Operators act as troubleshooters and monitor the CNC machines. Numerical Control Machine Operators is in the Manufacturing and Processing Career Cluster. Work Setting Numerical control machine operators work indoors. Operators stand most of the time. Machine shops are noisy, although numerically controlled machines are quieter than the machines they have replaced.
Operators risk injury from cutting tools, moving equipment, abrasive dust, and toxic chemicals.
They wear safety glasses, earplugs, and shop aprons or coveralls. Many machine operators belong to unions. In some shops, operators may work evening, night, or rotating shifts. They work as part of a team with little supervision. Wages vary according to training, experience and location.