MACHINIST

Job Definition:

Job Description:

• Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. 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, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Duties and Tasks:

• 1) Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
• 1) Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).2) Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• 3) Measure, examine, and test completed units in order to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.
• 4) Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools in order to perform precision machining operations.
• 5) Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
• 6) Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• 7) Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information in order to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products, and determine product dimensions and tolerances.
• 8) Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
• 9) Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock in order to display placement of cuts.
• 10) Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment in order to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
• 11) Check workpieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated and cooled.
• 12) Maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
• 13) Position and fasten workpieces.
• 14) Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
• 15) Install repaired parts into equipment, or install new equipment.
• 16) Clean and lubricate machines, tools, and equipment in order to remove grease, rust, stains, and foreign matter.
• 17) Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
• 18) Program computers and electronic instruments such as numerically controlled machine tools.
• 19) Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• 20) Confer with engineering, supervisory, and manufacturing personnel in order to exchange technical information.
• 21) Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools and power tools, in order to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
• 22) Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
• 23) Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.
• 24) Confer with numerical control programmers in order to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly, and that output will meet specifications.
• 25) Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
• 26) Evaluate experimental procedures, and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency and adaptability to setup and production.
• 27) Design fixtures, tooling, and experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
• 28) Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
• 29) Install experimental parts and assemblies such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, and batteries into machines and mechanisms.
• 30) Set up and operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, and cutting equipment.
• 31) Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for such purposes as development, standardization, and feasibility of design.

Activities:

• 1) Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• 2) Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• 3) Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 4) Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• 5) Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 6) Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• 7) Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• 8) Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• 9) Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• 10) Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• 11) 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.

Abilities:

• 1) Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• 2) Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• 3) Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• 4) Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• 5) Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• 6) Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• 7) Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• 8) Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• 9) Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• 10) Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• 11) Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• 12) Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
• 13) Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• 14) Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
• 15) Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
• 16) Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• 17) Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
• 18) Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• 19) Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Knowledge

• 1) Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• 2) Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• 3) Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• 4) Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• 5) Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.