Sarah Chen
CNC programmer and machining mentor. I teach people to make real parts, not just run simulations.
12
Projects
6
Machines
800
Hours
2
Programs
Built in the Shop
Real projects. Real contributions. Not a simulation.
CNC Training Fixture System
Standardized workholding and training fixtures for the student machining program. Designed for repeatability and incremental difficulty.
What I did
Designed all fixtures, wrote setup sheets, and developed the skill progression logic that each apprentice works through.
Process
Startup Prototype: Irrigation Brackets
Low-volume aluminum bracket run for a local irrigation startup. 30 parts, tight tolerances, delivered under supervision.
What I did
Wrote the CAM program, supervised student operators, and managed the inspection sheet and rework process.
Process
Precision Jig Plates
MIC-6 cast aluminum jig plates for internal shop use. Required tight flatness tolerances and surface finishing.
What I did
Led student team through setup, surface grinding, and final inspection. Documented the entire process as a training case study.
Process
Capability + Access
Machines
Processes
Software
Program Affiliation
Industry Background
Relevant experience that informs what this builder can do now.
Oregon Institute of Technology
Machine Shop Aide
2018–2020
Assisted with shop operations, student support, and machine use in an academic fabrication environment. First exposure to teaching machining.
Valley Precision Parts
CNC Operator / Junior Programmer
2020–2022
Ran production CNC equipment and learned programming under senior machinists. Worked on aerospace and agricultural components.
Growth Timeline
Sep 2022
Joined as Apprentice
Started the machining apprenticeship track at The Backyard Shop.
Nov 2022
First Machine Certification
Cleared on the manual mill after 40 supervised hours.
Feb 2023
First Independent CNC Program
Wrote and ran first G-code program without direct supervision.
Jun 2023
First Real Customer Job
Lead operator on the irrigation bracket run — first revenue-generating part.
Jan 2024
Mentor Certification
Completed mentor training and took over the apprenticeship cohort.
2025
Active — Running the Program
Currently mentoring two apprentice cohorts and managing prototype CNC work.
Active Work
Current Projects
- Running the Spring 2025 apprentice cohort (4 students)
- Developing advanced workholding curriculum
- CNC programming for current prototype jobs
Currently Learning
- 5-axis CAM strategies
- GD&T and CMM measurement workflows
- Curriculum design for competency-based training
Looking For
- Apprentices who are serious about learning real machining
- Prototype jobs that give students meaningful work experience
- Mentors from production environments to expand the program
Book mentorship
Work directly with an experienced machinist on your project or learning goals.