Machine Operator

Machine Operators manage, maintain, and understand how to set-up, operate, and trouble-shoot problems on a variety of machines used to manufacture clean energy products. They ensure the product is being manufactured at the rate of customer demand, which is typically a continuous operating cycle.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A Machine Operator is working on an assembly line that produces electric vehicles. The Operator sets-up and operates the equipment to assemble one section of one hundred vehicles per shift. The Machine Operator ensures that specifications, regulations, and policies are met to keep the vehicle safe, efficient, and meets quality requirements.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Position and secure workpieces or remove workpieces from machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
  • Observe milling or planning machine operation and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
  • Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
  • Move controls to set specifications, to position tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
  • Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

CNC Machine Operator, Mill Operator, Miller, Operator

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$43,590

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

GED / High School Diploma, On-the-job Training

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

None

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Physical Stamina & Strength, Technical Skills, Math Skills, Analytical Skills, Troubleshooting, Tool and Equipment Handling, Mechanical Skills

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Water and Wastewater Systems Operator, Power Plant Operators