CNC Machinist Intern

Description

MSP Manufacturing is a contract manufacturer based in Bloomington, Indiana, with roots dating to 1943. We provide precision machining and assembly across several divisions, including defense work supported by our AS9100D and ISO 9001 certifications. CNC machining is at the heart of what we do, and this program is designed to introduce a high school student to that trade in a real production environment.

Our work-based learning program gives the student genuine, hands-on exposure to CNC machining rather than isolated busywork. The student is embedded in our machining operation and works closely with experienced machinists, starting with safety, shop fundamentals, and observation, then progressing to supervised hands-on tasks as skills and confidence build. Because the learner is a high school student, supervision is direct and continuous, and responsibilities are scoped carefully and expanded only as competence is demonstrated. The program is built to connect what students learn in school—math, measurement, problem-solving—to the realities of modern manufacturing.

The student reports to Jason Mathis, Director of Operations, who sets assignments, establishes weekly objectives, and conducts regular check-ins. On the floor, the student is paired with an experienced CNC machinist who provides hands-on mentorship in machine setup, operation, measurement, and shop safety. Training begins with a thorough safety and facility orientation, followed by instruction in blueprint reading, measurement tools, basic machining concepts, and the operation of CNC equipment under direct supervision. [Name], VP, provides additional mentorship on how machining fits into the broader picture of manufacturing, quality, and a career in the trade.

Our learning goals for the student are to develop a strong foundation in shop safety, to understand how a CNC machine takes a part from drawing to finished product, to build comfort with precision measurement and blueprint reading, and to gain an honest sense of whether a career in machining or manufacturing is a fit for them.

Responsibilities

This is a learning experience first, so the student's work centers on building machining skills under close supervision rather than carrying a standard machinist's production workload. Tasks ramp up in responsibility as the student demonstrates competence and safe work habits.

Hands-on machining and shop work (majority of time):

• Learning and practicing shop safety: PPE, machine guarding, safe material handling, and clean, organized work habits
• Reading and interpreting basic engineering drawings to understand what a part requires
• Using precision measurement tools—calipers, micrometers, and gauges—to check part dimensions
• Assisting experienced machinists with machine setup, tool loading, and material staging under direct supervision
• Observing and, where appropriate and permitted, performing supervised CNC machine operation, including loading parts, starting cycles, and basic in-process checks
• Learning the fundamentals of how CNC programs drive machine movement (G-code basics at an introductory level)
• Deburring, cleaning, and basic finishing of machined parts

Project-based learning (developmental, student-specific):

• A guided capstone-style project—for example, following a single part from drawing through setup, machining, and inspection, and documenting what they learned at each step as a take-away reference

Supporting tasks (limited):

• Light, incidental tasks tied directly to their own work, such as recording measurements or organizing tooling for a job they're learning on

Administrative tasks are intentionally minimal—well under 25% of the student's time—and the student will not be used as general clerical or cleanup labor. Their assignments are deliberately developmental and distinct from those of a standard employee.

Qualifications

This is an entry-level, first-exposure opportunity for a high school student, and qualifications are scoped accordingly. No prior work experience, manufacturing background, or technical coursework is required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Currently enrolled high school student in good standing
• Interest in manufacturing, machining, engineering, or skilled trades
• Basic comfort with math and measurement (reading a ruler, working with fractions and decimals)

What matters most:

• A strong commitment to safety and willingness to follow instructions carefully
• Reliability: showing up on time and putting in consistent effort
• Attention to detail and care for doing work accurately
• Curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn a hands-on trade
• A positive, respectful, and accountable attitude

Above all, we're looking for a dependable, safety-minded student who's eager to learn machining from the ground up. Aptitude and work ethic matter far more than any prior experience.

Learning Objectives

By the conclusion of the program, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate safe work habits in a machine shop, including proper PPE use, awareness of machine hazards, and safe material handling
• Read and interpret basic engineering drawings and specifications
• Select and correctly use precision measurement tools—calipers, micrometers, and gauges—to check part dimensions
• Describe how a CNC machine produces a part, from drawing to setup to finished product, and understand at an introductory level how CNC programs control machine motion
• Assist with machine setup and perform basic supervised machine operation appropriate to their experience and age
• Apply school-taught math and problem-solving to real machining tasks, connecting classroom learning to the shop floor
• Demonstrate professional workplace habits—punctuality, accountability, clear communication, and reliability—that transfer to any future job or trade

The overarching objective is for the student to gain a practical introduction to CNC machining and modern manufacturing, and to assess whether a career in the skilled trades aligns with their interests and strengths.

Contact Information