Advancement Opportunities

The company will use a structured training program with defined milestones to evaluate progress and readiness for additional responsibilities.

Training and evaluation will focus on:

• Safe work practices and adherence to established procedures.
• Reliability, accountability, and workplace conduct.
• Understanding of basic manufacturing processes and material identification.
• Ability to follow work instructions and maintain accurate records.
• Development of measurement skills and quality awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to learn, apply feedback, and perform assigned tasks consistently.

Employees who demonstrate the required competencies may be considered for permanent positions in machining, CNC operation, gear cutting, or other applicable manufacturing areas.

Advancement will depend on demonstrated ability, successful completion of applicable training requirements, available positions, and business needs. Completion of the training program does not guarantee placement in a particular department or position.

Qualifications

Required

• Willingness to learn manufacturing processes and develop new technical skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and established procedures.
• Basic mathematical skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, or the ability to develop these skills through training.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and accountability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, trainers, and coworkers.
• Commitment to workplace safety and maintaining an orderly work area.

Preferred, but not required

• Mechanical aptitude or an interest in how machines and mechanical components work.
• Experience using hand tools, measuring instruments, or other mechanical equipment.
• Previous manufacturing, production, machine shop, automotive, maintenance, or other hands-on technical experience.
• Ability to read and interpret basic drawings, measurements, or work instructions.

Prior manufacturing experience is not required. Candidates will be evaluated on their potential to learn, work safely, and develop into capable manufacturing employees.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described below are representative of those associated with this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for significant portions of the workday, potentially up to 8–10 hours.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform other movements associated with material handling and production activities.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing approximately 30–50 pounds, where required by the assigned task.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment where exposure to operating machinery, noise, metalworking fluids, and other typical shop conditions may occur.
• Ability to follow required personal protective equipment requirements and established safety procedures.

Actual physical requirements and environmental exposures will depend on assigned duties and applicable safety controls.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work overtime as needed to support production requirements.
• Ability to comply with company policies, work rules, and established quality and safety procedures.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

The company provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.