Job description Machine Operator - Metal Machining in the Northwest Region

Find out what work is like for a machine operator - metal machining in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Machining tool operators (NOC 94106).

Machining tool operators

Description

Machining tool operators set up and operate or tend metal-cutting machines designed for repetitive machining work. They are employed by metal products and other manufacturing companies and in machine shops. This unit group also includes workers who etch or chemically mill metal pieces.

Work week duration

Machining tool operators usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Machining tool operators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Study job orders and interpret blueprints to determine machining operations to be performed
  • Set up and operate machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, planing, honing, broaching, grinding or other machining operations
  • Verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, callipers and other precision measuring instruments
  • Prepare etching solution and immerse metal parts or workpiece in etching solution to remove unwanted portions
  • Perform routine maintenance on equipment and machinery
  • May enter codes specifying speed, feed and cut of the toolpath for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Standing
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Handling material manually
  • Bending or twisting the body

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Machining tool operators are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Machine shops
  • Metal products and other manufacturing companies

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Standard safety equipment
  • Indoors, environmentally controlled
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Sound and noise
  • Hazardous conditions
  • Skin injury

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 94106), and a list of similar occupations:

  • aircraft parts etcher
  • boring mill operator - metal machining
  • computer numerical control (CNC) machining tool operator
  • lathe machining operator
  • machining tool operator
  • milling machine set-up operator
  • radial drill operator - metal machining

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Machining tool operators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
Date modified: