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Prototype machinist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Miles Free

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical prototype machinist skills. We ranked the top skills for prototype machinists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 17.7% of prototype machinist resumes contained cnc as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a prototype machinist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 prototype machinist skills for your resume and career

1. CNC

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It is a subtractive manufacturing technique that usually uses computerized controls and machine tools to strip layers of material from a stock piece.

Here's how prototype machinists use cnc:

Work with Engineering on a daily basis to create or modify tooling and fixtures using manual and CNC equipment.
Set up and programming of CNC machining centers and manual mill and lathe.

2. Machine Shop

Here's how prototype machinists use machine shop:

Promoted from Machine Operator 1 to Machine Shop Apprentice followed by final promotion to Prototype Machinist 1.
Managed all aspects of the machine shop including purchasing tools, equipment maintenance, and scheduling.

3. Haas

Here's how prototype machinists use haas:

Set up and Operated Haas mills+lathes and Mazak lathes.
Machined other copper components utilizing the Haas VMC according to blueprint and engineering requirements.

4. Mastercam

Here's how prototype machinists use mastercam:

Programmed machines using MasterCam and mazatrol.
Program using MasterCam Purchase all tooling and materials for jobs Set-up and operate Mazak VMC 5 axis programming

5. Engineering Drawings

Engineering drawings are technical drawings that tell about the requirements for engineering components or equipment. Such drawings have standardized languages and symbols. There are multiple types of engineering drawings such as isometric drawing, orthographic or multiview drawing, schematic drawings, one view, and two view drawings, etc.

Here's how prototype machinists use engineering drawings:

Read and discuss engineering drawings for manufacture.
Experienced at reading Engineering drawings and developing tooling to deliver customer specific requirements.

6. Production Runs

Here's how prototype machinists use production runs:

Document manufacturing processes and challenges for later development of work instructions during production runs.
Machine set up, production runs, maintenance of machinery, machine precision parts from raw stock to repair machinery.

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7. Calipers

Here's how prototype machinists use calipers:

Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and Vernier calipers.
Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.

8. Manual Lathes

Here's how prototype machinists use manual lathes:

Set up and run of high tolerance parts on manual milling machine and manual lathe.
Included 3 Axis Mills, 2 Axis Lathes, Manual Mills, and Manual Lathes.

9. Cad Cam

Here's how prototype machinists use cad cam:

Used Cad Cam system to draw and program.

10. Inspection Equipment

Here's how prototype machinists use inspection equipment:

Use all inspection equipment, Grind my own tooling as needed.
Use all inspection equipment including Work on manual lathes, mills, drills presses and tapping

11. Grinders

Here's how prototype machinists use grinders:

Set up and operated production machinery including punch presses, lathes mills and surface grinders.
Operated all shop equipment: mills, lathes, surface grinders, shears and brakes.

12. G Code

Here's how prototype machinists use g code:

Completed the Advanced Manufacturing Program Mill G CodeProgramming Course at Suffolk Community College.
Set up all jobs and edited programs in G code using Gibbs software programs.

13. Jigs

Here's how prototype machinists use jigs:

Job Duties: Produce precision tooling, jigs and fixtures and production for aerospace and other manufactures.
Performed marching of various dies, jigs, fixtures and specialty high precision parts using C.N.C.

14. Machine Tools

Here's how prototype machinists use machine tools:

Maintained machine tools in proper operational condition.
Set up and operate machine tools, and fits and assembles parts to fabricate tools, mechanisms, and machines.

15. Shop Equipment

Shop Equipment refers to the collection of items and tools that a (usually brick-and-mortar) business keeps and utilises in providing their services, maintaining their surroundings, or when selling their wares. While this equipment might consist simply of just some fridges, a till, and some cleaning supplies like in everyday grocery shops, more specific and specialised businesses might also make frequent use of saws, lawnmowers, freezers, bikes and cars, and heavy machinery such as rollers and cranes.

Here's how prototype machinists use shop equipment:

Operated a wide variety of shop equipment.
Operated various machine shop equipment and tools for parts fabrication and machined items for retrofit of maintenance department3

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What skills help Prototype Machinists find jobs?

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What type of skills will young prototype machinists need?

Miles Free

Director, Industry Affairs, Precision Machined Products Association

Skills are essential, but most of our precision machining shops hire for attitude. We will help reliable candidates develop the skills that they need. If we look at employers having wants and needs: want - someone that knows their software. Needs - someone that knows how to adjust code; we'll teach them our software. Wants - excellent math skills. Requires the ability to do high school algebra, geometry, and trig.

Needs - people that can communicate an issue verbally and in writing.
That's where we see it. Critical thinking, ability to understand problems and their potential causes, ability to work well with others, without this, even a super-competent technically skilled person will probably find themselves changing jobs many times.

Do you want to know more?

List of prototype machinist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a prototype machinist resume and required skills for a prototype machinist to have include:

CNC
Machine Shop
Haas
Mastercam
Engineering Drawings
Production Runs
Calipers
Manual Lathes
Cad Cam
Inspection Equipment
Grinders
G Code
Jigs
Machine Tools
Shop Equipment

Aluminum
Vertical Milling Machines
Test Fixtures
Hand Tools
CAD/CAM
Surface Grinders
Wire EDM
Drill Presses
Stainless Steel
FANUC
Production Floor
Prototyping
CMM
GD
Aerospace Components

MIG
Tig Welding
Manual Machines
Knee
Laser
Brazing
Cnc Turning
Exotic Materials
TIG
RAN
Vertical Mill
Product Development
Conventional Machines
ISO

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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