Apprentice I

About the Role

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. This is an entry-level manufacturing position designed for individuals pursuing a career in precision machining. The role provides hands-on experience in machining, hand finishing, inspection, and manufacturing processes while working under the guidance of experienced machinists and supervisors. Candidates may be concurrently enrolled in a machining or manufacturing trade program. This position is classified as safety-sensitive.

Key Responsibilities

• Operates SMT placement equipment and/or other equipment to manufacture PCBs and/or systems.
• Reads and follows assembly prints, work instructions, drawings, procedures, and specifications.
• May be certified to operate a limited number and variety of basic machines in production.
• Responds to written and verbal instructions.
• Obtains certifications on assigned equipment.
• Maintains a clean work environment and follows company policies regarding safety and material handling.
• Uses cross-reference tools to identify part numbers, descriptions, and vendors.
• Recognizes all part markings including speed and values (ohms).
• Assists with line changeover.
• Identifies feeder by size and type in SMT equipment.
• Removes hazardous waste at the end of each shift and places it in the waste storage area, ensuring labels are present and containers are closed when not in use.
• Continuously maintains a clean machine.
• May be involved with hazardous waste handling duties.

Machine Shop Support

• Assist machinists with machine setup and operation.
• Load and unload parts from CNC and manual machines.
• Deburr and clean machined components.
• Perform basic machine maintenance and housekeeping.
• Organize tooling, fixtures, and work areas.
• Learn proper machine safety procedures and safe work practices.

Hand Finishing Operations

• Deburr machined parts using hand tools and pneumatic tools.
• Sand, polish, blend, and finish surfaces to specifications.
• Remove sharp edges and burrs while maintaining dimensional requirements.
• Perform cosmetic finishing on precision components.
• Clean and package finished products.

Quality and Inspection

• Learn to read engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Use measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and height gauges.
• Perform basic dimensional inspections.
• Record inspection results and production data.
• Identify and report quality concerns to supervisors.

General Shop Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Follow safety, quality, and company policies.
• Assist with inventory and material handling.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work effectively with machinists, programmers, inspectors, and supervisors.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Ability to operate basic entry-level machines, such as Selective Solder, Wave, Feeder load, Axial/Radial.
• May be concurrently enrolled in a machining or manufacturing trade program.
• This position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Interest in manufacturing, machining, or engineering.
• Enrollment in or willingness to enroll in a machining, CNC, or manufacturing trade program.
• Basic mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to use hand tools and learn technical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.

Other Information

• Geographical Location: Arizona: Tempe
• Physical Location: Tempe, AZ - Southern Ave
• Shift: Shift 8
• Work Schedule: Fri-Sun 0500-1730
• Type: Full Time
• Potential Career Progression: Apprentice I -> Operator I, II, III -> Machinist I, II -> Machinist III, IV -> CNC Programmer, Manufacturing Engineer, or Supervisor.
• This is a safety-sensitive position and may require a pre-employment drug screen.
• Benchmark maintains a drug- and alcohol-free workplace.