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.

Other names for Machinists: Fluid-Power Mechanic, Machine Fitter, Manual Lathe Machinist, Millwright, Printing Press Machinist, Tool Machinist, Tool Maker, Tool Room Machinist, Toolmaker, Toolroom Machinist, Trouble Shooter, Turret Lathe Machinist, Utility Operator, Gear Machinist, Instrument Maker, Instrument Maker and Repairer, Instrument Maker Apprentice, Jobber, Laboratory Machinist, Lathe Machinist, Machine Operator, Machine Repair Person, Machinist, Machinist Apprentice, Machinist Mate, Machinist Tool and Die, Maintenance Machinist, Maintenance Specialist, Maintenance Technician, Manual Machinist, Master Machinist, Mechanical Laboratory Technician, Mechanist, Metal Machinist, Mold Tooling Designer (MTD), Moldmaker, Outside Machinist, Outside Machinist Apprentice, Precision Grinder Machinist, Precision Instrument Maker, Precision Machine Operator, Precision Machinist, Production Machinist, Rocket Motor Mechanic, Set-Up / Machinist, Set-Up Machinist, Test Technician, Thermometer Maker, Tool and Die Maker, 4-Slide Operator, Aircraft Machinist, Auto Machinist, Automation Technician, Automotive Machinist, Automotive Machinist Apprentice, Bench Hand, Carbide Operator, CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numerical Control Operator), CNC Operator and Programmer (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator and Programmer), Deck Engineer, Development Mechanic, Electrical Experimental Mechanic, Electrical Instrument Maker, Electrical Machinist, Experimental Machinist, Experimental Mechanic, Fitter, Fixture Maker,

• Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
• Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• Measure, examine, and test completed units to detect defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments such as micrometers.
• Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products, and determine product dimensions and tolerances.
• Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
• Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
• Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
• Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated and cooled.
• Maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
• Position and fasten work pieces.
• Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
• Install repaired parts into equipment, or install new equipment.
• Clean and lubricate machines, tools, and equipment to remove grease, rust, stains, and foreign matter.
• Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
• Program computers and electronic instruments such as numerically controlled machine tools.
• Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Confer with engineering, supervisory, and manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
• Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools and power tools, to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
• Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
• Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.
• Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly, and that output will meet specifications.
• Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
• Evaluate experimental procedures, and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency and adaptability to setup and production.
• Design fixtures, tooling, and experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
• Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
• Install experimental parts and assemblies such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, and batteries into machines and mechanisms.
• Set up and operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, and cutting equipment.
• Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for such purposes as development, standardization, and feasibility of design.

• Milling cutters
• Adjustable wrenches
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Feeler gauges
• Anvils
• Workshop presses
• Welders
• Tinners snips
• Hammers
• Bandsaw wheel
• Tube bending machinery
• Boring tools
• Boring tools
• Workshop presses
• Hammers
• Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
• Lathes
• Milling cutters
• Broaching tools
• Power buffers
• Calipers
• Drilling machines
• Bevels
• Locking pliers
• Power chippers
• Chucks
• Hand clamps
• Cold chisels
• Power saws
• Power drills
• Locking pliers
• Combination wrenches
• Hammers
• Milling cutters
• Lathes
• Workshop cranes
• Grinding machines
• Power saws
• Sharpening stones or tools or kits
• Power grinders
• Deburring equipment
• Desktop computers
• Calipers
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Drilling machines
• Lathes
• Holding fixtures
• Lathes
• Feeler gauges
• Files
• Files
• Lathes
• Forklifts
• Height gauges
• Grinding machines
• Bench dog
• Arbors
• Saws
• Files
• Saws
• Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
• Height gauges
• Calipers
• Hex keys
• Hex keys
• Boring tools
• Milling cutters
• Hydraulic press frames
• Micrometers
• Calipers
• Biscuit jointers
• Milling cutters
• Ladders
• Laser printers
• Lathes
• Slings
• Hammers
• Squares
• Magnetic tools
• Gage block set
• Metal inert gas MIG welding machinery
• Shears
• Welding tools
• Micrometers
• Magnifiers
• Milling cutters
• Milling machines
• Bench vises
• Milling cutters
• Needlenose pliers
• Micrometers
• Calipers
• Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
• Gage block set
• Personal computers
• Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
• Screwdrivers
• Drilling machines
• Workshop presses
• Threading taps
• Pipe wrenches
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Planing machines
• Plasma welding machinery
• Platform lift
• Power drills
• Power saws
• Metal stamps or punches
• Pry bars
• Metal stamps or punches
• Putty knives
• Workshop presses
• Twist drills
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Ratchets
• Reamers
• Resurfacers
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Mallets
• Pneumatic sanding machines
• Power sanders
• Pitch measuring instruments
• Screwdrivers
• Scribers
• Workshop presses
• Gear shapers
• Grinding machines
• Shears
• Shim
• End cut pliers
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Hammers
• Socket sets
• Soldering irons or guns
• Screwdrivers
• Levels
• Cold chisels
• Platform lift
• Straight edges
• Wedges
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Grinding machines
• Swaging tools
• Taps or dies
• Gauges or inspection fixtures
• Thread counters or gauges
• Threading Machines
• Tongs
• Blow torches
• Tungsten inert gas TIG welding machinery
• Lathes
• Lathes
• Milling cutters
• Utility knives
• Gage block set
• Grinding machines
• Protractors
• Calipers
• Height gauges
• Calipers
• Milling cutters
• Milling cutters
• Wedges
• Welding tools
• Safety glasses
• Welding masks
• Adjustable wrenches

Project management software

Office suite software

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Facilities management software

Computer aided design CAD software

Analytical or scientific software

Industrial control software

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Electronic mail software