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O*NET-SOC 51-4041.00

Machinists

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

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.Core20292
  2. Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.Core3094
  3. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.Core3095
  4. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.Core20293
  5. Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.Core3110
  6. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.Core20295
  7. Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.Core3098
  8. Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.Core20294
  9. Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.Core3117
  10. Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.Supplemental3115
  11. Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.Core3097
  12. Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.Core3116
  13. Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.Core3106
  14. Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.Core20297
  15. Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.Supplemental3107
  16. Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.Core20296
  17. Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.Core3119
  18. Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.Core19905
  19. Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.Supplemental3113
  20. Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.Core3112
  21. Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.Core3101
  22. Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.Core19906
  23. Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.Supplemental3123
  24. Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.Supplemental3122
  25. Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.Core3103
  26. Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.Supplemental3120
  27. Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.Supplemental3114
  28. Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.Supplemental3121
  29. Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.Supplemental3109

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 33 examples in 12 categories, 8 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Computer aided design CAD software

  • 3D Printing software
  • Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Kentech Kipware Studio
  • OnShape
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Siemens NX
  • SolidCAM CAM software

Analytical or scientific software

  • Armchair Machinist software
  • CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
  • Kentech Kipware Trig Kalculator

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • CNC Mastercam
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorksHot Technology
  • GRZ Software MeshCAM
  • IMSI TurboCAD
  • JETCAM
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareIn Demand
  • OneCNC CAD/CAM
  • Vero Software SURFCAM

Industrial control software

  • EditCNC
  • Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • ERP software
  • JobBOSS
  • SAP softwareHot Technology

Object or component oriented development software

  • G-codeIn Demand

Procedure management software

  • Hexagon Metrology PC-DMIS

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

  • Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Test materials, solutions, or samples.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Conduct test runs of production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

  • Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Processing Information

  • Sort recyclable materials.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  • Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Determine metal or plastic production methods.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

  • Dispose of trash or waste materials.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

  • Operate welding equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Install mechanical components in production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Operate grinding equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Operate cutting equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Working with Computers

  • Program equipment to perform production tasks.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

  • Replace worn equipment components.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

  • Maintain production or processing equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Exchange information with colleagues.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

  • Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 31
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.