Machinist Job Description [Updated 2025]

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

4 min read

A machinist will set up and operate a variety of mechanical tools that can cut or grind metal, plastic or other material. They make or modify products with precise dimensions. A machinist also inspects and maintains machines, making sure their tools are safe. Machinists are employed in manufacturing companies or machine shops.

Machinist job duties and responsibilities

A machinist should expect to perform many different duties, which can include:

Grind or cut plastic, metal or other materials.
Produce parts for mechanical equipment such as motor vehicles or aircraft.
Work in machine shops making small parts to help repair mechanical tools.
Read and understand design instructions, making precise measurements for needed parts.
Inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards.

Hire your next Machinist today.

Post a job

Hire your next Machinist today.

Post a job

Machinist Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Job description

Position: CNC Machinist

Duties:

· Read and interpret blueprints and drawings;

· Set-up and operate CNC milling machines;

· Select proper tools and fixtures required as well as the ability to perform tool wear offset;

· Properly and safely load and unload tools and raw materials in CNC machinery;

· Set proper speeds and feeds;

· Verify dimensions of parts using precision measuring instruments;

· Operate hoisting and lifting devices to load and unload the components;

· Understand, interpret and edit FANUC G-code programming;

· Recognize, deploy and properly use inserts, fixtures and tooling;

· Perform daily and regular cleaning and light maintenance tasks on CNC machinery;

· Utilize and abides by ISO requirements and safety procedures;

· Comply with all quality policies, specifications, regulations and instructions;

· All other duties assigned by the Supervisor

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $28.85-$33.00 per hour

Expected hours: 34.5 – 46 per week

Benefits:

Dental care
Extended health care
Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

French not required

Schedule:

12 hour shift
Day shift
Night shift

Experience:

CNC machinist: 1 year Location: In person

Example 2

Summary: Program, Sets up, and operate CNC and Numerical Control (NC) machines and machining centers to machine metallic and nonmetallic parts by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Studies blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals, specifications, or sample parts to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished workpiece, Prepare CNC program on the Mastercam, sequence of operations, and setup requirements.
Prepare Set up Sheets, Ok to Run, First OFF approval as per Control Plans, ISO/ IATF procedueres.
Design and machine holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on machines as necessary to machine parts as required.
Calculates and sets controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media according to established guidelines and procedures.
Assist Production Suprvisor and Train machine operators to run and control the part dimensions.
Starts and observes machine operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjusts machine controls or control media as required.
Verifies conformance of finished work-piece to specifications, using measuring and inspection tools as necessary.
Sets up and operates machine on trial run to verify accuracy of machine settings or programmed control data.

Maintain a clean and organized work area and maintain all equipment, to a like-new appearance, according to maintenance plans and established procedures

Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
Continue to grow lean knowledge and use the tools to identify and assist with continuous improvement.
Ensure that safe work practices are followed and adhered to.
Performs routine maintenance tasks on machines as required.
Confers with engineers, production personnel, programmers, or others to resolve machining or assembly problems.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $26.00-$30.00 per hour

Flexible Language Requirement:

French not required

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

Overtime pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

Brampton, ON L6W3K7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

CNC Programmer: 5 years (required)
machinist: 10 years (required)

Work Location: In start date: 2023-09-18

Example 3

What to Expect

Parviz is seeking a highly motivated and skilled CNC Programmer / Prototype Machinist. This role will require the individual to work closely with teams within manufacturing to support tooling and production needs throughout all of Parviz production lines. We are looking for candidates who are shift flexible and available to work overtime, based on business needs.

What You’ll Do

Ability to machine tight tolerance components and assemblies using manual and/or CNC machine tools to make or modify parts, weldments and assemblies. Applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, layout, and good machining procedures
Operate typical machine shop equipment’s including but not limited to mills, lathes, drill presses, surface grinders, grinders, sanders and saws
Ability to use 3D and 2D CAD/CAM software such as Cabinet Vision, Moziak, CATIA, Solidworks, Mastercam and Autocad to view and/or extract components from solid model assemblies to generate toolpaths and detailed drawings
Work with minimal supervision and limited detailed drawings or blueprints
Must be able to interpret verbal or written instructions and work independently to complete jobs from set up to final inspection
Work closely with managers, engineers, and technicians to produce a wide variety of components, weldments, and assemblies
General shop responsibilities (i.e. help ensure a safe working environment, equipment maintenance and repair, housekeeping duties, organization of shop materials and supplies)

What You’ll Bring

2 years minimum experience as a Tool & Die Maker or Prototype Machinist
2 years minimum experience as a Manual Machinist or 2 years minimum experience as a CNC Machinist/Programmer
2 years minimum experience using Cabinet Vision or Moziak
Experience working with a wide range of materials from wood, hardened tool steels to plastics (i.e. tool steels, pre-hardened steels, stainless steels, low carbon steels, aluminum, plastics, copper, and brass)
Welding/Fabrication & sheet metal knowledge and experience is a plus
Able to work well under pressure while managing competing demands and tight deadlines
Work efficiently and productively in independent and team settings
Communicate clearly using excellent written and verbal skills
Strong organization skills with meticulous attention to detail
Flexible to work first, second, or third shift as well as weekends

Employee Benefits

As a full time Parviz employee, you will receive full benefits from day 1 for you and your dependents.
Vision & dental plans (including orthodontic coverage)
Company assisted Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays

Compensation and Benefits

Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance
Vacation time and Paid Holidays

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $64,025.00-$69,147.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events
Dental care
Disability insurance
Extended health care
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

French not required

Schedule:

10 hour shift
12 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Night shift
Overtime
Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

Overtime pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1A5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:

Master's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

CNC programming: 2 years (preferred)
Door Production: 2 years (preferred)
Furniture Production: 2 years (preferred)
CNC Nesting: 2 years (preferred)
Millwork Production: 2 years (preferred)
Kitchen Cabinet Production: 2 years (preferred)
Moziak / Cabinet Vision Software: 2 years Location: In person

Example 4

Join Our Growing Team at Academy Petroleum Industries!

Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Academy Petroleum Industries is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our dynamic team of CNC Lathe Machinists. As a continuously growing company, we offer unparalleled opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Day Shift: 7:00AM - 3:30PM

Why Choose Academy Petroleum?

Career Growth Opportunities: At Academy Petroleum, we believe in investing in our employees' success. Take advantage of our training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear paths for career advancement. Whether you're a seasoned Journeyman or a skilled Apprentice, there's room for you to grow and thrive within our organization.

Vibrant Company Culture: Join a team that feels more like family. Our workplace is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. From company-wide events to daily interactions with supportive colleagues, you'll find a welcoming environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.

Attractive Benefits Package: We believe in taking care of our team members. In addition to competitive wages, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including dental care, extended health care, life insurance, vision care, and more. Plus, enjoy on-site parking and flexible scheduling options to fit your lifestyle.

Opportunities for Overtime: Academy Petroleum Industries operates in a fast-paced environment, and there may be times when overtime work is required to meet project deadlines. Candidates must be willing to work additional hours as needed, including evenings and weekends, to ensure timely completion of tasks. Having your own means of transportation is required to effectively work the requested overtime.

Position Details:

Key Responsibilities:

Set up and create or verify programs efficiently on CNC lathes with Weiler, Fagor, or Fanuc controls.
Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts, and tables.
Efficiently set up a variety of different parts on a lathe chuck to reduce setup time.
Work independently in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
Use quality inspection and measuring tools to ensure accuracy and precision.
Troubleshoot problems and issues as they arise.
Adhere to workplace safety regulations and protocols at all times.

Daily Tasks:

Operate CNC lathes to produce high-quality parts according to specifications.
Set up machines and load materials into CNC machines.
Monitor machine operations to ensure proper functioning.
Inspect finished products for quality and accuracy.
Make adjustments to machine settings as needed.
Perform routine maintenance on machines to keep them in optimal condition.
Collaborate with team members to optimize production processes and solve problems efficiently.

Additional Requirements:

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with team members, supervisors, and other departments.
Strong problem-solving skills, demonstrating resourcefulness and critical thinking.
Keen attention to detail, ensuring high levels of precision and accuracy in machining operations.
Adaptability to changing priorities, tasks, and work environments in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Team player mentality, fostering a culture of support and cooperation.
Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot equipment as needed.
Effective time management skills to meet production schedules and deadlines.
Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on advancements in machining technology and techniques.
2-3 year apprentices may be considered if they demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for the position.
Opportunities to finish apprenticeship with Academy Petroleum Industries are available for eligible candidates.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us at Academy Petroleum Industries and be part of something extraordinary. Email us your resume today.

Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: $30.00-$35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Dental care
Extended health care
Flexible schedule
Life insurance
On-site parking
Paid time off
Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

French not required

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

Overtime pay

Work Location: In start date: 2024-06-17

Our mission

Read our editorial guidelines

What does a Machinist do?

A machinist reads and interprets engineering drawings to determine what needs to be performed for the job and get precise measurements of parts to be made. Once they have read the designs, they then grind or cut metal or plastic to produce what is needed for the job. Machinists work with engineers and manufacturing workers to determine exactly what is needed for the job or the product. They are also in charge of maintaining their equipment so that it is safe to use.

Machinist skills and qualifications

A machinist should have the following skills and qualifications:

Close attention to detail.
Technical knowledge of tools needed to grind or cut materials, including metal or plastic.
Technical knowledge of how to read and interpret designs or blueprints of products or parts for products.
Ability to provide solutions when the mechanism is not working correctly.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Ability to understand numbers, measurements and design instructions.

Machinist experience requirements

A successful candidate for a machinist position should have experience working with designs or blueprints and successfully interpreting what is needed. They should also have experience working and repairing tools for grinding or cutting metal, plastic or other material. A machinist will also have experience making precise measurements to make a product or pieces of a product. Having experience communicating with others about designs and what is needed for the job is also an asset. A machinist should come to the job with experience inspecting machinery and tools used for the job.

Machinist education and training requirements

A machinist work with heavy equipment and tools that will cut or grind different materials including plastic and metal. They need to have the proper training and experience in order to stay safe on the job and to make sure that the pieces they make will work properly. They will need to have a secondary school education as well as a four-year apprenticeship. If they do not have a four-year apprenticeship, they can also have a combination of over four years of experience and a college diploma in machining.

Machinist salary expectation

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a machinist is $27.14 per hour. Salaries for machinists depend on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a machinist is not quite what you are looking for, check out these similar positions that can be found here.

Machinist Job Description FAQs

What qualities make a good Machinist?

A good machinist is someone who has superior knowledge of how to use machinery needed to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials. They should be able to produce small parts for products that have been cut precisely with strict attention to detail. Machinists should also be able to interpret blueprints or designs to make sure that what they produce is correct.

What are the day-to-day duties of a machinist?

A machinist’s main job is to cut or grind different materials, including metal and plastic. They will use designs or blueprints to figure out the exact dimensions of the piece they are to make so that everything is done correctly and the final product works safely. Some machinists will inspect different tools and machines to make sure that they are safe to use.

What should you look for in a machinist resume?

When looking at a machinist’s resume, you want to check how much experience they have and if they have done an apprenticeship. This will tell you right away if they are qualified for the job. You should also look to see if they have references you can contact and cross-check the quality of their work before hiring them.

What makes a good machinist job description?

A good machinist job description will tell candidates what type of products are being manufactured and what type of material is being used. This is a good way to make sure that applicants have the appropriate experience for the type of job you are advertising. You can also give some information on the company and what their expectations are for their workers. By providing this information, you can eliminate workers who will not fit in with the corporate culture of your organization.

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

Hire your next Machinist today

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found

Machinist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Machinist job duties and responsibilities

Machinist Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Find your next great Machinist on Indeed

What does a Machinist do?

Machinist skills and qualifications

Machinist experience requirements

Machinist education and training requirements

Machinist salary expectation

Job description samples for similar positions

Machinist Job Description FAQs

What qualities make a good Machinist?

What are the day-to-day duties of a machinist?

What should you look for in a machinist resume?

What makes a good machinist job description?

Hire your next Machinist today

Job Description Examples

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Machinist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Machinist job duties and responsibilities

Machinist Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Find your next great Machinist on Indeed

What does a Machinist do?

Machinist skills and qualifications

Machinist experience requirements

Machinist education and training requirements

Machinist salary expectation

Job description samples for similar positions

Machinist Job Description FAQs

What qualities make a good Machinist?

What are the day-to-day duties of a machinist?

What should you look for in a machinist resume?

What makes a good machinist job description?

Hire your next Machinist today

Job Description Examples

Related Articles