Become A Mill Operator

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Working As A Mill Operator

Controlling Machines and Processes
Getting Information
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material

Repetitive
Stressful
$37,030
Average Salary

What Does A Mill Operator Do At Texas Employer

* Keep Milling Equipment (VTAs and KB40s) in good condition in order to obtain required quality and production throughput.
* Check product for broken content and check temperature on all 3 breaks twice per shift.
* Adjust speed of Milling Equipment as production requires.
* Maintain proper flow to each milling break in order to have consistent flow through between each system.
* Assist in keeping work area clean Must be assertive and self-motivated Must be able to work overtime and on weekends as required

What Does A Mill Operator Do At ADM

* To assist the Mill Operator in the operation and repair of milling equipment and systems.
* The Assistant Mill Operator will be fully trained on the Grit and Roll Systems along with all sundry systems with the intent that the individual will move up to operator status when a vacancy becomes open and if it is the desire of the assistant miller to do so
* This will be accomplished through a Job Interest posting.
* The assistant miller, when qualified, will be expected to cover for the mill operator in his/her absence.
* The assistant miller, like the mill operator, will have assigned housekeeping assignments.
* These general responsibilities are not all inclusive

What Does A Mill Operator Do At Cadence Aerospace Asa Operations

* Operate equipment such as Bridgeport milling machines, engine lathes, surface grinders, drill presses, drill jigs, hinge line boring, etc.
* Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools in order to perform precision machining operations.
* Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information in order to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products, and determine product dimensions and tolerances.
* Utilize tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, depth gauges, bore gauges, height gauges, etc. to accurately check and inspect machined components.
* Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials onto machines.
* Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
* Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock in order to confirm placement of cuts.
* To operate independently with minimal supervision.
* Other duties as assigned

What Does A Mill Operator Do At Momentum Staffing Solutions LLC

* 1) Tends one or more mills that grind materials, such as rock, ore, ingredients for chemicals with steel, stone, or ceramic balls or rods: Pushes lever or adds balls to mill as needed or specified.
* Dumps material or opens flow gate to load mill.
* Secures cover plate.
* Starts and runs mill for specified time depending on size of load, grindability of material, and required fineness.
* Removes cover plate, attaches grid, and starts mill to discharge contents.
* When operating continuous ball mills, regulates inflow of materials and observes outflow to ensure attainment of specified product.
* May tend mill utilizing vacuum or other pressure.
* May tend steam-jacketed mill that heats materials during processing.
* May use mill to mix materials for wet or dry grinding.
* May keep production records.
* Qualified candidates must pass background check and drug

What Does A Mill Operator Do At Stanley Black and Decker

* _
* Exacting set ups to close tolerances
* Check coils to be milled /grind and coil tag for record of previous operation
* Replace cutters after grind
* Maintain equipment and work area in a clean orderly condition
* Report any material defects or discrepancies, equipment malfunctions to Supervisor
* Responsible for quality of work performed

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How To Become A Mill Operator

A few months of on-the-job training is enough for most workers to learn basic machine operations, but 1 year or more is required to become proficient. Computer-controlled machine workers may need more training.

Education

Employers prefer metal and plastic machine workers who have a high school diploma. Prospective workers can improve their employment opportunities by completing high school courses in computer programming and vocational technology, and by gaining a working knowledge of the properties of metals and plastics. Having a sturdy math background, including taking courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and basic statistics, is also useful.

Some community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programs in operating metal and plastics machines.

Training

Machine operator trainees usually begin by watching and helping experienced workers on the job. Under supervision, they may start by supplying materials, starting and stopping the machines, or by removing finished products. Then they advance to more difficult tasks that operators perform, such as adjusting feed speeds, changing cutting tools, and inspecting a finished product for defects. Eventually, some develop the skills and experience to set up machines and help newer operators.

The complexity of the equipment usually determines the time required to become an operator. Some operators and tenders learn basic machine operations and functions in a few months, but other workers, such as computer-controlled machine tool operators, may need a year or more to become proficient.

Some employers prefer to hire workers who either have completed or are enrolled in a training program.

As the manufacturing process continues to utilize more computerized machinery, knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines can be helpful.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Certification can show competence and professionalism and can be helpful for advancement. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers certification in numerous metalworking specializations.

Advancement

Advancement usually includes higher pay and more responsibilities. With experience and expertise, workers can become trainees for more advanced positions. It is common for machine operators to move into setup or machinery maintenance positions. Setup workers may become industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers, or machinists or tool and die makers.

Experienced workers with good communication and analytical skills may move into supervisory positions.

Important Qualities

Computer skills. Metal and plastic machine workers must often be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor.

Dexterity. Metal and plastic machine workers who work in metal and plastic machined goods manufacturing use precise hand movements to make the necessary shapes, cuts, and edges that designs require.

Mechanical skills. Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machinery. They must be comfortable working with machines and have a good understanding of how the machines and all their parts work.

Physical stamina. Metal and plastic machine workers must be able to stand for long periods and perform repetitive work.

Physical strength. Metal and plastic machine workers must be strong enough to guide and load heavy and bulky parts and materials into machines.

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Mill Operator jobs

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Mill Operator Career Paths

Mill Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator Material Handler Numerical Control Operator

2nd Shift Supervisor

6 Yearsyrs

Truck Driver Delivery Driver Maintenance Technician

Facilities Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Driver Repair Technician Electrician

General Contractor

6 Yearsyrs

Technician Numerical Control Operator Machinist

Lead Machinist

6 Yearsyrs

Forklift Operator Operator

Lead Operator

5 Yearsyrs

Driver Material Handler/Forklift Operator Press Operator

Lead Press Operator

5 Yearsyrs

Truck Driver Driver Operation Supervisor

Logistics Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Computer Numerical Controller Machinist Numerical Control Programmer Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Machinist Maintenance Technician Production Supervisor

Manufacturing Supervisor

7 Yearsyrs

Operator Technician Operations Manager

Plant Manager

11 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Technician Production Supervisor

Production Manager

6 Yearsyrs

Operator Maintenance Technician

Production Supervisor

7 Yearsyrs

Forklift Operator Technician Operations Manager

Purchasing Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Computer Numerical Controller Machinist Manufacturing Engineer Project Engineer

Quality Control Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Equipment Operator Project Manager Product Manager

Research And Development Technician

6 Yearsyrs

Heavy Equipment Operator Production Supervisor Warehouse Supervisor

Shipping Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Equipment Operator Delivery Driver Welder

Shop Supervisor

5 Yearsyrs

Maintenance Technician Maintenance Manager Operations Manager

Site Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Technician Field Engineer Assistant Superintendent

Superintendent

9 Yearsyrs

Machinist Mechanic Forklift Operator

Warehouse Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Chemical Operator 4.9 years
Machine Operator-Team Leader 4.6 years
Machine Operator Mechanic 4.4 years
Technical Machine Operator 4.3 years
Process Operator 4.0 years
Slitter Operator 4.0 years
Utility Operator 4.0 years
Relief Operator 3.9 years
Plant Operator 3.9 years
Coater Operator 3.8 years
Winder Operator 3.8 years
B-Operator 3.8 years
Auxiliary Operator 3.7 years
Furnace Operator 3.7 years
Machine Operator/Forklift Operator 3.4 years
Finisher Operator 3.3 years
Cutter Operator 3.1 years
Mill Operator 3.0 years
Mixer Operator 2.9 years
Roll Operator 2.8 years
Operator 2.8 years
Mill Work 2.7 years
Machine Operator Assistant 2.6 years
Feed Mill Operator 2.5 years
General Machine Operator 2.5 years
Elevator Operator 2.4 years
Line Operator 2.4 years

Top Careers Before Mill Operator

Top Careers After Mill Operator

Machine Operator 11.3%
Operator 8.1%
Forklift Operator 7.0%
Maintenance Technician 6.3%
Machinist 6.0%
Welder 5.6%
Numerical Control Operator 5.3%
Material Handler 4.7%
Driver 4.7%
Truck Driver 4.5%
Technician 4.5%
Supervisor 4.3%
Equipment Operator 4.3%
Computer Numerical Controller Machinist 3.6%
Press Operator 3.6%
Foreman 3.3%
Shift Supervisor 3.3%
Delivery Driver 3.2%
Production Worker 3.2%
Heavy Equipment Operator 3.2%

Mill Operator Demographics

Gender

Male
90.9%
Female
8.2%
Unknown
1.0%

Ethnicity

White
81.6%
Hispanic or Latino
10.5%
Asian
6.1%
Unknown
1.4%
Black or African American
0.5%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
87.1%
Carrier
6.5%
Russian
3.2%
French
3.2%

Mill Operator

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Mill Operator Education

Schools

University of Phoenix
16.7%
Great Basin College
5.6%
Macomb Community College
5.6%
Boise State University
5.6%
University of Montana
5.6%
Pittsburgh Technical Institute
5.6%
College of Southern Idaho
5.6%
Trident Technical College
4.4%
Ferris State University
4.4%
Kansas State University
4.4%
Community College of the Air Force
4.4%
Sinclair Community College
4.4%
American InterContinental University
4.4%
Wayne State College
3.3%
Spokane Community College
3.3%
Lansing Community College
3.3%
Columbus State Community College
3.3%
Santa Ana College
3.3%
Universal Technical Institute
3.3%
Reading Area Community College
3.3%

Majors

Business 22.4%
General Studies 7.6%
Automotive Technology 7.3%
Precision Metal Working 6.7%
Criminal Justice 5.9%
Electrical Engineering Technology 5.1%
Electrical Engineering 4.5%
Education 4.5%
Industrial Technology 4.1%
Accounting 3.9%
Computer Science 3.5%
Management 3.5%
Drafting And Design 3.3%
Mechanical Engineering 2.7%
Graphic Design 2.7%
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians 2.7%
Information Technology 2.7%
Heating And Air Conditioning 2.7%
Health Care Administration 2.2%
Engineering 2.2%

Degrees

Other
48.5%
Associate
18.3%
Bachelors
16.5%
Certificate
9.7%
Diploma
3.6%
Masters
2.4%
License
0.6%
Doctorate
0.6%

Mill Operator

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Top Skills for A Mill Operator

Top Mill Operator Skills

Safety Procedures
CNC
Raw Materials

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Followed all safety procedures and regulations.
Assembled parts, operated CNC lathe and mills and adjusted off sets.
Monitor all raw materials for items that may cause stock variation and report issues to FM lead.
Played key role in introducing new program for safety awareness in mill operations.
Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.