Engineering Machine Operator

Also known as:

Machine Operator, Engineering
Operator, Machine Engineering

Introduction

Engineering machine operators are responsible for controlling machines such as lathes, borers, presses and drills, which are used to make engineering parts.

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Work Activities

Engineering machine operators use automatic and semi-automatic machine tools including capstan lathes, borers, presses; and drilling, grinding and milling machines to produce engineering parts.

This may involve switching on a machine, keeping it supplied with raw material, watching the controls while it is running and switching the machine off if anything goes wrong. Some jobs involve setting the machines, selecting the cutting tools and machine speeds, and following instructions and diagrams to carry out the machining operation.

Most machine operators train to use a single machine, although the type of machine and skills needed may vary.

For example, turners use lathes that spin pieces of metal at high speeds. The lathe holds the material and rotates it around a horizontal axis against a tool that shapes it. A capstan lathe (also called a turret lathe) has a revolving turret that holds several tools, allowing the machinist to do a number of cutting jobs one after the other.

Some machinists are involved in milling. This is a process that uses a revolving cutter to take off metal from an object held by clamps or vices on a workbench.

Machine operators work mainly indoors in workshops and factories. Because the work may be messy or dirty, they may need to wear overalls and possibly protective footwear, goggles or gloves. It's usually noisy. Machine operators spend a great deal of their time standing or sitting at their machines. The work may also involve lifting and moving heavy materials.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be an engineering machine operator, you need to be careful and methodical. You must observe health and safety rules to avoid accidents.

You must be good with your hands and able to follow written and spoken instructions. You need to have basic number skills to make accurate measurements.

The work can be tiring, so you must be physically fit. You must be able to concentrate for long periods; some of the tasks can be repetitive. Engineering machine operators need to be able to work on their own, as well as being able to co-operate with others in the team.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Engineering machine operators earn in the range of £13,500 - £16,500 a year, rising to £19,000 - £25,000 a year. Higher earners can make around £26,500 a year.

Machine operators usually work 39-40 hours, Monday to Friday. Shift work, evening, night and weekend work may be required.

Employers throughout the UK include manufacturing industries, large and small.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Those with skills and abilities gained in industrial production work have an advantage.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 2% of engineering machine operators work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy or waste management.