- Featured in:
-
High Quality
The best examples from thousands of real-world resumes
Expert Approved
Handpicked by resume experts based on rigorous standards
Diverse Examples
Tailored for various backgrounds and experience levels
How to Format a Machine Operator Resume
There are three primary resume formats: chronological, functional and combination. Which format you choose should be based on the circumstances of your job search. Take the candidates below for example.
Candidate A is a veteran machine operator who’s been working for the same company for six years. Candidate B is also a veteran of the industry, but she often takes on contract positions that lead her to work for dozens of different companies. While they have similar skills, their career paths are vastly different. You will see how a chronological or combination resume differs from a functional resume format. We’ve put the candidates’ similarities in bold.
1. Candidate A - Combination or Chronological Resume
Candidate Info
- 18 years in workforce
- 6 years at current company
- HS High School Diploma
Work Experience
- Measures physical properties of wire, such as tensile strength and bend set, and calculates elongation data using test instruments and a calculator.
- Operates a diverse array of automatic machines, including rotary tables, wiring, punch presses, stamp presses, trimmers and copper tubing.
- Maintains quality control/satisfaction records, constantly seeking new ways to improve and implement customer service in the document fulfillment process.
- Examines completed workpieces for defects such as chipped edges and marred surfaces and sorts defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Conducts OSHA required safety training for contractors and new and current employees as assigned.
2. Candidate B - Functional
Candidate Info
- 20 years in workforce
- 16 contract jobs
- HS High School Diploma
Summary of Qualifications
Administration
- Mastery of the document-fulfillment process, including maintaining and updating quality control/satisfaction records.
- Expert knowledge of OSHA standards and ability to lead safety trainings.
Assembly Line
- Can operate a diverse array of machines, including rotary tables, wiring, punch presses, stamp presses, trimmers and copper tubing.
- Able to measure physical properties of wire for tensile strength and bend set.
- Can calculate elongation data using test instruments and a calculator.
- Knowledge of the quality control process and ability to sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
Machine Operator Resume Samples
No results found
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Executed daily operations of production assignment.
- Drilled holes into refrigerator doors in specified areas.
- Completed data entry daily regarding what size door and number of holes that were drilled for both refrigerators and freezers.
- Wrote and produced reports on defective doors, machine breakages, and recorded the number of doors completed within an 8 hour shift.
- Worked 12 hour shifts when necessary.
- Maintained inventories of materials.
- Procured from other departments the doors that were needed for the day's assignment.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Operated machine to produce exhaust systems that met production quota and quality standards
- Ensured that product quality met customer specifications
- Inspected parts and exhaust systems
- Performed weekly maintenance on machine
- Trouble shoot and resolved problems
- Maintained a cleaned workspace.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Medical Billing / Coding
Machine Operator
Monitored, adjusted and troubleshot process conditions to maintain safe and optimal operations.
- Maintained the safe and efficient usage of all equipment, while adjusting settings to ensure accurate production of goods.
- Conducted preventable maintenance on process line and resolved production problems efficiently to minimize down time.
- Quality Control
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Machine Operator
Praised for consistently meeting all quotas.
- Set-up and maintained mission critical equipment.
- Consulted with department manager to forecast weekly production quotas.
- Performed visual inspection of products to maintain quality control.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Computer And Information Science - Information Technology
Machine Operator
- Trained and coached other associates.
- Operated machinery on a production line.
- Inspected product to ensure quality and customer specifications.
- Participated on a Kaizen team that improved process changeover.
- Maintained equipment to run more efficiently.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Machine Operator
Oiled and greased the machines and made sure that they are working properly.
- Adjusted the operating speed and controlled the load of the machines
- Maintained compliance with all safety and corporate regulations.
- Inspected parts for any damage after leaving the machine and inspected assembly products for defects.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Business Administration
Machine Operator
Responsible for setting up Deacro slitting machine quickly and accurately to job specifications.
- Ran materials through the machine while checking the quality of the product throughout the job.
- Complied with food safety (AIB) standards, and managed deficiencies quickly and effectively.
- Placed finished product on skids, wrapped and transported to warehouse using forklift.
- Trained new operators and assisted them with errors, made labels, skid sheets and cut cores.
- Offered Lead position prior to relocation.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Vocational Degree
Machine Operator
Worked on high speed machine equipment and precision machinery used in mass production.
- Prepared machine for production process by equipping it with the required tools and parts.
- Assured the constant availability of raw materials and inputs so that the machine could function at all times.
- Quality - Made sure the products manufactured from the machine were of high quality; made adjustments to improve the quality when possible.
- Worked over-time to complete the production requirement of the clients
Candidate Info
year in workforce
year at this job
Medical Assistant
Machine Operator
Operated various production machinery in a safe manner
- Assisted in the training of new employees on machinery
- Kept correct and current log books and batch records
- Promoted from spreader to machine operator within four months of employment
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Bachelor of Science
Machine Operator
Responsible for mitigation of defective product prior to shipping using Jenoptik laser systems and other related areas.
- Tasked to provide calibration and troubleshooting of various machines for the Metrology Department.
- In charge of basic training of new personnel assigned to Mitigation.
- Back-up lead on the floor when Supervisor is out of the operation.
- Supervise and coach production personnel.
- Learned industry specific computer systems as needed.
- Engaging hourly personnel in problem solving and continuous process improvement.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Production/machine Operator
Started machine operations by inserting control instruction into control units.
- Adjusted machine feed and speed if machine malfunctioned.
- Change equipment over to new product.
- Coordinated inventory and cost control programs.
- Proposed process improvements to increase quality and efficiency.
- Inspected finish products for quality and adherence to customer specifications.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Operated rewinding machine and forklift to load 2000 pound tissue roles
- Assisted maintenance team with change overs
- Conducted QA audits every 30 minutes
- Cleaned work space area as needed
- Meet production quotas regularly
- Trained new employees in machine operation activities
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Wrapper machinist making water well screens and Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Schlumberger screens.. etc
- Forklift moving pallets, material, crates and pipes
- Became experienced on band saw, pipe packing, meshing, buffing machine, drill press assistant, rib cutter, and wrapper machinist
- Multi tasked running two machines in area (rib cutter and wrapping machine)
- Learned to use grinder, plasma cutters, buffer, measuring tapes, calipers, and mics to meet order requirements
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Worked as a Grinder
- Operated automatic machines such as: rotary table, punch press, stamp press, trimmers and cooper tubing, and wiring
- Performed oil changes
- Changed breaks and balanced tires
- Fix and put new exhausts
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Drawing Machine Operator
Operate wire drawing machine to draw down the copper wire to the correct diameter
- Review work orders and selects the correct dies
- Inserts wire into machine feed mechanism, starts machine, and monitors machine operation.
- Measures wire thickness to verify circumferences to specifications, using micrometer.
- Installs progressively smaller dies in machine and repeats operation until wire diameter meets specifications.
- Measure physical properties of wire, such as tensile strength and bend set, and calculate elongation data, using test instruments and calculator.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Machine Operator I
Machine Operator I
- Worked as an operator facilitating insertion of printer equipment to process customer statements and other customer communications.
- Production and quality focused, worked in continuous, demanding, high volume production environment.
- Used and complied with 5S and LEAN principles daily.
- Quickly and effectively resolved production challenges.
- Maintained quality control/satisfaction records, constantly sought new ways to improve and implement customer service in the document fulfillment process.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Head Machine Operator.
- Responsible for Entire Tube stock in Warehouse.
- Responsible for Training (I have personally trained 5 people on our Convolute Paper Tube Winder).
- Responsible for almost all maintenance on machine.
- I helped modify our inline trimmer that took place of our saw.
- Safety Orientated.
- Quality sheets, Scrap Spreadsheets, and Inventory on Product being made must be filled out, and attached to every Rack of Tubes.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Start/Stop machine when needed
- Inspect syringes going through machine for dirt or red matter
- Un-jam machine
- Ensure all pumps, tubes, and other materials are properly connected
- Proper paper documentation
- Test 8 saline filled syringes every half hour to ensure machine is pumping proper volume of saline into syringes.
- Lift, Carry, and unload approximately 25 lb bag of syringes into machine when needed or switching to new saline lot
- Ensure primary bag of saline, which holds about 2 to 3 gallons, does not over-fill and pop
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Set up, operated and tended machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend and straighten metal and plastic material.
- Started machines, monitored their operations and recorded operational data.
- Tested and adjusted machine speeds and actions, according to product specifications and using gauges and hand tools.
- Turned controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates and table angles for specified operations.
- Cleaned and lubricated machines.
- Ground out burrs and sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes and polishing jacks.
- Replaced defective blades and wheels, using hand tools.
- Placed workpieces on cutting tables, manually and using hoists, cranes and sledges.
- Installed, aligned and locked specified punches, dies, cutting blades and other fixtures in rams and beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims and hand tools.
- Examined completed workpieces for defects such as chipped edges and marred surfaces and sorted defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Read work orders and production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines and dimensions and tolerances.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Associate of Science
Machine Operator
Read blueprints
- Set-up workstations, assemble and pack good quality parts per specifications
- Fill out production reports and diagram graphs for quality assurance recording processing
- Run injection molding presses
- Assemble parts and all related components
- Motivate others to work collectively together to get the work required of us, out in a timely and efficient manner
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
High School Diploma
Data Processing / Accounting
Business Administration
Machine Operator
Record information such as the number of products tested, meter readings, and dates and times of product production.
- Start machines or equipment in order to begin production processes.
- Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
- Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
- Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.
- Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work areas and equipment.
- Read gauges and charts, and record data obtained.
- Perform minor repairs to machines, such as replacing damaged or worn parts.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Pre-law
Pre-law
Machine Operator
Set Up, adjust, and operate washroom equipment in compliance within production specified limits.
- Service equipment for minor repairs.
- Maintain a daily log of equipment, production, and inventory records.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors when orders come in to ensure hot parts are prioritized first and done in a timely manner.
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Operated stamp pressing machine to meet production needs.
- Stacked product on a regular basis to maintain product.
- Stamped over 3500 lawnmower decks during a 10 hour shift.
- Performed preventive maintanence to ensure the quality of the press every shift.
- Adhered to all safety rules and regulations.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Machine Operator
Prepare each piece of aluminum to be loaded into a Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine
- Run and check every airplane piece to one thousandth of an inch
- Remove all tools from CNC machine and return all tools to proper location
- Janitorial duties such as sweeping and wiping down the station
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Cad Drafting / Manufacturing Technology
Manufacturing Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
CNC Machine Operator
Operate CNC machines (Haas, Hardinge Lathes, VMC); load/unload parts.
- Make minor machine offsets; minor tool changes, deburred, measure and documented quality records.
- Set controls and regulate speed, feed, coolant flow.
- Identify and resolve machine malfunctions.
- Ensure specifications compliance of first run piece and spot check succeeding pieces.
- Verify machine's settings and programmed control data for accuracy.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Set up machinery and assemble stations
- Plan and assign work tasks in order to meet production goals efficiently
- Perform general and preventative machine maintenance tasks
- Perform limited quality control checks as directed
- Ensure that all machines are in perfect working orders at all times
- Clean and maintain work areas as directed
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Safety Compliance
Environmental Compliance
Machine Operator
Train employees how to pack product
- Scan product before loading in truck
- Loaded and unloaded trucks with forklift.
- Conducted safe atmospheric verification checks when required along with any associated field and workplace monitoring activities.
- Forklift up keeping.
- Conducted OSHA required safety training to contractors and new and current employees as assigned.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Leather Tanning/Finishing
- Operates rotary drum containing tanning solution to convert hides and skins into leather, according to specifications
- Makes leather out of hides and skins by cleaning, tanning, currying, and finishing them
- Handles machine that cuts leather into strips lace for power-transmission belting, dress
- Starts machine inserts leather between feed rollers, against machine guide, and also under circular knife that cuts leather into strips
- Ties strips into bundles for further processing or shipment by hand or using automatic
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Responsible for running a toilet paper converting machine
- Observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of packaged products to standard
- Monitoring production lines watching for pile ups, jams or glue isn't sticking properly
- Inspect and remove defective products and packaging material
- Starting machine by engaging controls
- Count and record finished and rejected packaged items
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Doffed and cleaned machines
- Processed color changes
- Cross trained for various jobs / departments
- Inspected for defects
- Trained to set-up various types machines
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Work inside machining department operating the CNC machines for parts fabrication
- Loading unloading machine
- Packaged product for automotive parts
- Review blueprints
- Perform all quality control inspections using precision instruments (micrometers and calipers)
- CNC operation, adjusted minor programming with machinery
- Daily duties consisted of packing finished products for customer deliveries
- Operated the palletizer machine for outgoing shipments
- Operated the sit down and stand up forklift to material handle specific items within the production department
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Certificate
Machine Operator/material Handler/warehouse Distribution
Machine Operator/Warehouse
- Worked in Stator Tooling and Core Maintenance Department
- Verify core markings on tracking board, inspect threads for damage, inspect tension rods and clean injection heads
- Utilized calipers, overhead cranes and hand tools to perform inspection on a daily basis
- Ensure that standard operation procedures are adhered to compliance with the Company’s protocol count as well as record finished and rejected items
- Followed quality control procedures, identified errors in the assembly process and faulty components and reported issues
- Met production quotas by managing work load effectively
- Comply with all health, safety and hazard procedures
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Medical Device
Human Biology
Machine Operator
Prepared catheter tips and tip [company name] process
- Inspected medical catheters using electronic microscope
- Tested catheter tips using PEEL TESTING (ASTM F88)
- Responsible to prepare daily production reports
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Certificate
Associate of Arts
Machine Operator
Performed machine set up and operated on CNC lathe machine.
- Performed calibration
- Familiar with CNC machines: Doosan, Moriseki, and Nakamura
- Able to use various manufacturing tools and equipment.
- Ability to set up and run close tolerance machined parts from a variety of metals.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Check materials for quality assurance prior to loading into machine.
- Monitor machine for problems and resolve them in an efficient and timely manner to ensure daily quota is met.
- Document hourly input and output and record all data to required paperwork.
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
- Assists in the training of newly hired employees.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Industrail Maintenace Technician
Drizzle Machine Operator
- Manually set up hose connections and program machine settings for chocolate tempering unit, storage truck, and drizzle bar sprinkler system.
- Disassemble, reassemble, and perform sanitation on all equipment for production and maintenance purposes
- Properly mix 50lbs bags of ingredients into chocolate melting tanks.
- Operate basic controls of ovens and belts such as start, stop, and speed.
- Misc repairs such as replace drizzle purge needles, solder/splice wires, and unclog gear box.
- Complete all production related paperwork and enter recorded data into SAP system
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Exposing Machine Operator
Coating machine operator.
- Assist with all trial orders, and test orders.
- Operate all machines in the department.
- Keep accurate records of all machine maintenance in the department.
- Enforce cleaning schedule in the clean room and maintain accurate records.
- Responsible for accurately keeping inventory for the department.
- Also work and assist in the detach and assembly department.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
month at this job
CNC Machine Operator
CNC Operator
- Responsible for running parts assigned to the CNC machines being operated.
- We have to enter our production into the computer for record keeping.
- As an apple operator I have the same duties as an operator in the CNC department along with a few more.
- To explain what the Apple in short we machine Apple plaques
- As an apple operator I am responsible for making adjustments for the chamfers on the block that will be run on the machine depending on the thickness of the block. The apple blocks are made of a type of crystal and are cut on band saw machine.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Operate an assembler and stripper machine to produce assembled fiber partitions
- Assemble and set up hopper to form assemble partitions from fiber board roll
- Must accurately set dies for stripper and hopper machines
- Utilized measuring tape (read tape to the 64th), various wrenches, utility knives and perform quality checks, and keep work area clean
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Demonstrated the ability to work within a pharmaceutical team
- Operation of robots and compactors for the production of toothpaste
- Cleaning of work areas
- Packaging and arrangement of toothpaste
- Taking inventory of products
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Machine Operator
Read blueprints, work from layouts and dimensions on drawings to perform assigned tasks
- Loaded, aligned and operated machines per drawing instructions
- Monitored machines for problems and troubleshoot problems
- Checked raw materials for quality and quantity ahead of loading into machine
- Measure parts and fixtures with Zeiss O'inspect
- Qualify probes when needed
- Interact with customers and visitors
- Track and manage report for shift productivity
- Run nightly reports in QC Calculator and Excel
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Actively suggests operational improvements to enhance quality, improve production times, and reduce costs.
- Adjust machine feed and speed if machine malfunctions
- Changes equipment over to new product.
- Ensures the most cost-effective production methods are employed.
- Adheres to all applicable regulations, policies and procedures for health, safety and environmental compliance.
- Calibrates equipment to ensure quality production using tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, protractors and ring gauges.
- Work with managers to implement the company's policies and goals.
- Acts as a member of the Safety Committee to ensure the safety of the plant and employees
- Troubleshoots problems with equipment, devices or products.
- Reviews operations and confers with technical or administrative staff to resolve production and processing problems.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator (multiple)
Operate several machines in the production of roofing material (shingles)
- Monitor current process variables and set points
- Perform quality inspections to ensure first quality product is delivered to the customer
- Troubleshoot machines to minimize or eliminate machine slow or down time
- Participate in TPM team and Kaizen events
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Machine Operator
Prepare equipment and any raw materials for bottling
- Maintain and sanitize production equipment
- Maintain inventory control for all material
- Set up and operate filler (filling machine)
- Set up and operate the printer and labeller machine
- Set up and operate cap machine and seal checker
- Troubleshoot any issues with the machines based on S.O.P
- Assemble and disassemble piping connected to filler
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Machine Operator
Operation of CNC machines
- Operation of turning and boring machines
- Gaging and dimensional checks
- Tool changes and offset inputs
- High volume automotive production with heavy lifting
- Housekeeping activities
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
- Worked on high speed machine equipment and precision machinery used in mass production.
- Prepared machine for production process by equipping it with the required tools and parts.
- Assured the constant availability of raw materials and inputs so that the machine could function at all times.
- Made sure the products manufactured from the machine were of high quality; made adjustments to improve the quality when possible.
- Worked ove-time to complete the production requirement of the clients.
- Monitored the machine regularly to avert preventable breakdowns.
- Performed regular checks on the parts of machinery and made required adjustments wherever necessary.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Machine Operator
Operated mixer and dryers to produce liquids and powders for the oilfield.
- Used a digital scale to measure raw materials into mixing tanks and pol
- Operate the machines and monitor temperatures so that they run efficiently.
- Participated in maintain machines daily so they could run efficiently.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Machine Operator/assembler
Electronic Cigarette Manufacturing
- Operate automated machine with HMI screens.
- Insert electronic components in machine.
- Test finished parts and hour production counts and inspect for quality.
- Use PPE in clean room facility and complete any other assigned task.
- Use multi meters and calibration tools to test for final inspect.
- Operate Cap and Fill lines.
- Package finished product on packaging equipment and print lables.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Packer / Machine Operator
- Responsible for loading the machines with the mixture of candy to prepare it for cutting
- Once the mixture was out of the oven and off the mold, responsible for making sure candy is ready to be dropping it down the tube of the machine
- Operated the machine in order to deliver the mixture to the designated place in the line, according to the flavor of the candy
- Replaced the mixture in the oven to get the correct texture when candy mixture was not the correct texture
- Packed the merchandise correctly by size, color and flavor into a specific box with indication on the outside.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Plastics Manufacturing
Vertical Form Fill Sealing Machine Operator
- Followed SOP's and cGMP's according to FDA regulations
- Operated and maintained Vertical Form Fill Sealing Machine
- Worked in cleanroom environment
- Maintained documentation for every lot produced
- Performed line clearance after every lot produced and packaged
- Operated forklift
Machine Operator Resume Success Stories
Machine Operator Resume FAQ
How do you format a machine operator resume?
A well-formatted machine operator resume will have a common, easy-to-read font and a 1 inch margin on all four sides of the page. Most importantly, the document should be easy to scan; Recruiters must understand your skills and qualifications at a glance. Our resume formatting guide goes into much more detail on how to format your resume for success.
What should be included in a machine operator resume?
A machine operator resume should include all five of the primary resume sections, which are:
- Contact info
- Career summary
- Work experience
- Skills
- Education (or industry certifications)
For a machine operator, listing your certifications and training will be more important than showcasing your most recent degree. Also, your hard skills (e.g., dexterity, knowledge of safety protocol) should take center stage in the skills section.
What skills should be added on a machine operator resume?
Machine operators use a variety of soft and hard skills on a daily basis.
Some of the most common hard skills are:
- Ability to read blueprints and manuals
- Dexterity
- Physical stamina and strength
- Routine maintenance of factory equipment
- Mechanical knowledge
Some of the most common soft skills are:
- Attention to safety
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Integrity
How do you create a machine operator resume with no experience?
While having previous work experience is a plus, machine operators usually receive on-the-job training. If you are one of the applicants lacking practical experience, you should use a functional resume format. The functional format puts your skills, such as dexterity, at the forefront and downplays the work history.
That being said, if you have any related work experience, like working on an assembly line or in a warehouse, you could use a hybrid resume, which gives equal weight to skills, qualifications and work history.
How can a builder help you create a machine operator resume?
Resume builders help you create every section of a resume. First, you’ll select a resume template style from the variety of options. Then, the builder will suggest both common work tasks based on your previous job titles to help you fill out your work experience section and necessary skills for the skills section. Finally, you can download the resume in whichever format the employer requests. If these benefits sound good, we recommend trying out our Resume Builder.
Machine Operator Duties and Responsibilities
Specific tasks will vary by industry, but many responsibilities are common among virtually all machine operators. Our analysis of job postings revealed the following to be some of the general duties anyone becoming a machine operator should expect to do:
Production Machine operators are given quotas of what needs to be done during their shift. If your job is to drill holes in refrigerator doors, for instance, you are expected to complete a certain number. Completion of your task means the next stage of assembly can progress as scheduled. Machine operators typically enter data daily about what they've done and any problems experienced. They also may be responsible for transporting their output to the next stage of the production line.
Maintenance Mass production requires machines to constantly perform at optimal levels, so machine operators need to follow a regular schedule of upkeep - such as oiling parts, refilling dispensers or checking calibrations. Basic repairs, such as tightening bolts, may be part of the expectations for machine operators.
Quality Control Inferior merchandise is a recipe for disaster. Take, for instance, car doors that aren't being made properly. Overall production may slow down if the pieces don't fit as they should into the vehicles. If the problem isn't discovered until later when the autos are in circulation, the automaker might have to issue a costly recall to repair affected automobiles (and hope that nobody gets hurt in the meantime). The brand's reputation takes a hit, and customers may be less likely to purchase from the company in the future. Thus, machine operators must be devoted to quality control by inspecting (visually and/or with precision tools) the pieces or products their machine turns out. Problems need to be brought to management's attention immediately.
Safety Machine operators often work with large, powerful equipment. They need to abide by workplace and governmental guidelines to reduce the chance of injury to themselves and others. This may involve checking that machines are working properly, wearing proper safety gear and maintaining a clean area.
Training Others Seasoned machine operators may be tasked with getting new hires up to speed. Since so many who enter this profession do not have prior training, machine operators need to be able to explain things thoroughly and monitor progress carefully.
Machine Operator Skills
Because their actions have a direct impact on operational flow, machine operators need to be conscientious workers who are adept at following directions and committed to meeting goals. Other traits that hiring managers look for when hiring machine operators include:- Exhibiting outstanding teamwork because building things involves the efforts of multiple people
- Presenting a track record of reliability since your absence affects the work of others
- Demonstrating attention to detail in order to catch problems and mistakes before they lead to unwanted consequences
- Prioritizing safety to prevent work-related injuries
- Taking pride in one's work to continuously deliver quality products
- Displaying a willingness to be trained on other machines as need dictates
Machine Operator Education and Training
The majority of machine operators hold a high school diploma. On-the-job training is common, though taking classes at a vocational institution or earning an associate's degree can increase employment prospects.Machine Operator Resources
Want to learn more about being a machine operator? The following books can help:
Machinery's Handbook - Touted as the "Bible of the metalworking industries," this respected reference book is now in its 30th edition. Reviewers commend its "incredible amount of information."
Careers in Manufacturing and Production - Aspiring machine operators can learn about what such a position entails and how to advance their careers in this book covering all types of employment options in the manufacturing sector.