CNC Programmer Apprentice

Quality Gold, Inc. is a family-owned global company founded in 1979.  We are headquartered in Fairfield, Ohio, and operate within the United States, Canada, and India.  As a wholesale distributor and manufacturer, we offer more than 165,000 jewelry and gift products that are available to ship same day, and more than 150,000 items available via special order.  We actively serve more than 15,000 retailers across the United States, its territories, and Canada.

At Quality Gold, we’re not just about delivering high-quality solutions and services in the jewelry wholesale industry – we’re about growth and innovation.  As a company that’s constantly expanding, we’re at the forefront of technology, providing cutting-edge services to our ever-growing clientele.  Our business has been built on a commitment to provide the largest selection of products, the best service, and the best value to our customers. We’re looking for energetic and dedicated team players to contribute to our upward trajectory and play a key role in our journey towards even greater success.

BENEFITS: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life insurance, and short/long-term disability insurance are all available to you on the first month following your start date.  Over two weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) that starts accruing on your first day of employment and increases after six years of service.  Company 401(K) program with company matching that you are eligible to participate in the first month following three months of employment.  Profit sharing, supplemental insurance, adoption assistance, employee discount, referral program, employee assistance program, and more!

SUMMARY:

Work with the company’s product development team to design and draw jewelry pieces and write tool paths to program and operate various Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines to manufacture new products made from precious metals in an efficient manner that meets both company quality standards and individual/team productivity expectations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with the creative design team on new product development to create prototypes for manufacturing new products.
• Draw rough and detailed 3D scale plans based on preliminary concepts, sketches, calculations, specification sheets, and other data for producing jewelry molds and/or images for laser machines.
• Layout and plan specific details of all aspects needed to produce jewelry design.
• Work with manufacturing on necessary adjustments to the jewelry design to accommodate production requirements.
• Create drawing files, ensuring completion by customer or company deadlines.
• Assist manufacturing staff with drawing custom job orders as needed.
• Read technical drawings and production layouts and retrieve and compile data to load CNC programs machines to process.
• Draw 3D models to create CNC programs. Are these combined?
• Inspect metals for defects and load machines with metal or components required for specific jobs.
• Verify and adjust machine settings based on job/product parameters.
• Start machines and monitor operations to detect and troubleshoot problems and make corrections.
• Alter programs and adjust tool paths to perform job changeovers.
• Examine all products for defects.
• Record data, time, weight, and metal thickness for various jobs.
• Select tools, materials, and techniques based on product specifications.
• Notify management of production delays when timelines will not be met.
• Work with the CAD team in India to ensure smooth project workflow.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment and follow all safety procedures.
• Regular attendance and compliance with the Company’s handbook policies and procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No supervisor responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES:

• Collaboration - Ability to collaborate and work effectively with internal teams, including the design team, product development, manufacturing, and the CAD team in India to develop prototypes for new jewelry products.
• CAD & 3D Modeling - Proficient in drawing rough and detailed 3D scale plans, including mods and images for laser machines.
• Reading of Technical Drawing - Skilled in interpreting technical drawings, production layouts, and specifications to create accurate jewelry designs.
• Manufacturing Process Knowledge - Understanding of manufacturing adjustments required to make jewelry designs production-ready.
• Organizational Skills- Capable of maintaining drawing files and timely completion of projects.
• CNC Programing, 3D Modeling, & Operations - Experience loading CNC programs, drawing 3D models and executing tool paths.
• Software – Experience or knowledge using Matrix software and Fusion 360 or similar CAD and design programs.
• Trouble Shooting & Quality Control - Ability to detect and resolve issues during machine operations and inspect products for defects.
• Math – Strong understanding of algebra equations and geometry.
• Material & Tool Selection - Understanding of selecting appropriate tools, materials, and techniques for jewelry production.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability – Can alter programs, adjust tool paths, and make corrections to address production challenges.
• Attention to Detail – Ensure accurate record-keeping of production data (time, weight, thickness) and defect identification.
• Time Management & Deadline Adherence – Notifying management of production delays and ensuring workflow remains on track.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Manual Dexterity & Fine Motor Skills - Precision hand movements for drawing, handling small jewelry components, working with software, adjusting tools, and loading materials.
• Vision - Acuity for reading technical drawings, inspecting jewelry for defects, and working with intricate details, including differentiating colors and surface textures.
• Standing & Sitting – Extended periods of sitting while working on CAD designs and CNC programming, with periods of standing when operating machines or inspecting products.
• Lifting, Carrying & Other Movements – Occasional lifting and carrying materials, metals, and components up to 50 lbs with occasional bending, stretching and twisting for setting up and adjusting machines.
• Repetitive Motion – Repetitive hand and wrist movements when using a mouse, keyboard, or tools for detailed design work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to dust, polishing compounds, fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration, and moderate heat.  The noise level in particular areas of manufacturing can be higher in volume.   Safety requirements for this position include eye protection and may consist of gloves, dust mask and ear protection.

Individuals working in the “secure area” must follow the Company’s Secure Area Dress Code and Security policies and procedures.  All clothing must be free from metal, and no metal may be worn into the secure area of the building.  Any metal inside or outside the body due to a medical condition must be visually inspected, or reasonable accommodations may be made.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position, scheduled to work 40 hours per week.  Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Occasional Saturday work may be necessary during times of heavy volume.

TRAVEL: No travel required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates, Bachelor’s or Technical schooling in Jewelry Design, Industrial Design, CAD Design or related field or equivalent experience.
• Technical training or experience in machining or CAD.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Matrix or Rhino experience is preferred.
• Some exposure to design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of precision technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Experience with CNC Lathes, Mills or Wire EDM machines.
• Previous experience programming CNC Machines
• Previous experience working with metals
• Knowledge of production and manufacturing processes.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Quality Gold, Inc. prohibits discrimination and harassment of its employees or applicants based on a person’s age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, race, color, religion, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected group status.

OTHER DUTIES: This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee’s activities, duties, or responsibilities.  Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.