About This Career

Sets up and operates a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Production pathway.

A person in this career:

• Calculates dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
• Machines parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• Measures, examines, or tests completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
• Sets up, adjusts, or operates basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
• Programs computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
• Studies sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
• Monitors the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• Maintains machine tools in proper operational condition.
• Fits and assembles parts to make or repair machine tools.
• Aligns and secures holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Overtime work
• Weekend work