What does a computer numerical controller machinist do?
A computer numerical controller machinist is responsible for operating computer-based equipment, creating new machine components by programming, and evaluating machine blueprints. Computer numerical controller machinists must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry to understand its complexities and define accurate solutions, as well as excellent analytical skills for calculation requirements. Other tasks include interpreting specifications and parameters, monitoring stock inventory, requesting operating tools, verifying accurate measurements, detecting machine malfunctions, and adhering to the safety standards and procedures of the operations area.
Computer numerical controller machinist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer numerical controller machinist resumes:
- Calculate dimensions and tolerances using instruments such as micrometers and calipers.
- Set up and operate OKUMA CNC lathe and MAZAK CNC lathe to machine various high pressure cylinders.
- Have had experience and handle deburr and clipping work on the 446 and lit operations on the drill press of 413.
- Fulfill calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Verify dimensions of parts machine using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
- Verify conformance of finish work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.
- Build parts on MAZAK mills and lathes, programming with MAZATROL.
- Assemble parts and run cnc machine
- Work on Moriseki/ Haas and bridgeport mills.
- Set up and run various CNC lathes and mills
- run Haas mill machines vf7,6,5,3 can program and setup machines
- Have experience in brazing, stick and mig welding.
- Set up and operate surface and cylindrical grinders, presses, water jet, drill presses, automatic and manual saws.
- Study blueprints and drawings to determine part dimensions, tolerances and best sequence of operations need to fabricate parts.
- Work with Gd and t tolerances in a ISO certify shop.
Computer numerical controller machinist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Computer Numerical Controller Machinists are proficient in Calipers, Micrometers, and Manual Lathes. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Manual dexterity, and Math skills and computer application experience.
We break down the percentage of Computer Numerical Controller Machinists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Calipers, 7%
Verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments.
- Micrometers, 7%
Verified conformance of finished work pieces to specifications using measuring instruments including microscopes, gauges, calipers and micrometers.
- Manual Lathes, 6%
Experience working with manual lathes, mills, grinders (electrical and manual), drill press and radial arm drill.
- Math, 5%
Calculated numerous mathematical calculations throughout each day, mostly using shop math and trigonometry for more difficult calculations.
- G Code, 4%
Make any revisions needed to enhance performance of CNC automated machinery, including edits for all G Codes and M Codes.
- Grinders, 4%
Operated grinders efficiently for sharpening cutting tools.
Most computer numerical controller machinists use their skills in "calipers," "micrometers," and "manual lathes" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer numerical controller machinist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a computer numerical controller machinist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "machinists and tool and die makers must be able to interpret technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts." Additionally, a computer numerical controller machinist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "inspect parts using a wide range of measuring tools including automated cmm's and datastar optical inspection software. "
Manual dexterity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer numerical controller machinist duties is manual dexterity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work demands accuracy, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch." According to a computer numerical controller machinist resume, here's how computer numerical controller machinists can utilize manual dexterity in their job responsibilities: "inspect products with various cmm inspection machines, and many types of digital and manual gauges. "
Technical skills. computer numerical controller machinist responsibilities often require "technical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "machinists and tool and die makers must understand metalworking processes." This resume example shows what computer numerical controller machinists do with technical skills on a typical day: "check parts using micrometers and calipers.. - peel the technical drawings. "
Mechanical skills. Another common skill required for computer numerical controller machinist responsibilities is "mechanical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of computer numerical controller machinists all the time, as "machinists and tool and die makers may operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools." An excerpt from a real computer numerical controller machinist resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer numerical controller machinist does: "trained on mechanical and computer numerical control machines. "
Physical stamina. Lastly, "physical stamina" is an important element of what a computer numerical controller machinist does. Computer numerical controller machinist responsibilities require this skill because "machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements." This resume example highlights how computer numerical controller machinist duties rely on this skill: "set own tooling and make own adjustments to program and offsets based on both physical checks and cmm reports. "
The three companies that hire the most computer numerical controller machinists are:
- Tecomet928 computer numerical controller machinists jobs
- Aerotek188 computer numerical controller machinists jobs
- The Aerospace Corporation108 computer numerical controller machinists jobs
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Compare different computer numerical controller machinists
Computer numerical controller machinist vs. Grinder
Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes. A grinder must meet with the manufacturer's specifications by making use of shop drawings. Additionally, they may be tasked with repairing any mechanical breakdowns on the machines.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer numerical controller machinist are more likely to require skills like "micrometers," "manual lathes," "g code," and "gd." On the other hand, a job as a grinder requires skills like "cnc," "quality standards," "grinding tools," and "ultrasonic testing." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Grinders earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $40,459. On the other hand, computer numerical controller machinists are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $49,910.On average, grinders reach similar levels of education than computer numerical controller machinists. Grinders are 0.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer numerical controller machinist vs. Set-up operator
A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer numerical controller machinist resumes. While computer numerical controller machinist responsibilities can utilize skills like "grinders," "machine shop," "gd," and "aerospace," set-up operators use skills like "cnc machines," "preventative maintenance," "cnc lathes," and "quality standards."
Set-up operators earn a lower average salary than computer numerical controller machinists. But set-up operators earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $44,628. Additionally, computer numerical controller machinists earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $49,910 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Set-up operators tend to reach similar levels of education than computer numerical controller machinists. In fact, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer numerical controller machinist vs. Tool technician
Tool technicians are skilled professionals who are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools as well as disassemble defective electrical equipment in a manufacturing firm using these hand tools. These technicians are required to coordinate with other areas of the company to schedule and perform preventive maintenance duties. They must provide support for CNC operators by setting up the caliper and micrometer of all the CNC machines. Tool technicians must also assist coworkers in ordering materials and purchasing machine parts.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computer numerical controller machinist is likely to be skilled in "math," "g code," "gd," and "aerospace," while a typical tool technician is skilled in "first hand," "cnc," "preventive maintenance," and "mig."
Tool technicians earn the best pay in the energy industry, where they command an average salary of $64,215. Computer numerical controller machinists earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $49,910.Most tool technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to computer numerical controller machinists. For example, they're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer numerical controller machinist vs. Machine set up operator
Types of computer numerical controller machinist
Updated January 8, 2025
