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.
Related:
Carpenters
Cooling & Freezing Equipment Operators & Tenders
Mixing & Blending Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, & Still Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
Work Activities
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Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
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Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
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Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
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Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
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Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
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Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
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Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
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Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
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Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.
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Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
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Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
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Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
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Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
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Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
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Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
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Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
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Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
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Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
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Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
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Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
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Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
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Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
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Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
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Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
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Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
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Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
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Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
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Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.
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Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Currently Employed
27,560
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Yearly Projected Openings
2,880
- Education High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience No work experience
- Training More than 1 year on-the-job training
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Looking for technical training programs?
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Realistic: People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.They do well at jobs that need:
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Attention to Detail
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Dependability
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Independence
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Analytical Thinking
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Innovation
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Cooperation
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Horizontal turning center
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Height gauges
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Drill press or radial drill
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Calipers
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Boring machines
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Industrial control software
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
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Computer aided design CAD software
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Analytical or scientific software
