Machine Operators

There is a growing demand for one job position in various industries and that is machine operators. The automotive manufacturing industry leads in the provision of employment of around 2 million workers, suggests the reports by Statista in 2020. Industries envisaging production plants, manufacturing parts, servicing, construction, and warehousing are all dependent on machine operators to work with and complete multifarious tasks.

Are you looking for a tenable job as a machine operator? Do you wish to learn more about your career prospects as a machinist? We are here to help you. This article is your go-to guide for knowing about the basic responsibilities, required skills, type of work, and much more to help you secure the right job.

WHO ARE MACHINE OPERATORS?

A machine operator is also known as a machinist. He is the person responsible for overseeing that all machines, equipment, and other tools installed in the production facility run smoothly. The type of machines can vary- from transportation equipment to plastic goods, metal-based, electronic, etc. They are entrusted with jobs that involve working with intrinsic details and adhering to safety standards. They ensure that the machine’s performance is well up to the mark to level up the productivity of the business concern. Machinists perform functions and activities involving conformation, installation, loading, assembly disassembly, supervision, and running the machines as their everyday norm.

TYPES OF MACHINES, MACHINISTS CATER TO:

Although machinists are employed to operate specialized machinery, in addition to their daily work around production, maintenance and cleaning are also part of their job routine.

The machines they cater to can be specified into 3 categories mainly:

Electronic

Computer operated

Manual mechanism

Spending upon the job profile and work involved, machinists are trained to operate machines such as grinding machines, drill presses, lathes, bandsaws, plasma cutting, jig borers, turret lathes, power saws, and milling machines. Other common machines run are cranes or forklifts. The machine operators when are specialized in one specific type of machine may be referred to by the machine type-such as a drill press operator.

MACHINE OPERATOR- PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work of a machine operator is rather wearying and tedious. One must carefully analyze the job description before aping for a role as a machinist. We outline the major function this job usually demands from a worker:

Before starting production, calibrate the machine for its optimal performance

Prepare other necessary equipment to carry out production

Inspection, adjust tools, move materials around, load-unload, etc

Effective monitoring capacity

Working around promptly, acting in concert

Maintenance; repairs in case of breakdown

Ensure cleanliness of the working area

Troubleshooting machinery to optimize performance

Follow guidelines and other safety rules for well-being in the workspace

Quality-checking from time to time

Ensuring communication with co-workers and other staff members

Reporting to upper management

MACHINE OPERATOR- PRIMARY SKILL REQUIREMENTS

To become a machine operator, you must possess following enlisted skills and qualifications:

High-school diploma/ GED

Additional certifications

Quantitative aptitude, problem-solving

Ability to understand CAD/CAM technology

Ability to lift heavy weights, to work overnight shifts

Ability to work on feet for most hours

Communication skills- ability to interact with team members and maintain a seamless communication chain

Willingness to learn

Effective decision making- to make quick decisions under repetitive stress or such scenarios

Self-motivated, committed to quality

Eye for small, intricate details.

ROLE OF MACHINE OPERATORS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

The food industry of Canada is thriving, owing to the technology it uses. Such hefty production is undertaken with the help of machine operators who oversee the factory machinery and carry out routine maintenance. They are also required to operate a variety of processing machinery and simultaneously pack manual tired food items. Other work activities of a food processing worker are-

Working on the conveyor belt

Check and control machinery

Adjust converter belt speed if needed

Process food items

Observe hygiene rules

Accuracy and attention to details

MORE ABOUT CNC MACHINE OPERATOR’S ROLE:

CNC machine operators handle computer numerically controlled machinery. For everything that comes between setup to operation, CNC machinists work their way through all such operations. They are mostly employed in manufacturing and constriction industries, including metalware, aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and plastic composition. So it is safe to say that CNC machinists are not tied to any particular sector, and the career opportunity in this very position is conducive to one's growth.

CNC operator duties include-

Setting up and operating CNC equipment while adhering to quality and safety protocol.

As a set-up machinist, one may be required to understand gd&t (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing) and to apply changes at the CNC machine’s controller.

Have an impeccable approach to seeing into the details, and excuse tasks.

As a CNC programmer, to create computer commands by translating instructions to make the parts you need.

Load, and unload raw materials and parts onto the machines.

Construe blueprints, and mechanical drawings, and develop plans to achieve desired results.

Oversee and maintain machinery; keeping records up to date.

LATHE OPERATOR JOB PROFILE

Lathe machine operators are in high demand. This exciting career is expected to grow around 8% and provide 83,800 job vacancies across the US between 2023 and 2028.

Lathe machine operators' primary job is to control and run lathes. Lathes are machine tools used by operators for cutting, knurling, drilling, deforming, facing, and turning tools such as wood or metal. A lathe operator is useful in woodturning, metalworking, thermal spraying, and gas working.

Lathe Machinist Job Responsibilities-

Preparing, operating, and maintaining lathe machines.

Boring, drilling, reaming, threading, and tapping

Observing all operations and reporting any faulty operations or defective materials.

Responsible for cleanliness of the working area and fully abide by safety guidelines and company policies.

TRAINING MODULES FOR A MACHINE OPERATOR JOB

On-the-job training is a good way to ensure worker productivity in the workplace. Machine operator training must be confessed as per new hires' requirements to ensure learning before they operate specific machinery. A good training arrangement will enable operators to continually polish their skills and operating practices, which ultimately helps to boost proclivity and minimize wear and tear. Verbal and written instructions must be provided to new workers.

OJT methods like vestibule training, simulations, pairing new employees with an experienced machinist, coaching, and mentoring are proven best methods employed by industries to train new operators.

What is the best way to find a job as a machine operator in Canada?

Being all prepared for an interview for a machinist position could be the difference between you and another candidate. To secure the opportunity, Patron Career Staffing is your go-to solution. We are designed to configure the best job positions for job seekers. Head to our website and discover tons of job openings for machinists with plenty of room for growth. We offer positions such as CNC machinists, production supervisors, maintenance machinists, manual lathe machinists, metal die finishers, sheeter operators, and much more. Whatever your area of interest is, we will put you in contact with related companies right now!

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