CNC Machinist - College Internship

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 give a college student real, hands-on experience in the trade within a working production environment.

Our work-based learning program gives the student genuine exposure to CNC machining rather than isolated busywork. The student is embedded in our machining operation and works closely with experienced machinists, beginning with safety, shop fundamentals, and machine familiarization, then progressing to supervised setup and operation as skills develop. Responsibilities are scoped to the student's experience level and expanded as competence is demonstrated, so the learner moves from observing and assisting toward more independent machining work over the course of the program. The experience is built to connect engineering and technical coursework to the practical realities of modern manufacturing.

The student reports to Jason Mathis, Director of Operations, who sets assignments, establishes objectives, and conducts regular check-ins on progress. On the floor, the student is paired with an experienced CNC machinist who provides hands-on mentorship in machine setup, operation, programming concepts, measurement, and shop safety. Training begins with a thorough safety and facility orientation, followed by instruction in blueprint reading and GD&T, precision measurement, machining fundamentals, and the setup and operation of CNC equipment under supervision, with exposure to CNC programming as the student progresses. [Name], VP, provides additional mentorship on how machining connects to quality, customer requirements, and the broader operation.

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 real competence in setup, measurement, and machine operation, to gain exposure to CNC programming concepts, and to leave with a clear, practical understanding of how machining fits into a regulated manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

This is a learning experience first, so the student's work centers on building machining skills under supervision rather than carrying a standard machinist's full 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 organized work habits
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T to understand part requirements
• Using precision measurement tools—calipers, micrometers, gauges, and CMM where applicable—to verify part dimensions
• Performing machine setup under guidance: workholding, tool loading, offsets, and material staging
• Operating CNC equipment under supervision, including loading parts, running cycles, and conducting in-process checks, with increasing independence as competence grows
• Learning CNC programming fundamentals (G-code and/or CAM concepts) and, where appropriate, making supervised program edits
• Deburring, finishing, and inspecting machined parts

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

• A guided capstone-style project—for example, taking a part from drawing through setup, programming review, machining, and inspection, and documenting the process and results as a deliverable they can present at the end of the term, or a small process-improvement project tied to a real machining workflow

Supporting tasks (limited):

• Light, incidental tasks tied directly to their own work, such as recording measurements or organizing tooling for jobs 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 learning opportunity intended as an early experience in the student's field, and qualifications are scoped accordingly. No prior professional machining experience or years in the field are expected or required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a relevant degree or certificate program—mechanical/manufacturing engineering, engineering technology, machining, or a related technical field
• Some exposure to or interest in manufacturing, machining, or hands-on technical work—through coursework, a prior job, lab/shop experience, or personal projects
• Comfort with math and measurement (decimals, fractions, basic geometry/trigonometry)

What matters most:

• A strong commitment to safety and willingness to follow procedures carefully
• Reliability: punctuality and consistent effort
• Attention to detail and care for doing work accurately
• Curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn the trade hands-on
• Good communication and a professional, accountable attitude

Above all, we're looking for a dependable, safety-minded student eager to apply their technical coursework to real machining work. Aptitude, work ethic, and a willingness to learn matter more than specific 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, hazard awareness, and safe material handling
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T to determine part and inspection requirements
• Select and correctly use precision measurement tools—calipers, micrometers, gauges, and CMM where applicable—to verify part dimensions
• Perform CNC machine setup and operation under appropriate supervision, with growing independence as competence is demonstrated
• Explain how a CNC machine produces a part from drawing to finished product, and understand CNC programming fundamentals (G-code and/or CAM concepts)
• Apply engineering and technical coursework to real machining tasks, bridging classroom theory and shop-floor practice
• Demonstrate professional workplace habits—punctuality, accountability, clear communication, and reliability—that transfer to any engineering, manufacturing, or trade role

The overarching objective is for the student to gain practical, working competence in CNC machining within a regulated manufacturing setting and to assess whether a career in machining, manufacturing, or engineering aligns with their interests and strengths.

Contact Information