What does a machine set-up do?
Machine set-up responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real machine set-up resumes:
- Manage daily scheduling of production workload to be setup and run on machinery.
- Utilize distinctive tools, gauges and calipers to collect and input specification and quality data accurately.
- Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling and cleaning machines, dies and workpieces and adding coolant to machine reservoir.
Machine set-up skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Machine Set-Ups are proficient in Quality Checks, Calipers, and Hand Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Math skills and computer application experience, and Technical skills.
We break down the percentage of Machine Set-Ups that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Quality Checks, 21%
Changed tools, setup tools, check coolant levels, quality checks of machined parts.
- Calipers, 13%
Verified conformance of production parts to specifications using various measuring instruments including micrometers calipers, dial indicators and other gauges.
- Hand Tools, 11%
Changed worn machine accessories such as cutting tools and brushes using hand tools.
- Production Runs, 6%
Machine Setup Responsible for setting up machines for long production runs and maintaining tolerances specified on blue prints.
- CNC Machines, 5%
Operate CNC machines on daily basis as well but yet to be trained on full CNC set up.
- Production Equipment, 5%
Set up heavy-duty production equipment and provided assistance to ensure the best production performance and quality.
Most machine set-ups use their skills in "quality checks," "calipers," and "hand tools" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential machine set-up responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a machine set-up to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "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." Machine set-ups often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "utilized distinctive tools, gauges and calipers to collect and input specification and quality data accurately. "
Technical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of machine set-ups is technical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday machine set-up duties, as "machinists and tool and die makers must understand metalworking processes." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "work with technical services and qa to investigate uir's (deviations) and implement capa's. "
Manual dexterity. For certain machine set-up responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "manual dexterity." The day-to-day duties of a machine set-up rely on this skill, as "machinists’ and tool and die makers’ work demands accuracy, sometimes to within .0001 of an inch." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what machine set-ups do: "selected, aligned and secured holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories and materials on cnc and manual machines. "
Mechanical skills. Another common skill required for machine set-up responsibilities is "mechanical skills." This skill comes up in the duties of machine set-ups 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 machine set-up resume shows how this skill is central to what a machine set-up does: "job duties included doing mechanical adjustments of machines, administering quality checks, and visually inspecting and packing out finished product. "
The three companies that hire the most machine set-ups are:
- Staffworks Group3 machine set-ups jobs
- Hyatt Hotels2 machine set-ups jobs
- Tenneco2 machine set-ups jobs
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Compare different machine set-ups
Machine set-up vs. Control operator
The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary. There are also instances where they must produce progress reports, address and resolve issues, and implement solutions. Furthermore, as a control operator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with fellow employees, coordinating every step of the way for a safe and efficient workflow.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between machine set-ups and control operator. For instance, machine set-up responsibilities require skills such as "quality checks," "calipers," "hand tools," and "production runs." Whereas a control operator is skilled in "customer service," "safety procedures," "payroll," and "financial reports." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Control operators earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $47,698. On the other hand, machine set-ups are paid more in the transportation industry with an average salary of $39,783.control operators tend to reach higher levels of education than machine set-ups. In fact, control operators are 11.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Machine set-up vs. Control board operator
A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations. A numerical control operator duties' also include inspecting equipment setup and finished products, ensuring high-quality parts, reviewing blueprints, following client's specifications for making adjustments, and adhering to the safety guidelines and procedures required by the business.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that machine set-up responsibilities requires skills like "quality checks," "calipers," "hand tools," and "production runs." But a control board operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "process safety," "troubleshoot," "control systems," and "control room."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Control board operators tend to reach higher levels of education than machine set-ups. In fact, they're 10.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine set-up vs. Numerical control operator
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, machine set-ups are more likely to have skills like "production runs," "cnc machines," "production equipment," and "machine shop." But a numerical control operator is more likely to have skills like "micrometers," "math," "lathe machines," and "safety standards."
Numerical control operators earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $41,888. Comparatively, machine set-ups have the highest earning potential in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $39,783.numerical control operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to machine set-ups. Specifically, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Machine set-up vs. Metalizer operator
Types of machine set-up
Updated January 8, 2025
