CNC Machinists and Operators

Working Schedule

CNC Machinists and Operators work full-time, with overtime necessary depending on goals and timeframes. Their duties are usually performed indoors in factories or shops, but work may require them to travel to various locations to do on-site repairs. 

Typical Duties

• Discuss final product needs and costs of producing them in the desired quantities
• Review reference files (blueprints, drawings, etc.) and written descriptions and specifications of desired parts and items to be made
• Create new work sketches 
• Determine the order of sequence of the work process before starting
• Use measuring instruments to determine the dimensions of the final fabricated pieces
• Verify the tolerance of materials to be machined
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs, as needed
• Set up, program, and operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to make, or machine, precision parts
• Ensure program updates are compatible with CNC machines
• Adjust various components of CNC machines, such as cutting blades, holding fixtures, etc.
• Determine the type of blanks to use in creating a specified workpiece
• Mark metal stock where cuts will be made
• Wear required personal protective equipment and follow established safety protocols
• Keep an eye on CNC machine feeds and speeds 
• Create parts using processes such as turning, milling, drilling, shaping, and grinding
• Screen items after cutting for defects and quality. Make adjustments to machinery, if necessary
• Diagnose machine errors and make minor repairs. Disassemble as needed
• Verify that completed products comply with requirements
• Remove waste material from workspaces and recycle or dispose of it properly 

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay up-to-date on technical manuals 
• Train and mentor new CNC Machinists and Operators, technologists, and technicians
• Keep work areas clean and perform routine maintenance on machines
• Discuss technical issues with the appropriate personnel 
• Offer advice during the project planning phase, if asked

Soft Skills

• Alertness
• Analytical
• Cautious
• Compliance-oriented
• Critical thinking
• Detail-oriented
• Discipline
• Patience 
• Planning and organization
• Problem-solving skills
• Sound judgment 
• Stamina
• Teamwork
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Machinist programs such as Armchair Machinist and Machinists’ Calculator
• Computer-aided design programs like Autodesk AutoCAD, CATIA, PTC Creo Parametric, and SolidCAM
• Computer-aided manufacturing software like Autodesk Fusion 360 and CNC Mastercam
• Industrial control software such as EditCNC or Mazak Mazatrol
• Procedure management programs like Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS
• Familiarity with tools and equipment such as micrometers, vernier calipers, lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders, drilling machines, cutting tools, lasers, and water jets
• Familiarity with processes such as metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, and welding
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, and batteries
• Familiarity with various types of metal and metal alloys, including steel, brass, aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, vanadium, and manganese

• Employment services
• Machinery manufacturing
• Machine shops
• Transportation equipment manufacturing

CNC Machinists and Operators are relied on to mass-produce products that conform to very specific requirements. Thus their work must be meticulous, even under pressure to meet deadlines. They have to take into consideration multiple factors, including what metals to use and how best to cut or shape them. Factories can be loud and dangerous, requiring workers to wear protective gear, such as goggles and hearing protection. 

They need to carefully follow safety procedures to avoid injury to themselves or others in the area. The day-to-day job requires plenty of stamina because workers are usually on their feet, often in a bent or leaning positions. The repetition of machining parts can get monotonous after a while, but workers have to keep their focus because of the inherent hazards of the job. There can be long periods of working alone, so Machinists sometimes need to look beyond their place of employment for socializing.  

There are many CNC machine trends shaping the future of the industry. One is the development of machines capable of higher speeds, including faster spindle speeds, faster feed capacity, faster computing, and faster tool changing. These increases don’t diminish precision, because CNC machines are getting more accurate at the same time! 

Along with these advancements, 3D printing is starting to share some of the workloads to make parts that CNC machines finish. Another change is the use of digital twins which “duplicate a CNC machine and its environment, including its setup on the shop floor, within the CAM software, providing accurate toolpath simulation” in order to “reduce or eliminate any surprises that may occur during the machining process.”

People who get into machine-related career fields usually enjoy working with their hands and feel comfortable using tools and stationary heavy equipment. They might have enjoyed math and computer programming courses in high school or liked doing projects in shop classes. 

Machinists can collaborate with others but don’t mind being on their own for long periods. They might have been very independent growing up and may have always wanted a job where they have some freedom to do their work without a lot of interaction with others.