Engineering Technology Pathways Career Opportunity: Machinist Helper
My Story
Facer possim assum typi non, habent claritatem insitam. Quis nostrud exerci tation; ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex. Consequat duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate. Nulla facilisi nam liber tempor cum soluta nobis eleifend option congue nihil.
-Taylor Fields
CAD/CAM
Description
Entry-level machinist helpers perform a number of manufacturing jobs. They may pull material, load parts on machines, run vertical or horizontal saws, gather tooling and run forklifts. They may also perform several finishing operations on parts, including deburring, preparing for painting or machining, inspecting machined parts or routing. Machinist helpers may operate both manual and CNC machines that have been set up and work with machinists in other duties as assigned.
Working environment
Machinist helpers usually work in an enclosed manufacturing facility where numerous other machine tools are set up for manufacturing parts and assemblies. Most manufacturing facilities today are relatively clean, well lit and ventilated. Many computer-controlled machines are partially or totally enclosed, minimizing exposure to noise, debris and lubricants. However, working around machine tools presents certain dangers, and workers must follow safety precautions such as using safety glasses and earplugs. Because they must work where the machine tools are located, machinist helpers cannot work from home. Full-time machinist helpers work an average of 40 hours a week. Depending on the business, machinist helpers may work a day, swing or graveyard shift. Most manufacturing facilities prefer to hire full-time workers, and they frequently offer overtime. Travel is usually not required in this position.
Job duties
Machinist helpers start out as trainees for any number of skills needed depending on the company and manufacturing environment.
Assist machine operators by pulling work orders
Prepare materials
Assist with setup and other machine operations
Enter information into a computer system on a daily basis
Clean and deburr materials as part of the final inspection process
Operate drill press, saws, broaching and honing machines, hydraulic presses, sandblasters and key seaters
Perform light assembly, inventory and light machine maintenance
Wage range
Average starting hourly wage: $8.40
Median hourly wage: $11.11
Average annual income: $25,634
Employment outlook
Current employment: About statewide average
Employment growth: About statewide average
Job opening projection: Somewhat lower than statewide average
Links
Oregon Labor Market Information System: Includes data on current employment trends and future Career Opportunities, along with tools for finding a variety of occupational information.
Association of Manufacturing Technology: Promotes technological advancements and improvements in the design, manufacture and sale of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
American National Standards Institute: Coordinates the development and use of thousands of voluntary industrial standards, including ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental).
Modern Machine Shop: Online publication emphasizing various machining and manufacturing subjects, along with advertising for machine and tool companies.
National Tooling and Machining Association: Provides advocacy, advice, networking, information, programs, and services to the U.S. precision custom manufacturing industry.
eFunda: Provides an online engineering reference with concise, reliable information on materials, design, processes, units, formulas and math.
Wikipedia: Includes a history of CNC machines, explains the basic types and movements of CNC machines, and provides links to related information.
