Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors

Nature of work

Machinists make unique instruments and components with precise dimensions using a variety of metal cutting and shaping machinery. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling to maintain quality control standards. They work for machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft, and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops.

Job duties

Machinists:

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables or study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed and plan best sequence of operations.
• Compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces.
• Set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools to perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations like sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations.
• Fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools.
• Verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments.
• May set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.

Machining and tooling inspectors:

• Verify dimensions of machined parts or tooling using micrometers, verniers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparators, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other specialized measuring instruments.
• Maintain, repair, and calibrate precision measuring instruments like dial indicators, fixed gauges, height gauges and other measuring devices.
• Report deviations from specifications and tolerances to supervisor.
• Complete and maintain inspection reports.

Sample job titles

• computer numerical control (CNC) machinist
• machine shop inspector
• machining and tooling inspector
• machinist
• machinist apprentice
• maintenance machinist
• tool and die inspector
• tooling inspector

Skills

• Good hand-eye coordination and agility
• Comfort working with tools
• Mechanical aptitude
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations
• Ability to use computer equipment
• Ability to use hands skillfully and quickly
• Ability to estimate and measure sizes and distances accurately
• Ability to work alone at tasks that require concentration and physical effort
• Enjoy creative work with machinery that requires a high degree of skill and precision.

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Training through a 7,200-hour apprenticeship program with four apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 10,800 hours and other criteria.
• Certification for machinists is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for machinists.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
• Several years of experience as a machinist, tool and die maker, or machining tool operator may be required for machining and tooling inspectors.

Other considerations

• Setting: shops often have high noise level and can be dusty. The use of petroleum products and chemicals is common, so some cleaning of oily equipment is required.
• Risks: risk of injury when working with high-speed machinery and sharp metals and tools.
• Machinists often stand for long periods and may at times be rushed to complete a job.
• Machinists typically work a 40-hour, 5-day work week with overtime required in emergencies.
• Night or evening shifts are common in some shops.
• Machinists work on CNC machines or sometimes older, conventional machines.
• Machinists may need to lift and move heavy items.
• Familiarity with exotic and composite materials may be required for machinists in aviation and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Workers need to keep up with changing technology. Sophisticated computer-controlled equipment has transformed the work of machinists.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Experienced machinists may advance to positions like inspector, foreman, superintendent, or CNC programmer. Some machinists start their own business.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

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