What You'll Do

  • Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
  • Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
  • Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  • Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
  • Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
  • Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
  • Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
  • Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
  • Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.38/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Operation and Control 3.12/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5

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, Persistence, Dependability, Integrity, Stress Tolerance

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.88/5
Control Precision 3.88/5
Near Vision 3.88/5
Manual Dexterity 3.75/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.62/5
Visualization 3.38/5
Information Ordering 3.25/5
Oral Comprehension 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD Email software Enterprise resource planning ERP software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word SAP software Spreadsheet software Word processing software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.63/5)
  • Persistence (High importance: 4.39/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.35/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.33/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.33/5)

Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

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.

Similar Careers to Explore

Maintenance Workers, Machinery

100.0% similar profile

Machine Feeders and Offbearers

100.0% similar profile

Logging Equipment Operators

99.9% similar profile

Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters

99.9% similar profile

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

99.9% similar profile

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

99.9% similar profile

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

99.9% similar profile

Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders

99.9% similar profile

Also Known As

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

Automatic Wheel-Line Operator Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith Cell Technician Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator Clock Machine Setter CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter) Combination Machine Tool Operator Combination Machine Tool Setter Electrode Turner and Finisher Fabrication Set-Up Person Four Slide Machine Setter Four-Slide Machine Setter Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator Gear Hobber Set-Up Operator Gear Hobber Setup Operator Gear Milling Machine Set-Up Operator Gear Shaper Set-Up Operator Gear Shaver Set-Up Operator Gunsmith Injection Molding Technician Lay Up Technician Loading Machine Tool Setter Machine Operator Machine Set-Up Operator Machine Set-Up Technician Machine Setter Machine Shop Machine Setter Machine Technician Machine Tool Operator Machine Try-Out Setter Machine Tryout Setter Manufacturing Associate Manufacturing Operator Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Operator Metal and Plastic Combination Machine Tool Setter Metal and Plastic Transfer Machine Operator Mold Set Up Technician Mold Setter Multi-Operation Forming Machine Operator Multi-Operation Forming Machine Setter Production Gear Cutting Machine Operator Production Machine Tender Production Operator Rim Roller Operator Rim Technician Set Up Technician (Set Up Tech) Shear Operator Spiral Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator Spring Maker Spring Manufacturing Set-Up Technician Spring Manufacturing Setup Technician Straight Bevel Gear Generator Set-Up Operator Test and Turn-Up Technician Tool Gear Cutting Machine Set-Up Operator Tool Machine Setup Operator Tool Operator Tooling Set-Up Person Transfer Machine Operator Trim Machine Operator Utility Operator Weigh Up Technician