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

Morning typically begins with reviewing production schedules and inspecting the machines before starting work. CNC Machinists check blueprints and programming files to prepare for the day’s parts. They set up the machines, install the proper tools, and run test pieces to verify accuracy.

Midday involves running multiple production cycles, carefully monitoring the machining process. The machinist measures parts frequently to ensure specifications are met and makes adjustments as needed. They troubleshoot any issues like tool wear or program errors while keeping the workflow steady.

Afternoons are often spent collaborating with engineers or quality control staff to review parts and solve any problems found during inspections. They may also update machine programs or perform routine maintenance. Depending on deadlines, overtime or shift changes can extend the workday.

• Automotive manufacturers
• Aerospace companies
• Medical device manufacturers
• Defense contractors
• Industrial machinery producers
• Electronics manufacturers
• Metal fabrication shops
• Tool and die companies
• Contract manufacturing firms
• Shipbuilding yards
• Oil and gas equipment manufacturers
• Educational technical schools

• CNC Mill Operator: Focuses on operating milling machines that cut and shape metal or plastic parts.
• CNC Lathe Operator: Specializes in turning operations to create cylindrical parts.
• CNC Programmer: Writes and edits the programs that control CNC machines.
• Precision Machinist: Works on highly detailed parts requiring extremely tight tolerances.
• Setup Technician: Prepares machines and tools before production starts.
• Production CNC Operator: Runs machines for large batch manufacturing.
• Tool and Die Maker: Designs and maintains molds, dies, and specialized tools.
• Maintenance Technician: Repairs and services CNC machinery to minimize downtime.

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.  

• Increasing automation with advanced CNC machines reducing manual input.
• Use of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to streamline programming.
• Integration of 3D printing and additive manufacturing with CNC processes.
• Greater emphasis on precision and micro-machining for high-tech industries.
• Demand for multi-skilled machinists who can program and operate several types of machines.
• Growing use of robotics and artificial intelligence for machine monitoring.
• Shift toward environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics of CNC machines via IoT technology.
• Continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma applied to machining.
• Expansion of apprenticeship and technical training programs to fill skilled labor gaps.

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.