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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Instrument Machinist

💰 $48,000 - $92,000

ManufacturingPrecision MachiningInstrumentationEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

The Instrument Machinist is a highly skilled tradesperson who manufactures, modifies and maintains precision instruments and components to exacting tolerances. This role combines manual machining, CNC setup and programming, fixture and tooling design, hands‑on inspection and calibration, and close collaboration with engineering and quality teams to support prototype development, small‑batch production, and instrument repair. The position emphasizes GD&T interpretation, metrology best practices, ISO/AS9100 quality controls, and continuous improvement in a safety‑focused shop environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice Machinist / Machinist Trainee
  • CNC Operator or Manual Lathe/Mill Operator
  • Tool & Die Apprentice or Instrument Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Instrument Machinist / Lead Machinist
  • Tool & Die Maker or Precision Toolmaker
  • Manufacturing Engineer / Process Engineer
  • Shop Supervisor / Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • CNC Programmer (Mastercam, Fusion 360)
  • Quality Inspector / Metrology Technician (CMM operator)
  • Maintenance Technician / Electro‑Mechanical Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Read, interpret and apply blueprints, engineering drawings and ASME Y14.5 GD&T specifications to plan machining operations and ensure dimensional and geometric compliance for precision instruments.
  • Set up, operate and optimize manual and CNC lathes and mills (including multi‑axis and Swiss‑style machines) to manufacture intricate components to tolerances often within microns.
  • Program, edit and verify CNC code using CAM systems (Mastercam, Fusion 360 or equivalent) and perform first‑part inspections and dry runs to validate programs before production.
  • Machine complex parts from metals and engineering plastics using surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, EDM (sinker/wire) and precision saws while maintaining tight surface finish and dimensional tolerances.
  • Design, fabricate and adjust custom fixtures, jigs and tooling to hold delicate or irregular parts securely during multi‑operation machining and assembly.
  • Perform hands‑on assembly and alignment of precision instruments, including fitting, press‑fitting, staking, precision screw adjustments, torque control and final functional checks.
  • Conduct detailed metrology using micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gauges, optical comparators and CMMs to verify critical features and generate inspection records.
  • Calibrate and adjust sensors, gauges, and other measurement devices used in instruments to manufacturer and in‑house standards; document calibration results per ISO/AS9100 protocols.
  • Troubleshoot machining and assembly issues by diagnosing root causes (tool wear, fixture misalignment, program errors, material variation) and implement corrective actions to restore part quality.
  • Manufacture prototypes and quick‑turn parts for R&D and engineering teams, iterating on designs with feedback to optimize manufacturability and performance.
  • Rework, repair and reverse‑engineer obsolete or damaged instrument components to restore function while documenting changes and maintaining traceability of material and processes.
  • Maintain and document tool life, cutting parameters, feeds and speeds for repeatability; recommend and implement tooling improvements to reduce cycle time and scrap.
  • Perform in‑process inspections and final quality checks, prepare non‑conformance reports as needed, and collaborate with QA to disposition parts and implement containment actions.
  • Support first article inspections (FAI) and participate in PPAP/production readiness reviews for new instrument programs, providing detailed inspection data and manufacturing process information.
  • Follow and enforce shop safety standards, PPE requirements, lockout/tagout, and machine guarding protocols in daily operations and during set‑up activities.
  • Maintain clean, organized workstations and update machining logs, operation sheets and work instructions to ensure consistent manufacturing practices and knowledge transfer.
  • Collaborate with design engineers to suggest design changes, tolerance relaxations or alternative materials to improve manufacturability and reduce cost without compromising instrument function.
  • Participate in process improvement initiatives (Kaizen) to increase throughput, reduce variability and standardize best practices across the machining team.
  • Coordinate with procurement to specify critical raw materials, tooling and inspection equipment and to verify incoming material certificates and traceability as required.
  • Train and mentor junior machinists and apprentices in precision machining techniques, metrology fundamentals and safe machine operation practices.
  • Support scheduled preventive maintenance and minor repair of machine tools and metrology equipment; escalate major service needs and assist technicians with machine rebuilds and alignments.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed documentation for traceability, including lot numbers, material certifications, process parameters and calibration logs to meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering in prototyping sessions and design reviews to evaluate manufacturability and assembly sequencing for new instrument products.
  • Provide technical feedback for cost estimates, lead‑time projections and capacity planning for small‑volume and custom orders.
  • Participate in cross‑functional problem solving with Quality, Engineering and Production to expedite corrective actions and reduce customer returns.
  • Maintain inventory of precision tooling, cutting tools and gauges; coordinate reordering to prevent production delays.
  • Support external audits (ISO/AS9100, AS9100) with documented procedures, calibration records and process flow documentation.
  • Provide emergency field support or instrument repair as needed for customer service escalations or critical production issues.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Blueprint reading and interpretation, including ASME Y14.5 GD&T principles and dimensional callouts.
  • Manual lathe and milling machine operation and set‑up for precision parts.
  • CNC programming, set‑up and operation (G/M codes), editing, and verification; familiarity with Mastercam, Fusion 360 or similar CAM software.
  • Operation of precision grinding machines (surface, cylindrical) and experience with EDM (wire/sinker) processes.
  • Hands‑on metrology: micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, height gauges, optical comparators and coordinate measuring machines (CMM).
  • Fixture and tooling design and fabrication for low‑volume precision work.
  • Precision assembly, alignment, soldering/brazing, staking and torque control for instrument subassemblies.
  • Knowledge of materials and metallurgy for instrument components (stainless steels, aluminum alloys, brass, Inconel, engineering plastics).
  • SPC, FAI, and first‑article inspection techniques; familiarity with PPAP and inspection documentation.
  • Calibration practices and maintaining calibration records to ISO/AS9100 or equivalent quality standards.
  • Shop math, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and ability to perform measurements in metric and imperial units.
  • Use and maintenance of precision hand tools and measuring instruments; understanding of tool geometry and wear factors.
  • Basic CNC troubleshooting, toolpath optimization and cycle‑time reduction strategies.
  • Experience with inspection software and data capture systems for quality trending and reporting.
  • Knowledge of safety standards, LOTO procedures and machine guarding best practices.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail with a focus on repeatable, high‑quality output for tight tolerance components.
  • Effective problem solving and root cause analysis in a production and prototype environment.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for cross‑functional collaboration with engineers, QA and production planners.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to handle multiple small‑batch jobs and urgent repairs.
  • Teamwork and mentorship; ability to train and guide junior machinists and apprentices.
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new machines, tools and software as technology evolves.
  • Customer‑focused mindset for supporting internal R&D and external service requests.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement orientation; comfortable proposing changes to improve processes and reduce waste.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED with vocational coursework in machining or industrial trades.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical diploma in Machining Technology, Precision Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • Certifications such as NIMS, CNC certification, or ISO/AS9100 training are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Machining Technology
  • Precision Instrumentation
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Manufacturing Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8 years of hands‑on precision machining experience, including both manual and CNC operations.

Preferred: 5+ years as an instrument machinist, tool & die maker, or similar role with demonstrated experience in high‑tolerance manufacturing, metrology (CMM), GD&T application, and working within quality systems such as ISO/AS9100.

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