43 jobs found for Machinist

all about machinist jobs.

Are you searching for a career in the manufacturing sector and wondering what a machinist job entails? Machinists work with precision cutting tools to shape mechanical components. You can work in various manufacturing industries producing tools and machine parts.

what do machinist jobs entail?

Machinists are tradespeople who manufacture various tools or machines out of metal, wood or other materials. Your primary role will be operating multiple machines and tools to make precision metal parts. You can begin your career as an apprentice and learn to create unique elements based on the blueprints.

what is a typical work schedule for machinists

As a machinist, you work long and irregular hours depending on the industry you work for and your duties. A machinist works over 40 hours a week in a full-time position, but some companies have shift schedules that last up to 10 hours a day. When you work on a shift basis, you have to work at night or early mornings to cover your shift. Full-time workers also work evenings and weekends occasionally to meet manufacturing deadlines. Part-time opportunities are available in various companies, or you can get a short-term contract. You will work in a manufacturing site, which means your job involves minimal travelling.

what are the pros of machinist jobs?

• Attractive compensation package: Professional machinists earn a lucrative salary due to their contribution to the manufacturing sector. You can increase your wages by completing specialized training or gaining additional experience. Most employers also provide attractive benefits to machinists, such as health insurance, life insurance and retirement programs.
• Lucrative job prospects and advancement opportunities: The job outlook for a machinist is promising since manufacturing industries are on the rise and the demand for skilled tradespeople is constantly scaling. Improving your skills, experience, or qualification increases your chances of a promotion, and you are likely to earn a higher salary. Since the role enables you to acquire multiple transferable skills, you can find numerous advancement opportunities.
• Rewarding work: Becoming a machinist is a rewarding career since you watch your creation working as part of a larger machine or tool. The work you accomplish improves your job satisfaction and motivates you to perform better. You also feel proud of creating something tangible and unique that will benefit other people.

what are the cons of machinist jobs?

• Physical toll: Working as a machinist is a physically demanding job since it involves standing for long hours and lifting heavy materials. Sometimes you have to operate heavy equipment, which takes a physical toll. Working for long hours leaves you tired and sometimes with physical discomfort. However, you can take frequent breaks to relax and ensure you eat and rest well to ease physical stress.
• Risk of injury: Machinists operate heavy-duty tools and machinery, making them prone to accidents and injury. Fortunately, many manufacturing companies ensure you have personal protective equipment to protect yourself and provide instruction manuals to avoid injury. It is important to be cautious while working to stay safe and avoid injuries.
• Unfavourable work environment: As a machinist, you are likely to work in adverse conditions. For instance, some machines are loud, and the internal temperatures may rise due to heating, making you uncomfortable. Most companies provide breaks for machinists to escape the noise for a while, and you will find earmuffs to cancel out noise.
• Constantly changing technology: With technology continually changing, machinists have to keep up with the changes to create machines and carry out maintenance. Sometimes, you need additional training to operate new machines or produce their parts.

what are common machinist interview questions?

When interviewing for a machinist role, you can expect the following interview questions:

• Why did you become a machinist? Here the interviewer wants to understand your passion and motivation for joining the profession. Your answer should focus on your aspirations or interests in pursuing the career. It is vital to show enthusiasm for the role.
• What tools and machines are you familiar with? Explain the machines you have worked with and mention any specialized training you received before operating the machines. For instance, if you know about working with laser cutting, lathe or plasma cutting machines, explain the length of time for using the machines and the responsibilities.
• How do you deal with the pressure that comes with the machinist position? Machinists face tight deadlines, and you need to convince the hiring manager that you can handle challenging situations. Display confidence in your abilities and have the right attitude toward problems.

machinist resume and cover letter requirements

Before searching for a machinist job, revamp your resume to include the following information:

• Personal details, including contact information and address
• Machinist experience
• Educational qualifications and training
• Skills relevant to the machinist role
• Awards and accomplishments
• Relevant hobbies

Seeking a machinist position is a competitive process, and your resume should have a streamlined layout and content to help you stand out from the crowd. You can also include a machinist cover letter to emphasize your experience and qualifications that make you a perfect fit for the position. The cover letter should have action verbs and hard figures to support your achievements.

what is the job outlook for machinists?

The job outlook for machinists depends on the growth rate and trends in the manufacturing industry. The projected employment growth rate is 2.9% between 2022 and 2027. Aside from the increasing demand for machinists, the profession has multiple roles and opportunities for career progression. For instance, you can become a general machinist or specialize in other positions like maintenance, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machinist or metal machinist. When you gain additional experience and skills, you can become a team leader or get additional training and become an engineer.

what are the different types of machinist jobs?

Some of the types of machinists include:

• CNC machinist: A CNC machinist works using CNC machinery to design metal parts, tools and plastic. Most machinists use specialized tools like lasers, plasma cutters and EDM machines for precision cutting. As a CNC machinist, you program the machines to ensure accuracy and high-quality production standards.
• Production machinist: As a production machinist, you create automobile parts and tools according to the blueprints or technical drawings provided. Most companies assign production machinists to specific machines and expect them to meet the production quota.
• Tool and die makers: A tool and die machinist specializes in making tools and dies used for shaping, cutting and forming metal parts. As a tool and die machinist, it is vital to know how to use CNC machines and write the programs needed to operate the tools.
• Maintenance machinist: As a maintenance machinist, you implement maintenance protocols by conducting preventive maintenance on tools and machinery in a manufacturing facility. Aside from routine maintenance, you also troubleshoot in case of problems and glitches in the systems. Sometimes you have to rebuild the machine parts or create metal elements to replace worn-out parts.
• Journeyman machinist: As a journeyman machinist, you operate heavy machinery, calibrate and maintain various tools. Unlike other machinists, a journeyman acquires skills from apprenticeship and on-the-job training before taking up the role.
• Metal machinist: As a metal machinist, you operate and set up machines and tools to create metal castings and stock. You use computer-aided designs (CAD) and detailed drawings to create precise metal parts. Sometimes you perform heat treatment on metals to make them ready for assembling. You may develop metals for tools or machine parts, depending on the industry.

discover our most recent machinist jobs

what is the average salary for a machinist?

The average salary of a machinist in Canada is $46,800 per year, which translates to $24 an hour. At an entry-level position, your compensation package begins at $40,950 annually. As you improve your skills, your salary increases to $60,206 per year. Most companies also provide numerous monetary and non-monetary benefits, including health insurance and overtime pay.

Your wages vary depending on your skill level and years of experience. For instance, if you joined the profession through an apprenticeship, your earnings will differ from those who joined through a diploma or certificate course. Large manufacturing companies also pay more and provide better benefits.

average machinist salaries in canada

• annual: $46,800
• monthly: $3,900
• weekly: $900
• hourly: $24

Top paying areas for machinists in Canada include: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.

discover our most recent machinist jobs

what are the duties and responsibilities of machinists?

While the duties of a machinist vary depending on the company, some of the typical roles include:

• Reading detailed drawings or blueprints: As a machinist, you don't just start cutting parts of a machine without planning the manufacturing process. That means you need to review technical drawings and analyze the requirements. You can determine the necessary materials from 3D computer models or sketches and the cutting tools and machines to use.
• Setting up and operating machines and tools: Your job involves setting up the tools to ensure they produce the expected results. When manufacturing work commences, your work is to run the machines. If you are working with CNC machines, you need to program them before work begins. You also assemble machines and cutting tools to ensure the end product meets the specifications.
• Aligning and adjusting cutting machines: Aside from pushing the start button, you need to monitor the processes closely to get the desired results. You can also change the settings to achieve the best results. That involves slowing down the machine, fine-tuning the cutting parameters or pausing operations to double-check the settings.
• Monitoring tools and machines: Machines and cutting tools can be fragile since they operate at high speeds, making them easy to crash. As a machinist, you need to estimate the ability of a machine to avoid overwhelming it. During operation, keep an eye on the machines and listen to the sounds they produce. If some parts are worn out, you need to change the components before work commences to ensure they don't snap and damage the finished products.
• Moulding and shaping machine parts according to specifications: If your job requires manufacturing round metal parts, you need to produce precise shapes. For instance, a CNC lathe creates shafts and round components. You can drill cross-holes and key seats on the shafts with its rotating cutters. It is important to ensure the finished products meet the quality standards in every project.
• Maintaining machine parts and tools: After the manufacturing process, it is your job to maintain the cutting tools to ensure they are in tiptop shape for the next project. That includes cleaning, oiling and greasing or removing worn-out parts.

where do machinists typically work?

Most machinists work in the manufacturing industry, producing metal parts for various products and machines. Machinists are employed in the motor vehicle manufacturing sector, aerospace manufacturing and assembling and metalworking companies in the manufacturing industry. As a machinist, you will often work in tool rooms, machine shops and factory floors, depending on the scope of your role.

discover our most recent machinist jobs

what skills and competencies do machinists need?

Some of the skills and competencies you need to succeed in the role include:

• Physical stamina: As a machinist, your job involves standing for long periods and sometimes using hand tools. Despite the introduction of CNC machines, some production procedures involve manual work. You need physical stamina to perform repetitive tasks, move machines and stand for an extended period.
• Attention to detail: When you are a machinist, every millimetre counts since the production processes require accuracy and precision cutting to produce high-quality products. You need to be detail-oriented to avoid making mistakes when feeding raw materials into the machines and fine-tuning the tools. Attention to detail also helps you identify errors in drawing and ensure the final product is according to the specifications.
• Mechanical skills: A machinist requires mechanical skills and knowledge to understand how a machine operates. Sometimes, you have to set up the tools and monitor milling machines, grinders, lathes or laser and water jetting machines. Mechanical skills help you identify problems in the machines and conduct the necessary maintenance after production.
• Analytical skills: A machine involves many moving parts, and before creating the metal components, you need to understand their functionality in the machine. With analytical skills, you can ensure the metal stocks serve their purpose. You also need analytical skills when studying technical drawings and models. When you interpret the blueprints accurately, you can craft precision tools according to specifications.
• Computer skills: Aside from understanding the metalworking processes, you need computer skills to help you program the CNC machines. Since computers are used to provide instructions for precise control of tools and machines, a machinist should have expertise in computer programming. Computer skills also help you understand the progress of the production process.
• Interpersonal skills: As a machinist, you work in a machine shop or factory room alongside other tradespeople. It is crucial to collaborate with others to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines. Interpersonal skills help you connect and grow with other machinists through sharing ideas and learning from them.

what training and certifications do machinists need?

Becoming a machinist requires formal training and certifications:

• Some machinists are trained on the job, while others learn through apprenticeship programs or vocational schools. In Canada, you have to complete a high school education to join the profession, and some companies require post-secondary education.
• To become a general machinist, you need to complete apprenticeship training that involves in-school coursework and on-the-job training. In Canada, on-the-job training for apprenticeship programs should take 7,280 hours and 720 hours of in-school coursework.
• If you have a minimum Grade 12 high school education, you can join the apprenticeship program. When you complete the apprenticeship hours, you will receive a journeyperson status. It is also essential to get the Red Seal-Endorsed trade certificate recognized across the country.

discover our most recent machinist jobs