Machinist

• My Match

Are you skilled with tools and repair work? Interested in working with machines in an exciting environment? As a Machinist, you’ll operate complex machinery and work with a team of Machinists.

There's no chance of boredom in this role with the job variety available on a daily basis. Machinists use a number of powerful tools and equipment to produce accurate metal parts and instruments that can be used in other automated products or equipment like an engine. Some are manually controlled and some use computer numerical control (CNC). Therefore, you will work with your hands and computers. It is also common to work in a team of Machinists, so you’ll need to be able to communicate and work well with others.

Your job will be to start, run, and stop the machine based on technical drawings and blueprints to create the part. You will always check to make sure the machine is functioning properly and change the settings on the machine as needed. You will work with a variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, and others. It's important to follow all safety processes and procedures and keep the machines clean and in proper-working order.

Being a Machinist requires previous experience. Many companies look for formal training and certifications on a resume. Many community colleges provide Associate’s degree programs in Machining that will prepare you for a career as a Machinist.

This job may require shift work.

Critical Skills

• Comprehend Technical Drawings and Other Visual Instructions
• Inspect Equipment
• Machine Monitoring and Control
• Maintain Equipment
• Mechanical Tools, Equipment, and Systems
• Operate Machines
• Repair Machines and Equipment
• Team Player
• Troubleshooting

Key Responsibilities

• Review and work from blueprints, computer-aided design (CAD), and other materials
• Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools
• Turn mill, drill and grind machine parts to certain parameters
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process
• Measure, examine, or test completed products to check for defects
• Maintain machine tools to proper working conditions
• Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency
• Plan and troubleshoot the production process

Specific job titles and duties vary by employer so check for details.