Numerical Control Machine Operators

Career summary

#No alternate titles. Alt titles in related WOIS occ do not transfer over to this one. CJ

Numerical control machine operators run computer-controlled machines. These machines cut, shape, drill, or otherwise modify metal or plastic parts. The computer program tells the machine which tools to use and how to use them.

Operators set up, tend, and maintain the machines. They set up the machine by loading the machine controller (computer) with instructions or programs. The programs determine the speed and feed ratios as well as the size and position of cuts.

Once the programs are entered, operators read blueprints to select, measure, install, and secure the tools and attachments the machines will use. They use hand tools and precision instruments to attach the items. Finally, they attach the work pieces and start the machines.

While the machines are operating, operators may enter commands or adjust machine controls to correct errors. They may stop machines to change the tools or the setup. When the process is completed, they stop machines to remove the finished products. Operators measure the finished products to ensure they meet requirements.

Numerical control machine operators also maintain the machines. They replace machine tools when they become worn or broken. They contact supervisors or programmers when problems occur.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Airplane Assemblers
• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Machinists
• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Numerical Control Tool Programmers
• Painting and Coating Machine Operators
• Precision Assemblers
• Production Helpers
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Textile Machine Operators
• Tool Grinders
• Woodworking Machine Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to numerical control machine operators.

• Monitor machines and control panel displays to ensure machines are operating correctly.
• Determine how to set up machines. Use blueprints, instructions, and work experience.
• Load machine controllers (computers) with instructions or programs.
• Select, measure, install, and secure tools on machine. Use hand tools and precision instruments.
• Calculate machine speeds and feed ratios. Determine the size and position of cuts.
• Enter commands or adjust machine controls to correct errors.
• Stop machines to remove finished products or to change tools or setup.
• Measure finished products to ensure they meet requirements.
• Maintain machines and replace machine tools when they become worn or broken.
• Confer with supervisors or programmers if problems occur.
• Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
• Transfer computer commands from a storage computer to the CNC machine.

Common work activities

Numerical control machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Use computers
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Process information
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Evaluate information against standards
• Think creatively
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Teach others
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Analyze data or information
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, numerical control machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They spend time working with machines but also talk to coworkers.
• Communicate with others mostly through face-to-face discussions.
• Are responsible for the work done by other operators.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors. Some work places may not have air conditioning.
• Often are exposed to noise levels that are uncomfortable. However, they often wear ear plugs to protect their hearing.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are regularly exposed to hazardous situations and equipment, such as high-speed machines.
• Daily wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, face masks, or breathing equipment.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in performing their job and be sure everything is done. Errors could cause a production delay and could cost the company money.
• Work according to the pace that is set by the speed of the machinery.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
• Usually seek input from supervisors and programmers before making decisions and setting daily tasks and goals.
• Work in a somewhat stressful environment where daily deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Work 40 hours per week. Schedules are usually established.
• May work nights and weekends.
• May work on a rotating schedule.

Physical demands

Numerical control machine operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for numerical control machine operators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for numerical control machine operators to be able to:

• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Numerical control machine operators need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Use math and science

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Repair machines or systems.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology
• Machine Shop Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Manufacturing Technology
• Tool and Die Technology

Training

To work as a numerical control machine operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school. 

On-the-job training

Many numerical control machine operators learn their skills on the job. At some jobs an experienced worker leads the training. At others, the employer provides a formal training program. Training lasts from several months up to a year.

Work experience

Experience working as a machinist is very helpful for this occupation. Employers often select experienced machinists for training to become numerical control machine operators.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Address ok lh 3/6/08 lh. Info ok 3/16/09, 3/8/11, 4/10/13, 3/10/15, 12/6/16 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Programming
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Machining
• Metalworking

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire workers who have good basic skills. These skills include reading, writing, and speaking English. Most employers require employees to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Employers also look for applicants who have strong analytical and communication skills. Mechanical aptitude and experience with machines are also helpful.

Some positions are filled through promotion of employees with related work experience. Skilled workers that have gone through one to two years of vocational training plus a four-year apprenticeship are preferred by some employers. Many shops require workers to undergo a physical exam and drug screening, and have a good attendance record.

Costs to workers

Most workers pay for tools and special clothing. Workers may also be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer, industry, and area of the country. The operator's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. About one-third of numerical control machine operators belong to unions. These operators generally receive higher wages than non-union workers.

Numerical control machine operators who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Machine shops
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Metalworking machinery manufacturers
• Plastic products manufacturers
• Aerospace products and parts manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Companies are switching to computer-controlled machines because they improve quality and lower costs. These machines require computer programmers instead of machine operators. In addition, some of the manufacturing industry has begun to outsource their work to other countries.

Job prospects are best for those with industry certifications and extensive experience. Most job openings will be from people leaving this occupation.

Other resources

Association for Manufacturing Technology 
7901 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102
800.524.0475
703.893.2900

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301.967.4500

Precision Metalforming Association 
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic (51-4011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Automated Cutting Machine Operator (699.362-010) 
• Drill-press Operator, Numerical Control (606.362-010) 
• Jig-boring Machine Operator, Numerical Control (606.382-014) 
• Laser-beam-trim Operator (726.682-010) 
• Lathe Operator, Numerical Control (604.362-010) 
• Milling-machine Set-up Operator, Numerical Control (605.380-010) 
• Numerical Control Machine Operator (609.362-010) 
• Numerical Control Machine Set-up Operator (609.360-010) 
• Numerical-control Drill Operator, Printed Circuit Boards (606.382-018) 
• Numerical-control Router Operator (605.382-046) 
• Robotic Machine Operator (606.382-026) 
• Router Set-up Operator, Numerical Control (605.360-010) 
• Shot-peening Operator (617.280-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled