Machinist

Job Responsibilities

• Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometres 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 micrometres.
• 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.

Required Skills / Knowledge

• Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• 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.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Experience

• 10 years in machining of large rotating equipment.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma
• Technical School Degree a plus
• Some College/Associate Degree preferred
• Education will depend on labor grade/skill level of shop employee

Physical Requirements

• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
• Operate cutting equipment.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
• Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Maintain production or processing equipment.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Conduct test runs of production equipment.
• Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
• Program equipment to perform production tasks.
• Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
• Exchange information with colleagues.
• Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
• Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
• Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
• Operate welding equipment.
• Dispose of trash or waste materials.
• Sort recyclable materials.
• Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
• Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Replace worn equipment components.
• Install mechanical components in production equipment.
• Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
• Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.