Machinists

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.

Tasks

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.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.
Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
Advise clients about the materials being used for finished 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.

Knowledge

Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Abilities

Visualization: The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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.
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.
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.
Control Precision: The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision: The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Reaction Time: The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets: How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment: How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Face-to-Face Discussions: How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate: How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls: How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable: How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Exposed to Contaminants: How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Spend Time Standing: How much does this job require standing?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled: How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Frequency of Decision Making: How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Interests

Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence: Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Self Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative: Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Integrity: Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence: Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Innovation: Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Stress Tolerance: Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values

Support: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Achievement: Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Relationships: Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Related Occupations

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Millwrights

Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

Lay Titles

4-Slide Operator

Aircraft Machinist

Auto Machinist

Automation Technician

Automotive Machinist

Automotive Machinist Apprentice

Bench Hand

Carbide Operator

CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator)

CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist)

CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)

CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator)

CNC Operator and Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator and Programmer)

Deck Engineer

Development Mechanic

Electrical Experimental Mechanic

Electrical Instrument Maker

Electrical Machinist

Experimental Machinist

Experimental Mechanic

Fitter

Fixture Maker

Fluid-Power Mechanic

Gear Machinist

Instrument Maker

Instrument Maker and Repairer

Instrument Maker Apprentice

Jobber

Laboratory Machinist

Lathe Machinist

Machine Fitter

Machine Operator

Machine Repair Person

Machinist

Machinist Apprentice

Machinist Mate

Machinist Tool and Die

Maintenance Machinist

Maintenance Specialist

Maintenance Technician

Manual Lathe Machinist

Manual Machinist

Master Machinist

Mechanical Laboratory Technician

Mechanist

Metal Machinist

Millwright

Mold Tooling Designer (MTD)

Moldmaker

Outside Machinist

Outside Machinist Apprentice

Precision Grinder Machinist

Precision Instrument Maker

Precision Machine Operator

Precision Machinist

Printing Press Machinist

Production Machinist

Rocket Motor Mechanic

Set-Up / Machinist

Set-Up Machinist

Test Technician

Thermometer Maker

Tool and Die Maker

Tool Machinist

Tool Maker

Tool Room Machinist

Toolmaker

Toolroom Machinist

Trouble Shooter

Turret Lathe Machinist

Utility Operator

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):: $18.99 hourly, $39,500 annual.

Employment (2008):: 388,370 employees