Description
Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
- • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- • Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
- • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- • Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
- • Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
- • Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- • Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
- • Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
- • Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
- • Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
- • Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
- • Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
- • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- • Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
- • Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- • Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
- • Control coolant systems.
- • Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
- • Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
- • Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
- • Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
- • Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
- • Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
- • Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
- • Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
- • Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
- • Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
