what is a cnc machinist?
A CNC machinist operates CNC machinery in factories. When you are new to the profession, 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: 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 mechanical skills and digital know-how? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a CNC machinist role.
average salary of a cnc machinist
According to National Careers, the compensation package for CNC machinist ranges from £20,000 to £35,000 per year. When you are a trainee in the role, your earnings are lower since you have minimal experience. As you grow your skills and experience, your salary will reflect the transferrable skills you have. Some opportunities for increasing your salary prospects include working overtime or taking on more responsibility.
what factors affect the salary of a CNC machinist?
The salary of a CNC machinist depends on their post-secondary education and experience level. If you have post-secondary training in operating the CNC machine, your starting salary will be higher than those without any training. You can negotiate a higher salary when you have experience working in the manufacturing industry or operating the machines.
Opportunities for CNC machinists are available in various industries. If you work in aerospace manufacturing or defence, you will probably earn more than a CNC machinist in the metalwork industry. Your location can also influence your pay. Industrialised locations have more opportunities than small towns, and the demand for CNC machinists increases your salary prospects.
types of CNC machinists
Some types of CNC machinists include:
- CNC operator: 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 operator: your job is to prepare the program, set up tools, test the program and ascertain that the parts work as expected. In case of a breakdown, you have to fix the problem.
- CNC programmer: 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
Working as a CNC machinist means using machinery to create essential equipment, which can be highly fulfilling.
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CNC machinist job description
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 need to program the tooling instructions available in the datasheets. You also set up the tools and load raw materials into the machine.
- monitoring the machine: when the machining process begins, you need to monitor the progress to ensure the machine runs correctly. You can stop the process and make adjustments or corrections like repositioning the workpiece or changing the tools.
- removing workpieces from the machines: when the machining operations cease, you should 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 should report any workpiece defects to the supervisor. You also document issues encountered during the machining process and workpieces that fail to meet production standards.
- maintenance tasks: as a CNC machinist, you perform minor maintenance tasks like replacing work machine tools. You also lubricate the mechanical components.
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work environment
CNC machinists work indoors on the factory floor. They have access to restrooms, break rooms and other facilities. CNC machinists have a busy, fast-paced job, so there aren't a lot of quiet periods. While you may work by yourself, you will get chances to talk to your co-workers and build relationships. You spend most of your shift on your feet and have a lot of physical duties, but nothing that requires you to overexert yourself. You may be exposed to loud machinery during your shift. Therefore, you need protective gear like earmuffs. Since CNC machinist is a hands-on job, you cannot work remotely or from home.
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who are your colleagues?
As a CNC machinist, your colleagues may include engineering operatives, craft machinists and wood machinists. You may also work alongside maintenance fitters and maintenance technicians, as well as other specialists that could include factory managers, production managers and supervisors.
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work schedule
Factories aren't often open 24 hours a day, 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 will 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 every day. 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 it boosts your paycheck.
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job outlook
A CNC machinist is an irreplaceable part of the factory environment. You're one of the few people who know how to operate the machines, use the program and transform raw materials into tools and products. For this reason, CNC machinists have a positive job outlook. If you perform your job well, expect plenty of opportunities for overtime and advancement.
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advantages of finding a CNC machinist job through randstad
Finding your CNC machinist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a CNC machinist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications for a CNC machinist include:
- college course: to become a CNC machinist, you need to learn practical engineering skills through a post-secondary course. You can pursue a certificate course like a Level 1 Certificate in performing engineering operations or a Level 2 Certificate in mechanical engineering. For the Level 1 courses, you need 2 GCSEs in grades 3 to 1, while Level 2 courses require 2 GCSEs in grades 9 to 3.
- apprenticeship: you can explore apprenticeship programmes to become an engineering operative. Some of the advanced apprenticeships available are the furniture CNC technician advanced apprenticeship.
- experience: some experience makes it easier to find a job in this industry. You don't necessarily need experience as a CNC machinist, although it helps. Most employers look for previous factory experience and technical knowledge. However, you could find an entry-level position with no experience and gain additional skills as you work. You need relevant experience to get high-paying jobs like programmers and supervisors.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills of a CNC machinist include:
- software skills: you don't have to be a software expert, but you need to learn how to use specific computer programs when you get hired. As an entry-level employee, you'll have to 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: to work as a CNC machinist, you need to be able to stand for long periods and engage in physical activity. While observing the machine is part of your job, you also have to gather the materials, clean the products that the machine produces, package the parts and complete other physical tasks. Most of these tasks are easy, but you need 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'll need to 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
FAQs about working as a CNC machinist
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what does a cnc machinist do?
A CNC machinist operates computer numerical control (CNC) machines at their factory. CNC machinists work independently, but they're also part of a team. In some cases, CNC machinists interact with the customers who buy these products.
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is a cnc machinist a good career?
CNC machinists have a great job outlook. Since they have specialised knowledge, their company can't replace them with just anyone. If someone leaves their factory, you'll find a new CNC machinist job opening shortly.
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is being a CNC machinist hard?
Being a CNC machinist is often a challenge, 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 become a CNC machinist?
You can become a CNC machinist by completing a diploma or certificate course in a relevant field. Apprenticeship opportunities are also available.
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how do I apply for a CNC machinist vacancy?
Applying for a CNC machinist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
