Machining technician
Engineering and manufacturing
Level 3 -
Setting up machines prior to production as well as monitoring and correcting them as needed.
Reference: OCC1305
Status:
Technical Education Products
Employers involved in creating the standard:
AESSEAL, Apex Pumps, AWE, Babcock International, BEP-Surface Technologies, Blackrow, Borg Warner, Collins Aerospace, DS Machining, Fort Vale Engineering, JCB, Jaguar Land Rover, McBraida, Manufax, Rolls-Royce, Scott Aerospace, Techni Grind, Xtrac
Summary
This occupation is found in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) sector. AME includes Aerospace, Automotive, Maritime Defence, Nuclear and Construction sectors. Machining technicians produce complex and precision machined products that are typically used in machinery. For example, aeroplanes and vehicles. They can also produce bespoke components or products for domestic appliances or medical equipment. They use a variety of machines to carry out their work. For example, centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines. Electro discharge machines, single and multi-axis Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine tools centres. Gear cutting and Gear Grinding machines.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce complex and precision work by machining components. Components are machined from metal or specialist materials using conventional or CNC machine tools. Machining Technicians interpret information and plan their activities. They also set up, operate and adjust machine tool settings. When using CNC equipment, they can produce, prove and validate programs. They inspect components and machinery, report issues and support continuous improvement activities. They typically work in a manufacturing environment. Depending on the organisation, they may be required to work at height or work shifts.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other Machining Technicians. They also interact with various stakeholders. They typically report to an engineering or manufacturing team leader. Typically, this would be as part of a defined or cross functional team. They may also interact with customers, suppliers, colleagues, quality auditors and regulators.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the quality and accuracy of their work. They also must work efficiently and be productive in the work they undertake. They must work both individually and as part of a larger team. They must work within the relevant health, safety and environmental regulations. This includes the use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment. They are responsible for the correct use and housekeeping of machinery, tools and equipment. All work must be completed in a safe and efficient manner as directed by supervisory staff.
Employers involved in creating the standard:
AESSEAL, Apex Pumps, AWE, Babcock International, BEP-Surface Technologies, Blackrow, Borg Warner, Collins Aerospace, DS Machining, Fort Vale Engineering, JCB, Jaguar Land Rover, McBraida, Manufax, Rolls-Royce, Scott Aerospace, Techni Grind, Xtrac
Typical job titles include:
Keywords:
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
Duties
Duty D1
Conduct safety checks and performance monitoring for machining, associated equipment and surrounding work area.
Duty D2
Receive, read and interpret engineering data and documentation, engineering drawings and technical data. Contribute to or plan the days machining schedule.
Duty D3
Check and inspect materials to be machined to ensure that they conform to quality standards. Identify and report any issues or faults such as incorrect grades, dimensions and thicknesses.
Duty D4
Plan and prepare sequence for the machining activities. Ensure that the correct tooling, work holding, and materials are used. This applies to conventional complex or CNC complex machining tasks.
Duty D5
Set up, operate, or adjust conventional machines or set up, prove and validate CNC machining equipment settings and programs for the machine tool being used.
Duty D6
Machine high-quality complex components using a broad range of processes. For example, internal or external thread cutting, slots and pockets, internal or external under cutting. Also profile forms, tapered and eccentric diameters, bored holes, and tee slots.
Duty D7
Inspect components produced. Adjust the machining equipment or program and tooling to ensure components meet quality requirements.
Duty D8
Identify, communicate and report issues affecting machining component quality, quantity and deadlines.
Duty D9
Complete machining documentation at all stages of the work activity. For example, standard operational procedures, control documentation and contribution to audits.
Duty D10
Maintain and restore the machining work area, performing housekeeping and waste management as appropriate. Ensure tools, unused materials and equipment are returned to a safe, clean and approved condition on completion of machining work.
Duty D11
Keep stakeholders for example, customers, colleagues and line managers informed about machining work.
Duty D12
Perform scheduled daily inspection and machine shut down or safe isolation.
Duty D13
Support continuous improvement activity to address business problems.
Occupational Progression
This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.
In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.
It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.
Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.
Engineering and manufacturing