Machinists are highly skilled technicians that operate machinery to fabricate many of the tools, components and products that keep industry working or that help us live more productive and enjoyable lives.
Machinists use specialized skills in operating many types of machines.
They apply a knowledge of computer programming and an understanding of the properties of the materials they machine. Machinists fabricate products by applying dimensions and tolerances using blueprints, written specifications or computer programming instructions. Pre-production machinists develop experimental, developmental or prototype hardware components for new product development or engineering research. Tool room machinists operate many types of equipment to produce tools for production or manufacturing. Maintenance machinists diagnose, produce and repair replacement parts for mechanical equipment.