When Jenson Oesterreicher walked into the machine shop at the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC), something made sense. The CNC equipment, the precision of the work and the hands-on problem-solving instantly caught his attention. In that moment, he realized he had found the career he had been looking for.
Originally from Kenova and now living in South Point, Ohio, Oesterreicher graduated from the Machinist Technology Program in May 2024 through MAMC’s partnership with Mountwest Community and Technical College. He describes his experience in the program as transformative.
“The instructors knew what they were doing every single day,” he said. “They’re experienced in every aspect of machining. I can’t think of a single time they ever steered me wrong.”
Rick Smoot, a machinist instructor at MAMC, recalled having Oesterreicher in class. “He’s a smart kid, a good worker. He stayed busy. He would stay at a machine doing something until it was done.”
That guidance helped Oesterreicher build the confidence and technical skill set he uses daily at XCAL Tools in South Point, Ohio, where he works as a CNC programmer and operator. The company manufactures high‑volume components for the mining industry, and Oesterreicher plays a key role in keeping production running effectively.
“I can program any of the machines and operate any of them,” he said. “I upgrade programs, troubleshoot issues, and help keep everything moving on night shift.”
Oesterreicher now serves as the second‑in‑command on his shift, supporting operations and ensuring machining processes stay efficient and accurate.
The path that led him to machining wasn’t sequential. Oesterreicher initially enrolled at Marshall University hoping to become an engineer. After realizing he wanted a more hands‑on environment, he explored other options and discovered MAMC’s machining program.
“When I saw the machines running, my eyes lit up,” he said. “It was everything I imagined engineering would be, but this was the side that actually makes things. Machining is creating. It’s building what engineers design.”
That realization reshaped his future. Machining became the foundation he needed, giving him both the technical expertise and the confidence to pursue long‑term goals in manufacturing.
Oesterreicher encourages future machinists to embrace the learning process and prioritize safety above all else.
“Safety is number one,” he said. “Your hands and feet are the only ones you get. Follow the protocols, listen to your instructors and your supervisors, and keep moving forward. Mistakes happen; they’re part of learning, but you’re the real asset.”
He also advises students to focus on skill development, stating, “This is a trade for a reason. You’re trading skills. Build your experience first. The opportunities will come.”
From finding his direction to becoming a trusted CNC programmer and operator, Oesterreicher’s journey reflects what many students discover at MAMC: a place where hands‑on training, supportive instructors, and real‑world experience can turn curiosity into a career.
Sept. 27, 2026
