Machinist Jobs and Careers

Typical mechanist jobs involve working at manufacturing units that produce metal parts for further use in the production of automobiles, IT hardware and other consumer and commercial products. A career in this field offers some fascinating prospects. At the same time, aspiring mechanists need to be prepared for a rather long apprenticeship period and working for long hours.

Advantages of Mechanist Jobs

1.      In spite of the evolution of production technology, the demand of mechanists is at an all time high.

2.      This career offers fascinating scope of specialization in the field of machining and maintenance.

3.      Since most of the training acquired is on the job, it does not necessarily demand a college degree.

Reasons to Reconsider a Mechanist Career

1.      If you aren’t prepared for a long apprenticeship period and the challenges of getting one in the first place, this career isn’t right for you.

2.      This career demands long hours, working unusual shifts and even working on weekends.

3.      One is always at the risk of various health and accidental hazards that come with working around machinery and tools.

4.      You are expected to build highly specialized knowledge in the use of CNC machine tools, CAD and CAM software, etc.

Job Description

The job of a mechanist typically involves the use of specialized tools such as grinders, milling machines and lathes for the sake of manufacturing metal parts. A mechanist is involved in the various aspects of the production process that start from reviewing blue partings and CAM drafts to testing the parts for defects post manufacturing.

The US Bureau of Labour Statistics estimate that there are about 400,000 mechanists working I the United States. With an average hourly income that ranges between USD 12 and 28, the annual income of mechanists is about 24000 to 60000 USD per year.

The best paying mechanist openings belong to the natural gas and distribution sector where they tend to earn on an average of 74,000 USD per year. With a growth rate of about 8% per year, mechanists will always be in need amidst industries especially for monitoring, repairing and upgrades for their machines.

Best Jobs for Machinists

Machinists are skilled tradesmen and women who work with tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to produce precision metal parts. They plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications.

Machinists go to school to learn their trade or they may be trained on the job, depending on if the employer chooses to do so.

Some machinists choose to undergo apprenticeships before taking full-time jobs. These internships allow the machinist to be guided by experts in their field. They can gain valuable experience and on-the-job training.

Machinists work on creating small amounts of products or highly specialized products. They must have a solid knowledge of the working properties of metal and at least a basic knowledge of chemistry. They should know trigonometry and geometry and blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting.

Before they begin a project, machinists examine and interpret blueprints. They read over the customer or client's orders and determine if they have the correct materials. Then they order the materials or locate them in their facility.

Machinists then calculate where to cut or bore into the workpiece, or the piece of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, silicon, or any other material that is being shaped.

They may eye it or use precise measurements so that no mistakes are made in calculations.

Machinists then feed the piece into the machine and remove material as it flows along. They plan the sequence of cutting and finishing operations and mark the work piece to show where cuts should be made.

The piece is then laid out to be cut, either on a drill press, lathe, or milling machine. Controls are set and the machinist makes the appropriate cuts. The product begins to take shape.

The work piece is properly lubricated and cooled after removal. Monitoring of temperature is very important. During the process, machinists must adjust the size of their cuts relative to the temperature.

The best machinist jobs are typically at machine shops. These well-lit, ventilated shops are ideal for a machinist's work. There they have all the tools and metals needed at their disposal.

Machinists stand most of the day and work with very hot temperatures and metals. The work may put a strain on the back and eyes. Machinists must exercise caution when handling hazardous coolants and lubricants, although many common water-based lubricants present little hazard.

Machinists operate a wide variety of machines. The machines may be computer-controlled or manual. Machinists often work in enclosed spaces so they are protected from chemicals, noise, and debris.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the employment of machinists is declining, albeit at a slow pace. Job prospects are still expected to be good.

Machinists held about 421,500 jobs in 2008, the BLS reports. About 78 percent of machinists work in manufacturing industries, such as machine shops and machinery, motor vehicle and parts, aerospace products and parts, and other transportation equipment manufacturing. Maintenance machinists work in most industries that use production machinery.