Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions.
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People in this occupation:
- inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards
- work for machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and for machine shops
- work in wood manufacturing and food processing plants, as well as in refineries
- have an interest in mechanization
- must have a strong attention to detail and be able to communicate complicated technical ideas with precision and clarity
- need to have good physical mobility, as well as be able to lift heavy objects and handle production pressures calmly
Common job titles
- experimental machinist
- gear tester-machinist
- inspector, aircraft propeller / turbine
- machinist, computer numerical control
- machinist, electrical
- machinist, firearms modeller / ballistics
- machinist, journeyman / journeywoman
- machinist, master / precision
- machinist, model maker / prototype
- machinist, mould and core / mouldmaking
- machinist, printing press
- machinist, set-up
- motion picture equipment machinist
- experimental machinist
- gear tester-machinist
- inspector, aircraft propeller / turbine
- machinist, computer numerical control
- machinist, electrical
- machinist, firearms modeller / ballistics
- machinist, journeyman / journeywoman
- machinist, master / precision
- machinist, model maker / prototype
- machinist, mould and core / mouldmaking
- machinist, printing press
- machinist, set-up
- motion picture equipment machinist