Machinists :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Machinists

Careers / Machinists

Summary Description


	Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. 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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Aircraft Machinist

2.	Auto Machinist

3.	Automotive Machinist

4.	Automotive Machinist Apprentice

5.	Bench Hand

6.	Carbide Operator

7.	CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)

8.	Conventional Machinist

9.	Deck Engineer

10.	Development Mechanic

11.	Electrical Experimental Mechanic

12.	Electrical Instrument Maker

13.	Electrical Machinist

14.	Experimental Machinist

15.	Experimental Mechanic

16.	Fitter

17.	Fixture Maker

18.	Fluid-Power Mechanic

19.	Four-Slide Operator

20.	Gear Machinist

21.	Geothermal Heat Pump Machinist

22.	Head Machinist

23.	Hydroelectric Component Machinist

24.	Instrument Maker

25.	Instrument Maker and Repairer

26.	Instrument Maker Apprentice

27.	Jobber

28.	Journeyman Machinist

29.	Laboratory Machinist

30.	Lathe Machinist

31.	Machine Fitter

32.	Machine Operator

33.	Machine Repair Person

34.	Machine Set-Up

35.	Machine Setter

36.	Machine Setup Operator

37.	Machinist

38.	Machinist A

39.	Machinist Apprentice

40.	Machinist Class B

41.	Machinist Mate

42.	Machinist Tool and Die

43.	Machinist-Set-Up

44.	Machinist/Machine Builder

45.	Maintenance Machinist

46.	Maintenance Specialist

47.	Manual Lathe Machinist

48.	Manual Machinist

49.	Master Machinist

50.	Mechanical Laboratory Technician

51.	Mechanist

52.	Metal Machinist

53.	NC Machinist

54.	Outside Machinist

55.	Outside Machinist Apprentice

56.	Precision Instrument Maker

57.	Precision Machine Operator

58.	Precision Machinist

59.	Printing Press Machinist

60.	Production Machinist

61.	Rocket Motor Mechanic

62.	Secondary Set-Up Man

63.	Senior Maintenance Machinist

64.	Set-Up Machinist

65.	Set-Up Operator

66.	Test Technician

67.	Thermometer Maker

68.	Tool and Die Machinist

69.	Tool Machinist

70.	Tool Room Machinist

71.	Toolroom Machinist

72.	Trouble Shooter

73.	Turret Lathe Machinist

74.	Utility Operator

75.	Wind Turbine Machinist

Job Tasks

	Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers. Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment. Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

	Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. Operate grinding equipment. Operate cutting equipment.

	Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.

	Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

	Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

	Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process. Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

	Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. Maintain production or processing equipment.

	Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products. Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

	Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency. Conduct test runs of production equipment. Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.

	Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled. Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.

	Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools. Program equipment to perform production tasks.

	Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs. Diagnose equipment malfunctions.

	Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs. Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.

	Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information. Exchange information with colleagues.

	Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts. Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators. Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.

	Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools. Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.

	Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment. Operate welding equipment. Operate cutting equipment.

	Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications. Exchange information with colleagues.

	Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.

	Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations. Dispose of trash or waste materials.

	Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal. Sort recyclable materials.

	Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability. Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.

	Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines. Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.

	Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed. Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair. Replace worn equipment components.

	Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment. Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. Install mechanical components in production equipment.

	Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance. Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.

	Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products. Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.

	Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.

	Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms. Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
	Machinists and tool and die makers work in machine shops, toolrooms, and factories. Although many work full time during regular business hours, overtime may be common, as is evening and weekend work.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

Robert Redford's father was a milkman.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Famous Alumni Directory has information on where hundreds of celebrities have gone to college.