What You'll Do

  • Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
  • Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
  • Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
  • Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
  • Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
  • Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
  • Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies.
  • Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
  • Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
  • Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.25/5
Reading Comprehension 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.12/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Operation and Control 3.12/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Speaking 2.88/5
Critical Thinking 2.88/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.88/5
Troubleshooting 2.88/5
Quality Control Analysis 2.88/5
Writing 2.75/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cooperation, Integrity, Self-Control

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 3.5/5
Oral Comprehension 3.38/5
Written Comprehension 3.25/5
Oral Expression 3.25/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.25/5
Information Ordering 3.25/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.25/5
Control Precision 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Email software Inventory tracking software Machine control software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.44/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.31/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.06/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 3.9/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 3.87/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Air Table Operator Anvil Seating Press Operator Automatic Casting-Forging Machine Operator Blacksmith Board Hammer Operator Bolt Machine Operator Buckshot Swage Operator Bulldozer Operator Bulldozer Press Operator Cage Maker Charging Manipulator Cold Header Operator Die Forger Die Holder Die Machine Operator Die Setter Drop Count Associate Drop Forge Hand Drop Forge Operator Drop Forger Drop Hammer Set Up Operator Drophammer Operator Dropper Expander Expander Machine Operator Fastener Technologist Forge Hand Forge Operator Forge Press Operator Forge Tender Forger Forgesmith Forging Die Setter Forging Machine Hand Forging Machine Operator Forging Operator Forging Press Operator Forging Roll Operator Gang Punch Operator Hammer Driver Hammer Operator Hammer Runner Hammersmith Header Machine Operator Header Operator Header Set-Up Operator Header Setup Operator Heat Reader Heat Set Operator Heavy Forger Heavy Forging Machine Operator Hydraulic Operator Injection Molding Operator Insert Molding Operator Keel Press Operator Knuckler Lever Operator Lever Tender Machine Operator Manipulator Operator Manufacturing Operator Multi Operation Machine Operator Nut Former Planishing Hammer Operator Plastic Molding Operator Plastic Process Technician Plastic Shaper Power Hammer Operator Process Technician Restrike Hammer Operator Rivet Maker Roller Machine Operator Set Up Mold Technician Set Up Technician Spike Machine Operator Spike Maker Spring Fitter Spring Forger Spring Salvage Worker Steam Hammer Operator Steel Shot Header Operator Swager Operator Swaging Machine Operator Upset Operator Upsetter Upsetting Machine Operator