Overview

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.

Also Known As


Brake Press Operator, Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator (CNC Lathe Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator (CNC Mill Operator), Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator), Computer Numerical Control Set-Up and Operator (CNC Set-Up and Operator), Machine Operator, Machine Set-Up Operator, Machinist

Activities


  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
  • Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
  • Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
  • Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
  • Program equipment to perform production tasks.
  • Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
  • Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Replace worn equipment components.
  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
  • Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
  • Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
  • Maintain production or processing equipment.
  • Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Load materials into production equipment.
  • Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

Skills


  • Operations Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
  • Monitoring – Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
  • Critical Thinking – Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  • Quality Control Analysis – Testing how well a product or service works.
  • Operation and Control – Using equipment or systems.

Knowledgebase



Education Requirements


  • Education: High School Diploma or Equal
  • Experience: None
  • Training: 1 to 12 Months - On The Job

Knowledge


  • Mechanical – Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Design – Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Abilities


  • Near Vision – Seeing details up close.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness – Keeping your arm or hand steady.
  • Hearing Sensitivity – Telling the difference between sounds.
  • Problem Sensitivity – Noticing when problems happen.
  • Reaction Time – Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
  • Information Ordering – Ordering or arranging things.
  • Auditory Attention – Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
  • Selective Attention – Paying attention to something without being distracted.
  • Control Precision – Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
  • Flexibility of Closure – Seeing hidden patterns.
  • Rate Control – Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.

Pathway Job Market and Predictions - Connecticut

Future Job Opportunities: Below Average
Typical Wages
Local National
10% $27,730 $28,750
25% $34,590 $34,500
Median $45,440 $42,260
75% $58,880 $52,090
90% $68,080 $63,460


Projected Employment
Connecticut United States
N/A
2018 Employment
158,400
2019 Employment
N/A
2028 Employment
154,500
2029 Employment
N/A
Percent Change
-3%
Percent Change
N/A
Annual Projected Job Openings
16,500
Annual Projected Job Openings