In a manufacturing plant, a machinist uses specialized equipment to cut and shape metal parts. He or she may specialize in a variety of production areas, such as operating a specific piece of manufacturing equipment, performing routine machine maintenance, or implementing new computer numerically controlled (CNC) technology. Because there are so many specializations in the field, there are a variety of machinist careers to choose from.
The majority of machinist jobs are in factories that mass-produce metal components or tools. Machinists frequently work on an assembly line, cutting or molding parts in a repetitive manner. Production machinists are in charge of inspecting materials and machines, reading blueprints or specification manuals, and making adjustments and corrections as needed, in addition to actually forming a part. Before being released from a factory, machined parts must frequently meet exact specifications. As a result, machinists must pay close attention to details and constantly evaluate their work.
Although some machinists work primarily with hand tools and precision instruments, the majority of professionals create and modify parts using CNC machines. CNC machines are semi-automated or fully automated machines that a machinist programs to perform specific tasks, such as cutting metal to precise dimensions. CNC machinists must be computer savvy and capable of operating complex robotic machinery.
Maintenance machinists are responsible for repairing and replacing metal parts on factory machines. Maintenance machinists’ primary responsibilities are repair and preventative maintenance on existing equipment, though they may also provide customer service. A maintenance machinist may be required to locate the original blueprints for a part and build a new one to the same specifications when a client requires a replacement part.
Candidates for machinist jobs in any specialty typically need a high school diploma and metalworking experience. Some employers offer new machinists formal apprenticeships that can last up to four years. Apprentices typically receive both classroom and hands-on training to learn about safety, tools, and techniques. Many apprentices work as assistants to experienced machinists, gaining valuable hands-on experience while observing their work. A new machinist can become a certified journey worker and pursue independent machinist careers after completing an apprenticeship.
CNC programmers and factory supervisors are machinists with extensive education and experience. CNC programmers are typically employed in research and development, where they create new machines or improve existing ones. Some machinists choose to open their own machining shops, where they also handle the administrative tasks of hiring employees, installing equipment, and finding clients who require their services.