CNC Trainer

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

Job Summary

The CNC Lathe & Mill Process Trainer is a production-based training role within ACA manufacturing operations. The CNC Process Trainer will run assigned product as a qualified CNC operator while serving as the primary hands-on trainer for employees working in CNC lathe and mill processes. The role is responsible for teaching new hires, refreshing currently certified operators, and building consistent operator capability through demonstration, practice, coaching, and documented qualification.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC lathe and mill equipment and run assigned production work to maintain current process proficiency and support operational needs.
• Serve as the primary floor-based trainer for all employees assigned to CNC lathe and mill processes, including new hires, transfers, developing operators, and currently certified operators requiring refresh training.
• Conduct structured, hands-on instruction in machine operation, setup, changeovers, tooling, workholding, offset adjustments, material verification, blueprint interpretation, measurement techniques, first-piece verification, in-process inspection, and operator-level troubleshooting.
• Train to approved Manufacturing Work Instructions, standardized work, safety requirements, quality standards, and qualification criteria. Escalate gaps or conflicting practices to the Manufacturing Training Supervisor and Operations Shift Supervisor.
• Develop individual training plans and guide trainees through required demonstrations and qualification steps. Provide clear feedback, document progress, and identify barriers that may delay readiness.
• Assess operator readiness against established qualification criteria and provide documented recommendations to the Manufacturing Training Supervisor and Operations leadership. Final certification remains subject to the approved certification process.
• Provide targeted refresher training in response to process changes, recurring quality issues, audit findings, safety concerns, performance gaps, or identified retraining needs.
• Train, coach, and mentor the process Certified Trainers, who are operators holding Certified Trainer certification, so they deliver consistent and effective on-the-job training.
• Routinely connect with Certified Trainers and operational leaders to review trainee progress, reinforce standards, and coordinate appropriate follow-up actions.
• Promote safe work practices, proper PPE, machine guarding, hazard recognition, material handling, traceability, nonconformance response, and process discipline.
• Provide feedback on training materials, Job Instructions, qualification pathways, and standardized work. Support updates by supplying process knowledge, observations, and improvement recommendations.
• Support Lean and continuous improvement activities, including 6S, setup reduction, practical problem solving, waste reduction, and standard work adherence.
• Maintain accurate training and qualification records as required and protect the integrity of the operator certification process.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manufacturing Training Supervisor

Role Boundaries

• This position is accountable for hands-on process training and operator development within CNC lathe and mill operations, while working within standards and priorities established by the Manufacturing Training Supervisor.
• Daily production needs will be coordinated with Operations; however, changes to training standards, qualification criteria, or training priorities require alignment with the Manufacturing Training Supervisor.

Personal Qualities

• Patient, credible, and effective hands-on coach.
• Clear written and verbal communicator who can adapt instruction to varying experience and learning needs.
• Initiative and self-direction, with the discipline to balance production and training responsibilities.
• Integrity and consistency in applying safety, quality, and certification standards.
• Organized and dependable in documenting progress and following through on training commitments.
• Collaborative approach with trainees, Certified Trainers, Operations, Quality, Engineering, EHS, and the Training Team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of CNC machining experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience performing independent CNC setups.
• Demonstrated proficiency operating both CNC lathes and CNC mills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, dimensional tolerances, and manufacturing documentation.
• Working knowledge of GD&T, shop math, machining fundamentals, tooling, workholding, and offset adjustment.
• Proficiency with precision measuring equipment, including calipers, micrometers, depth gauges, and other production inspection tools.
• Strong operator-level troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience training, mentoring, coaching, or qualifying employees is preferred.
• Mazak lathe and mill experience is preferred.
• Experience supporting operator certification programs, Lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Primarily shop-floor based, with frequent standing, walking, machine operation, production work, and hands-on demonstrations.
• Exposure to normal manufacturing conditions, including operating machinery, coolant, chips, material handling, and industrial noise.
• Off-shift support of training initiatives may be required at times.
• Role requires the ability to balance scheduled training activities with assigned production responsibilities.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the Manufacturing Training Supervisor, with a strong dotted-line relationship to the applicable Operations Shift Supervisor. The Manufacturing Training Supervisor owns training direction, standards, priorities, and trainer development. The Operations Shift Supervisor provides daily production coordination, staffing alignment, and job assignment input. The ACA Manufacturing Training Instructors will engage and collaborate with the Process Trainer to ensure the administrative aspects of the Training Certification process are completed properly.

Business Requirements

The incumbent must remain qualified and current on the CNC lathe and mill processes assigned to the role and must follow all applicable safety, quality, documentation, and certification requirements.

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree, technical degree, or machining-related certificate preferred.

Required Certifications or Licenses

• Current or previously documented qualification to operate both CNC lathe and CNC mill processes, subject to verification under ACA certification requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain Certified Trainer certification under the applicable training process.