What You'll Do

  • Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  • Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
  • Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
  • Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  • File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
  • Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
  • Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
  • Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
  • Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
  • Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.25/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.25/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Equipment Selection 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5
Time Management 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Active Learning 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Equipment Maintenance 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, Dependability, Persistence, Independence, Self-Control

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:

Visualization 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.75/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.62/5
Manual Dexterity 3.38/5
Finger Dexterity 3.38/5
Control Precision 3.38/5
Information Ordering 3.25/5
Category Flexibility 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

1CadCam Unigraphics Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Inventor Bentley MicroStation Cimatron CimatronE Master CNC Mastercam Dassault Systemes CATIA Dassault Systemes SolidWorks data M Software COPRA MetalBender DP Technology ESPRIT JobPack MES Scheduler Kubotek USA KeyCreator Logopress MAKER CAD/CAM Services DIEMAKER Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.59/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.37/5)
  • Persistence (High importance: 4.26/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 4.17/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.17/5)

Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

Similar Careers to Explore

Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

99.9% similar profile

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

99.8% similar profile

Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers

99.8% similar profile

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

99.8% similar profile

Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers

99.8% similar profile

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

99.8% similar profile

Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

99.8% similar profile

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

99.8% similar profile

Also Known As

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

Bench Tool Maker Broach Setter Cam Maker Carbide Operator Carbide Tool Maker Cutlery and Tools Saw Maker Die Assembler Die Baker Die Cutter Die Designer Die Finisher Die Machinist Die Maker Die Mechanic Die Repair Laborer Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech) Die Set Up Worker Die Setter Die Sinker Die Trouble Shooter Die Try Out Worker Die-Casting and Plastic Molding Mold Maker Diecast and Plastic Mold Maker Electronic Die Maker Fixture Maker Forcer Maker Gage Maker Hub Cutter Jig and Fixture Repairer Jig Bore Tool Maker Jig Maker Jigman Journeyman Tool and Die Maker Keller Machine Operator Metal Die Finisher Metal Gauge Maker Paper Goods Die Maker Plastic Fixture Builder Plastic Tool Maker Saw Maker Sawsmith Silver Jewelry Die Maker Stamping Bench Die Maker Stamping Die Maker Stamping Die Try-Out Worker Tap and Die Maker Technician Template Layout Worker Tool and Die Assembler Tool and Die Machinist Tool and Die Maker Tool and Die Technician Tool and Fixture Specialist Tool Liaison Tool Maker Tool Mechanic Tool Repairer Tool Salvage Worker Tool Trouble Shooter Tooling Technician (Tooling Tech) Toolsmith Trim Die Maker Wire Drawing Die Maker