what is a CNC machinist?
A computer numerical control (CNC) machinist operates CNC machinery in factories. When you are new, you start as a CNC machine operator. The role involves loading raw materials, observing the CNC machine, making adjustments to specifications and ensuring that the machine creates the tools correctly.
Over time, you advance to higher positions with more responsibilities. However, you still have the same basic duties, including loading raw materials, keeping the machine running and ensuring that measurements are exact to the millimetre. The tiniest mistake could result in wasted materials and tools, costing your company money and forcing you to start again.
Working as a CNC machinist requires physical stamina and digital know-how. CNC machinists don't have backbreaking jobs, but you stand on your feet for long periods. Your employer won't expect you to know how to configure the machine when you start, but you should be familiar with technology and software. Fortunately, employers provide the training you need to keep the machinery running smoothly. You'll create tools, work with your hands and learn new skills. Furthermore, CNC machinists are always in demand.
Would working as a CNC machinist suit your digital know-how and detailed-oriented skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a CNC machinist role.
CNC machinist jobsaverage CNC machinist salary
According to Job Bank, CNC machinists in Canada take home a salary of $52,361 per year or $26.85 per hour. After your apprenticeship, your starting salary is $44,850 yearly. The most experienced workers earn over $64,314 annually.
how to earn a higher salary as a CNC machinist
As a CNC machinist, you are usually paid hourly, and the earnings increase when you work overtime or take up more responsibilities. The salaries also depend on your post-secondary qualifications and experience level. You can negotiate a higher salary with additional years of training and experience.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. Your duties are more complex when you work in the aerospace or motor vehicle manufacturing industries. The additional duties come with a higher salary.
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Some types of CNC machinists include:
- CNC operators: as a CNC operator, you load stock material into the machine and run the parts. The job is usually suitable for beginners since it doesn't involve adjusting the machine specifications and complex tasks.
- CNC set-up operators: you prepare and test the program, set up tools and ascertain that the parts work as expected. In case of malfunction, you fix the problem.
- CNC programmers: your job is to read and interpret blueprints to determine how to make specific parts. You also write programs to generate the parts you need and pick out the tools required for the process.
working as a CNC machinist
As a CNC machinist, your job involves programming machines and ensuring a safe working environment. Here are the duties, responsibilities and work environments of CNC machinists.
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what does a CNC machinist do?
Here is a rundown of the tasks of a CNC machinist:
- setting up tools for the machining process: before the CNC machine performs its functions, you program the tooling instructions in the datasheets. You also set up the tools and load raw materials into the machine.
- reading engineered drawings: as a CNC machinist, you read engineered drawings to determine the project's specifications. You also check the blueprints and study the sample parts when specifications are unavailable.
- monitoring the machine: when the machining process begins, you monitor the progress to ensure the machine runs correctly. You can stop the process and make adjustments or corrections, such as repositioning the workpiece or changing the tools.
- removing workpieces from the machines: when the machining operations cease, you remove the workpiece and perform any finishing operations necessary, like removing the swarf. You also ensure the finished piece meets specifications by performing quality control tests.
- reporting defects: as a CNC machinist, you report any workpiece defects to the supervisor. You also document issues encountered during the machining process and report workpieces that fail to meet production standards.
- performing maintenance: as a CNC machinist, you perform minor maintenance tasks, including the replacement of work machine tools. You also lubricate the mechanical components. Regular maintenance helps ensure the equipment functions properly, preventing damage. After every maintenance schedule, you deliver reports to your supervisors. You also regularly clean the machinery and heavy equipment.
- reviewing security policies: as a CNC machinist, you review the security policies for the company and the production floor. You ensure that production standards and safety protocols are followed to avoid errors and injuries. Sometimes, you check the worksite for existing safety hazards.
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work environment of a CNC machinist
CNC machinists work indoors on the factory floor and have access to restrooms, break rooms and other facilities. You have busy, fast-paced jobs, so there aren't a lot of quiet periods. While you may work by yourself, you get chances to talk to your co-workers and build relationships. You spend your shifts standing and have a lot of physical duties, but there's nothing that requires you to overexert yourself. You may be exposed to loud machinery during your shift. Therefore, you need protective gear, such as safety goggles and earmuffs.
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who are your colleagues?
As a CNC machinist, you work in manufacturing or metal and fabrication companies. You work alongside mechanical engineers, welders and maintenance technicians. In manufacturing, you work with maintenance fitters, maintenance engineers, production supervisors and factory managers. You might also work with drivers, construction project managers and material handlers.
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CNC machinist work schedule
Factories aren't often open 24 hours daily, so you can secure a regular 9-to-5 shift. However, some factories have longer hours, particularly if they're part of a major supply chain with many products. Some supervisors ask you to work afternoons or evenings at busy times. However, most factories give their employees a standard shift, so expect to work mornings, afternoons or evenings. Others give their employees rotational shifts and expect them to work on nights, holidays and weekends.
If you're a full-time employee, you get shifts at least eight hours long with one lunch break. Part-time employees get shifts of varying lengths. When your employer needs extra help, they'll ask you to work overtime to help them stay on track. This requires you to put in extra hours but boosts your paycheck.
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career opportunities as a CNC machinist
A CNC machinist is an irreplaceable part of the factory environment. You're one of the key employees who know how to operate the machines, use the program and transform raw materials into tools or products. For this reason, CNC machinists have a positive job outlook. If you perform your job well, expect plenty of opportunities for overtime and career advancement.
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advantages of finding a job as a CNC machinist through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
CNC machinist skills and education
The educational requirements of being a CNC machinist include:
- apprenticeship program: to become a CNC machinist, complete your secondary school and join an apprenticeship program. It takes four years, or you can complete the same amount of work experience and industry courses in machining for trade certification.
- experience: in some regions, you require a trade certification to work as a CNC machinist. You can gain experience through the apprenticeship program and entry-level roles. When you complete the required training, you get a trade certification from British Columbia with the Industry Training Authority British Columbia. In Manitoba, the profession is also regulated by Apprenticeship Manitoba.
competencies and characteristics of CNC machinists
Some of the skills of a CNC machinist include:
- software skills: you don't need software expertise, but you should learn how to use specific computer programs when you get hired. As an entry-level employee, you perform basic functions and make mathematical calculations. Your employer will expect you to learn more about the program as you take on higher positions.
- physical strength: as a CNC machinist, you stand for long periods and engage in physical activity. While observing the machine is part of your job, you also gather the materials, clean the products that the machine produces, package the parts and complete other physical tasks. Most of these duties are easy, but it is important to be physically fit.
- detail-oriented skills: CNC machinists need an eye for detail and a perfectionist streak. Every setting on the machine has to be exact. Similarly, you clean and package the products precisely to your factory's specifications.
- multi-tasking skills: as a CNC machinist, you juggle multiple duties, from loading stock materials to monitoring the manufacturing process and testing end products. You need multi-tasking skills to succeed in the role.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a CNC machinist.
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is CNC machinist a good career?
Working as a CNC machinist is a promising career with great job prospects. You have multiple areas of specialization and industries to build your career. Your earnings are also relatively good, and you can scale your salary significantly with experience.
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what are the main duties of a CNC machinist?
As a CNC machinist, you operate various machines that are controlled by a computer for precision cutting. These include mills, grinders and lathes. You program the software that controls the machines to make sure finished items are precise. To ensure the metal parts have accurate measurements, you write programs and make adjustments as needed.
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how much do CNC machinists make in Canada?
As a CNC machinist, you earn an average salary of $52,361 per year. As an entry-level machinist, you start with a salary of $44,850 annually. With experience and additional skills, you are likely to earn over $64,314 yearly. Some regions also pay more due to the increased demand for CNC machinists.
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how long does being a CNC machinist take?
To become a CNC machinist, join an apprenticeship program, which takes four years of on-the-job training and work experience. The company you work for should have an eligible CNC machinist journeyperson to sign off your apprenticeship and supervise your work. When you complete the training and the work hours, you'll earn a skilled trade certification.
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is being a CNC machinist hard?
Being a CNC machinist is often challenging, but you will learn the trade if you work hard. CNC machinist jobs are less about hard labour and more about being efficient and detail-oriented. When you fall into a routine, you'll find that being a CNC machinist is challenging but rewarding.
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how do I find a job as a machine operator?
Finding a job near you as a CNC machinist is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the 'Apply' button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume, and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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