What is a prototype machinist and how to become one

Key steps to become a prototype machinist

1. Explore prototype machinist education requirements

   Most common prototype machinist degrees

   Associate

   37.0 %

   High School Diploma

   30.3 %

   Bachelor's

   15.1 %

   Show more

2. Start to develop specific prototype machinist skills

   Skills	Percentages
   CNC	17.66%
   Machine Shop	9.47%
   Haas	6.45%
   Mastercam	6.39%
   Engineering Drawings	5.03%

   Show more

3. Complete relevant prototype machinist training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New prototype machinists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a prototype machinist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real prototype machinist resumes.

4. Research prototype machinist duties and responsibilities

   • Operate all shop equipment: mills, lathes, surface grinders, shears and brakes.
   • Set up and operate production machinery including punch presses, lathes mills and surface grinders.
   • Work from prints, sketches, and verbal instructions working with plastics, aluminum, and stainless steel.
   • Used CMM machine to inspect first article.

5. Get prototype machinist experience

   Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a prototype machinist. The most common roles before becoming a prototype machinist include machinist, computer numerical controller machinist team lead and mold maker.

6. Prepare your prototype machinist resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your prototype machinist resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a prototype machinist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose from 10+ customizable prototype machinist resume templates

   Build a professional prototype machinist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your prototype machinist resume.
   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

   

   Use this template

7. Apply for prototype machinist jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a prototype machinist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams