Machinists
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
What you’d do
- Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
- Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
- Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Skills that matter
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
How to get there
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Also called
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist)
- Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- Tool Room Machinist
- CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)
- Gear Machinist
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