Description
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Interests
- Conventional
- Realistic
- Investigative
Work Values
- Support
- Independence
- Relationships
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Independence
- Analytical Thinking
- Dependability
- Integrity
Tasks
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Video conferencing software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Object or component oriented development software
Abilities
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Perceptual Speed
- Problem Sensitivity
- Mathematical Reasoning
Skills
- Programming
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Slide Forming Level II - Slide Forming Operations IICertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Slide Forming Level III - Slide Forming Set Up & Operations IIICertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Welding EngineerCertifying Organization
American Welding Society
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $52,524 |
| Median (50%) | $62,905 |
| High (90%) | $76,928 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $55,366 |
| Mid Level | $63,631 |
| Senior Level | $68,541 |
| Expert Level | $80,417 |
Employability
There are currently 28,300 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 32,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 15%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 15%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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