Engineering Opportunity: Engineering Craft Machinist

Engineering Craft Machinist Current Vacancies

2006-12-23:

Engineering craft machinists create precision engineered parts and components, using machine tools to shape blank metal or plastic sections.

The machine tools used include grinding, milling and cutting machines, lathes, drills and presses.

Machinists make small quantities of parts for various uses, for example, components used in power station turbines or aero engines.

Working from engineering drawings and pattern templates, machinists: choose and fit the correct cutting tool for the cut - calculate cutting speeds, often aided by computer.

Machinists may have to re-position a section several times and carry out different cuts with a range of cutting tools before the part is completed.

Some machines are computer-numerically-controlled (CNC), which involves programming instructions into a panel to control the cutting process.

Engineering craft machinists usually work 39 hours, Monday to Friday.
Machinists work in factories and workshops, standing at a bench or machine.

The main job opportunities occur in mechanical engineering, motor and aerospace industries, and in shipbuilding.

With further training machinists can progress to engineering technician roles.
Experienced craft machinists earn between 15,000 and 20,000. (Permalink)