Brandon Nation
Knoxville
Summary
Precision machinist with over three years of hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC and manual mills, lathes, and grinders in ISO-regulated manufacturing environments. Experienced interpreting blueprints and GD&T, planning machining operations, and producing tight-tolerance components down to ±0.0005". Skilled in dimensional inspection using CMMs, micrometers, calipers, and other precision instruments to verify parts meet engineering drawings and customer specifications. Known for maintaining high quality standards, working independently, and solving machining challenges efficiently.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
CNC Setup 1 Machinist
CoorsTek
Oak Ridge
- Set up and operated CNC and manual machining equipment to manufacture precision components in an Maintained compliance with ISO-certified production environment to enhance manufacturing processes.
- Interpreted engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and technical specifications to determine machining methods and sequence of operations
- Selected tooling, fixtures, and work holding to enhance machining efficiency and maintain part accuracy while minimizing setups
- Manufactured precision components with tolerances of ±0.001” and ±0.0005” on critical features.
- Monitored machining operations and adjusted offsets to uphold dimensional accuracy and meet surface finish requirements
- Performed in-process and final inspections using precision measuring instruments including CMMs, micrometers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparator, and gauge pins
- Performed deburring and bench finishing work to ensure parts met final specifications before releasing to the next stage of production
- Completed inspection documentation and quality records in accordance with ISO manufacturing standards
- ISO-certified production environment
CNC Machinist 1
TGS
Lenoir City
- Operated CNC milling machines and manual equipment to manufacture precision parts, ensuring adherence to blueprint specifications and quality standards
- Interpreted engineering drawings and GD&T requirements to determine machining methods and tooling selections
- Verified dimensions and tolerances using precision inspection tools including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparator, and CMM equipment
- Conducted in-process and final inspections, verifying dimensional accuracy and surface finish to meet quality assurance requirements
- Performed minor bench work and finish operations to ensure parts met required specifications
- Maintained documentation of inspection results and production data to uphold manufacturing quality systems and facilitate traceability
Machine Tool Technology Instructor
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Harriman
- Facilitated instruction and hands-on training in CNC machining, manual machining, blueprint reading, GD&T, and dimensional inspection to enhance student skillsets
- Oversaw student lab work with mills, lathes, surface grinders, and inspection equipment to ensure safe and effective operation
- Illustrated proper use of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and indicators, to improve students' measurement accuracy
- Reinforced machining fundamentals, shop mathematics, and safe machine operation practices used in industry environments
Correctional Officer
Morgan County Correctional Complex
Wartburg
- Executed procedures, documentation, and safety standards in structured, security-sensitive environment to uphold safety and security protocols
- Demonstrated professionalism and accountability in controlled environments, ensuring compliance with established policies through meticulous attention to detail
- Monitored inmate activities to maintain safety and order within the facility.
- Conducted regular security inspections of buildings and grounds to prevent incidents.
- Implemented and enforced facility policies and procedures for inmate management.
Education
Diploma - Machine Tool Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
HarrimanHarriman
High School Diploma -
Oliver Springs High School
Oliver Springs, TN01-2021
Skills
- ISO 9001 Practices in Manufacturing
- CNC and Manual Operation
- CNC Probing Systems
- Precision & Tight-Tolerance Machining
- Tapping
- Machine operation
- Fixture & Work Holding Setups
- Tooling Selection
- GD&T Interpretation
- Deburring Techniques
- Dimensional Inspection
- Visual Inspection
- Part inspection
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control Analysis
- Attention to Detail
- Assembly
- Inspection and Quality Control Methods
- Machining Process Planning
- Blueprint Interpretation
- Mechanical Troubleshooting
- Mechanical Drawing Interpretation
- Precision Measuring Instruments Expertise
- GD&T Interpretation
- Safety Compliance
- Quality Control Methods
- Preventive Maintenance
- Technical Documentation
- Hand Tools
- Process Optimization
- Team Collaboration
- Workflow Efficiency
- Collaborative Problem Solving
Machines And Equipment
- HAAS TM-1P
- HAAS VF-2
- HAAS VF-3
- HAAS TL-1
- Okuma CNC Mills
- DMG Mori Horizontal Mills
- Manual Mills and Lathes
- Surface Grinders
- Blanchard Rotary Grinder,
- CMM
- Micrometers
- Calipers
- Height Gauges
- Depth Micrometers
- Telescope Gage
- Optical Comparator
- Dial Indicators
- Hardness Tester
- Gauge Pins
- Gauge Blocks
- Profilometer
- CNC Probing Systems
- Laser Engraver
- 3D Printer
Certification
- Trainer for American Cutting Edge - Metrology Class
References
- Ashley Ward, Production Supervisor – CoorsTek, (865) 454-7506, award@coorstek.com
- Andrew Aydelott, Machine Tool Technology Supervisor – TCAT Harriman, (760) 549-3941, aaydelott@tcatharriman.edu
- Chris Ayers, President of TCAT Harriman – TCAT Harriman, (931) 397-2317, cayers@tcatharriman.edu
- Charles Dubois, CNC II Machinist – CoorsTek, (865) 740-2180, nongrata@duck.com
Timeline
CNC Setup 1 Machinist
CoorsTek
CNC Machinist 1
TGS
Machine Tool Technology Instructor
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Correctional Officer
Morgan County Correctional Complex
Diploma - Machine Tool Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
High School Diploma -
Oliver Springs High School