What You'll Do

  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
  • Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
  • Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
  • Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
  • Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
  • Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
  • Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
  • Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

Essential Skills

Operation and Control 3.25/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Operations Monitoring 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Troubleshooting 3.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.0/5
Reading Comprehension 2.88/5
Mathematics 2.88/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cautiousness, Achievement Orientation, Perseverance

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.62/5
Manual Dexterity 3.62/5
Finger Dexterity 3.62/5
Control Precision 3.5/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.25/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.25/5
Selective Attention 3.25/5
Near Vision 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

3D Printing software Armchair Machinist software Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Fusion 360 Autodesk HSMWorks CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator CNC Mastercam Computer aided design CAD software Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Dassault Systemes CATIA Dassault Systemes SolidWorks EditCNC ERP software G-code GRZ Software MeshCAM Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS IMSI TurboCAD JETCAM JobBOSS Kentech Kipware Studio

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.92/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.77/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.45/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 4.14/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 4.05/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Aircraft Machinist Auto Machinist (Automotive Machinist) Carbide Operator CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Lathe Machinist) CNC Lathe Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe Machinist) CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist) CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist) CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Mill Machinist) CNC Mill Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Mill Machinist) CNC Milling Machinist (Computer Numeric Control Milling Machinist) CNC Swiss Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Swiss Machinist) Conventional Machinist Development Mechanic Electrical Experimental Mechanic Electrical Instrument Maker Electrical Machinist Experimental Machinist Experimental Mechanic Fixture Maker Fluid-Power Mechanic Four-Slide Operator Gear Machinist Geothermal Heat Pump Machinist Hydroelectric Component Machinist Instrument Maker Instrument Maker and Repairer Jobber Laboratory Machinist (Lab Machinist) Lathe Machinist Light Fixture Maker Machine Fitter Machine Repair Person Machinist Maintenance Machinist Manual Lathe Machinist Manual Machinist Mechanist Metal Machinist Outside Machinist Outside Ship Machinist Precision Instrument Maker Precision Machinist Printing Press Machinist Production Machinist Thermometer Maker Tool and Die Machinist Tool Machinist Tool Room Machinist Toolroom Machinist Turret Lathe Machinist Wind Turbine Machinist

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.