Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a CNC Machinist
A CNC Machinist is a professional who operates computer numerical control (CNC) machines to produce precise and intricate parts for various industries. These skilled individuals play a crucial role in the manufacturing process, ensuring the accurate fabrication of components based on engineering specifications. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for CNC Machinists.
Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.
Main Responsibilities of a CNC Machinist
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a CNC Machinist:
Abide by
Abide by all health and safety protocols and procedures.
Accomplish
Accomplish organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests.
Adhere to
Adhere to company quality and safety standards.
Adhere to deadlines of manufacturing work orders.
Adhere to strict deadlines and production schedules.
Adjust
Adjust tool offsets and checks for part quality.
Align
Align vises, fixtures with indicator to be parallel or square to a reference surface.
Analyze
Analyze and troubleshoot program codes.
Analyze work problems and provides problem solving thru troubleshooting process and programs.
Apply
Apply close mental and visual attention involving detailed work.
Apply feedback to improve performance.
Apply principles of 5S while performing job responsibilities.
Apply troubleshooting CNC software issues to ensure production targets are met.
Attend
Attend and actively participate in training classes and safety sessions.
Calibrate
Calibrate and maintain machine tools.
Check
Check and inspect operation against predetermined tolerances.
Check machinery on a daily basis to guarantee functionality.
Check output to spot any machine-related mistakes or flaws.
Check parts, debur, tapping, counter boring and cleaning up tools holders from the previous setup.
Check that each part matches the blueprint.
Check the dimensions of the machined parts using calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with engineers and designers on part specifications.
Collaborate with team members on process improvements.
Communicate with
Communicate directly with engineers to understand the purpose of a part assembly.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
Communicate logistics issues that arise in the process of creating a part.
Complete
Complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
Conduct
Conduct minor preventative maintenance procedures as scheduled.
Conduct regular CNC machine assessments.
Conduct test runs to verify program accuracy.
Confirm
Confirm job order procedures and instructions relating to machine operations.
Coordinate
Coordinate building maintenance activities.
Create
Create routings for saw, laser, TimeSaver, welding, brake press and outside operations in ERP system.
Create setup sheet to follow part guidelines to be saved as a PDF file for future programming.
Design
Design special jaw profiles and other tooling needed to machine various components.
Determine
Determine and prepare delivery schedules.
Determine and prepare tooling, fixtures and special machine attachments.
Determine condition of tooling to ensure efficiency of operation and minimization of scrap.
Determine when tooling needs changed.
Develop
Develop and implement machining strategies.
Document
Document actions by completing production and quality logs.
Document all changes, set ups, minor edits.
Document production activities and maintain accurate records.
Edit
Edit programs and set up CNC lathes and machining centers.
Embrace
Embrace and promote safety and quality.
Ensure
Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Ensure that all safe work practices are followed and adhered to.
Estimate
Estimate production times and costs.
Fit
Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools.
Follow
Follow all company safety protocols.
Follow all prescribed quality procedures and inspection plans.
Follow all safety rules as described in the Shop Safety Rules.
Follow Instructions of Supervisor / Lead Hand.
Follow safety regulations.
Identify
Identify and load correct tooling into machine.
Identify and propose equipment upgrades.
Implement
Implement preventive maintenance procedures.
Inform
Inform to supervisor any pending task when absent.
Inspect
Inspect finished parts for quality assurance.
Inspect machined parts to ensure they meet specifications.
Inspect own work and others using precision tools, comparators etc..
Inspect parts with precision and measuring tools.
Inspect personal work and the work of co-workers.
Inspect products after the program is set up.
Inspect parts against requirements.
Install
Install machine fixtures to assure safe operation of machine.
Interpret
Interpret blueprints, manuals and other work instructions.
Interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.
Keep
Keep surrounding area clean, safe and organized.
Keep work area neat, safe & organized.
Keep work areas and equipment clean and orderly using 5S standards.
Keep workstation and area clean and organized.
Learn
Learn and understand PHB company policies.
Learn and understand safety requirements.
Lift
Lift up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Load
Load and unload material onto CNC Machine (up to 50lbs).
Load machine as required in accordance with shop orders.
Maintain
Maintain 5S in the CNC Machining area.
Maintain a clean and safe workspace.
Maintain and clean dust collector on a regular basis.
Maintain a positive work atmosphere while communicating with follow co-workers.
Maintain area in a neat and orderly manner.
Maintain continuity among work shifts by communicating actions, irregularities and continuing needs.
Maintain equipment and supplies.
Maintain equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements.
Maintain inventory of raw materials and tooling.
Maintain machine and work area in a clean and safe manner.
Maintain quality and safety standards.
Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.
Maintain safe operations by closely adhering to all safety procedures and regulations.
Maintain tooling to ensure exceptional quality and production.
Make
Make adjustments and minor edits of programs as needed.
Make adjustments to improve part accuracy.
Make sure that all the dimensions are within tight tolerance.
Manage
Manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks.
Maneuver
Maneuver large, awkward, or heavy parts manually or with a crane.
Measure
Measure and document cost of producing parts relative to time and materials.
Measure and read tolerances and dimensions using different tools.
Measure parts against print specifications using precision measuring tools.
Meet
Meet Safety, Quality, Delivery and Productivity goals.
Meet the registration requirements of the Controlled Goods Program.
Modify
Modify and grind cutting tools as required, and use proper feed and speed for maximum efficiency.
Monitor
Monitor and adjust machine parameters for optimal performance.
Monitor machine functions and act quickly to correct errors.
Monitor performance of direct reports.
Operate
Operate automated CNC production turning centers.
Operate calipers, gauges, micrometers, and other machinist hand tools.
Operate CNC machines as well as other machinery to fabricate, repair and modify metals and plastics.
Operate CNC, manual lathes and mills.
Operate CNC mills and lathes to produce parts that meet customer specifications.
Operate machinery, Check parts, Ensure dimensions and tolerances.
Operate machines to cut, shape, and finish parts.
Operate machine with proper guarding in place, report any damaged guarding, tool holders, tools etc..
Operate multiple mills and lathes (3 axis and horizontal).
Operate overhead crane to move material around the facility.
Optimize
Optimize machining processes for efficiency and productivity.
Participate in
Participate in the update and maintenance of set up sheets for all parts through the work center.
Perform
Perform coolant checks, skims off tamp oil, refract.
Perform critical work assignments.
Perform first-article inspection to determine correctness of setup and finished pieces.
Perform first piece inspection.
Perform inspection to ensure product quality per Print / SOP specifications.
Perform manufacturing tasks and activities, as trained, and in compliance with work instructions.
Perform preventative maintenance on machines / equipment.
Perform routine maintenance on machines.
Perform set-ups and manufacture the first piece.
Perform work in accordance with Quality Assurance Program policies.
Pick
Pick inventory parts to fill orders.
Plan
Plan stock inventory by checking stock to determine amount available.
Prepare
Prepare the material cut list for new projects.
Produce
Produce high quality machined parts.
Produce machined parts by programming, setting up and operating a CNC machine (manual).
Program
Program machines using CAM software.
Program mills and lathes by entering instructions, including zero and reference points.
Provide
Provide coaching and direction when needed to achieve expectations.
Provide support for high volume production machine programs.
Provide training and guidance to junior machinists.
Read
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables.
Read and interpret G-code.
Read and interprite techincal plans.
Read and understand specifications and drawings.
Read drawings and make offset changes independently.
Read engineering drawings.
Read and interpret blueprints.
Read blueprint and is familiar with geometric dimensions and tolerances.
Replace
Replace tooling as needed.
Report
Report potentially unsafe conditions and situations.
Routine
Routine daily maintenance of machines and equipment.
Schedule
Schedule will be 6 on 2 off rotating first shift, weekends are required.
Seek
Seek increased responsibilities.
Select
Select and load appropriate cutting tools.
Select correct tools and make necessary adjustment including speeds and feeds.
Set-up
Set-up and adjust CNC mills / lathes.
Set-up and adjust production machineries / tools.
Set-up and machining of castings a plus.
Set-up and manage CNC machines to perform different jobs including drilling, grinding and milling.
Set-up and operate 5 axis CNCs.
Set-up AND operate a CNC machine, on lathe or milling from 3-5 axis.
Set-up and operate CNC lathes and mills.
Set-up and Operate CNC Mills in a manner that produces a quality part to print.
Set-up and operate CNC VTL Machines.
Set-up and operate production equipment including lapping, polishing machines.
Set-up and operate various pieces of CNC equipment.
Set-up and run a 3 & 4 axis milling machine and / or CNC lathe.
Set-up and run CNC lathe and mill to produce electrodes.
Set-up and run machining operations for complex turbopump parts.
Set-up CNC machines for production runs.
Set-up jobs as instructed per shop order, print, and / or customer spec.
Set-up machines (calibration, cleaning etc.) to start a production cycle.
Set-up machines through the proper tools and most efficient techniques.
Set-up new part numbers in ERP system.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with advancements in CNC technology.
Supervise
Supervise saw, laser, CNC machine and brake press operators.
Support
Support management as requested.
Translate
Translate engineering drawings and requirements into dimensions for production.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and correct machining problems.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues in a timely fashion.
Troubleshoot and resolve machine errors or malfunctions.
Troubleshoot machining processes.
Troubleshoot problems with machinery.
Troubleshoot production problems and make recommendations for corrective action.
Understand
Understand and abide by industry and machine-specific safety standards.
Understand cutting tool types, holders and their uses.
Use
Use all hand tools including measuring tools and indicators.
Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to improve quality and reduce scrap.
Use equipment and material properly.
Use gauges and precision measuring instruments to meet tolerance requirements.
Use measuring tools, such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, thread gages.
Use precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions.
Verify
Verify settings by measuring positions, first-run part and sample work pieces.
Work with
Work with a team that loves to have fun and banter.
Work with maintenance team to reduce downtime.
Work with operators to trouble-shoot process issues.
Work with plant systems (e.g., document control, manufacturing execution system, etc.).
Write
Write programming for CNC machines using Mastercam and Smartcam.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a CNC Machinist:
Proficiency in operating CNC machines.
Knowledge of CNC programming languages (G-code, M-code).
Expertise in CAM software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
Familiarity with tooling and cutting techniques.
Understanding of machine setup and calibration.
Competence in using precision measuring instruments.
Proficient in troubleshooting and resolving machine errors.
Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Knowledge of different machining processes (milling, turning, drilling).
Ability to optimize machining parameters for efficiency.
Experience with different types of materials (metals, plastics).
Familiarity with quality control procedures and inspection tools.
Competence in program debugging and modification.
Knowledge of machine maintenance and repair.
Understanding of CNC machine controls and interfaces.
Experience with CAD software for part design.
Proficiency in reading and editing program codes.
Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations.
Understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a CNC Machinist:
Attention to detail and precision.
Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Excellent mechanical aptitude.
Effective communication and teamwork.
Time management and organizational skills.
Adaptability and flexibility.
Ability to work independently and under pressure.
Dedication to continuous learning and skill development.
Critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
Strong work ethic and reliability
Conclusion
The role of a CNC Machinist involves a wide range of responsibilities, ranging from machine setup and operation to programming, maintenance, and quality control. Possessing the most in-demand hard skills, including proficiency in CNC operations, programming languages, and software, is essential. Moreover, the cultivation of soft skills like attention to detail, problem-solving, effective communication, and adaptability contributes to becoming a successful CNC Machinist. By combining technical expertise and essential soft skills, CNC Machinists play a vital role in the manufacturing industry, contributing to the production of precise and intricate components.
