Machinist job description.
A Machinist sets up and operates machine tools to produce precision metal or plastic parts. They read blueprints, select tooling, monitor machining processes, and inspect finished parts to ensure they meet exact specifications and quality standards.
The Machinist job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Machinist Reports to: Machine Shop Supervisor or Production Manager
A Machinist sets up and operates machine tools to produce precision metal or plastic parts. They read blueprints, select tooling, monitor machining processes, and inspect finished parts to ensure they meet exact specifications and quality standards.
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications
- Set up and operate lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC machines
- Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for each job
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Machine Shop Supervisor or Production Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications
- Set up and operate lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC machines
- Select appropriate tooling, speeds, and feeds for each job
- Measure and inspect finished parts using precision instruments
- Adjust machine settings to correct deviations from specifications
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment issues
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
- Document production quantities and quality inspection results
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- 2+ years of experience operating manual or CNC machine tools
- Ability to read blueprints and use precision measuring instruments
- Understanding of machining processes and material properties
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lb / 23 kg
- Vocational or technical certification in machining
- Experience programming CNC equipment
- NIMS or similar machining certification
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Machinist job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Machinist job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Machine Shop Supervisor or Production Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Does a machinist need CNC programming experience?
- It depends on the shop; some roles focus on manual machining while others require CNC setup and programming skills, so requirements vary by employer.
- What certifications are useful for a machinist?
- NIMS credentials and vocational machining certificates are commonly recognized and can help candidates demonstrate core competencies.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
CNC Operator
A CNC operator sets up and runs computer numerically controlled machines to produce precision parts from metal, plastic, or other materials.
Machine Operator
A Machine Operator sets up, runs, and monitors production machinery to manufacture parts or products to specification.
Production Worker
A Production Worker performs hands-on tasks on a manufacturing or assembly line to produce goods efficiently and to quality standards.
This Machinist job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.