Machine Operator Job Description

Posted in Job Descriptions

Summary: Due to technology developments throughout the years, thousands of different electronic and electrical machines exist today. Machine operators are the men and women who help manage and use these machines and equipments. They operate different kinds of machines, depending on company specialization or materials used. A machine operator may also handle multiple machines at a time.

Duties: A machine operator observes proper utilization of machineries to ensure completion of maintenance procedures and organization. Machine operators are also responsible for inspecting each part of the machine, testing different parts before using the equipment, and checking if items produced pass quality control test. All tasks of the machine operator revolve around making sure the manufactured equipments produce optimal performance. Other duties of machine operators include proper documentation of machines and their respective details such as how many machines are being manufactured, how fast or slow the machine is and how effective the method of manufacturing is. The machine operator also ensures machines are working perfectly every time by performing various maintenance procedures, such as oiling and greasing.

Education and Training Requirements: All machine operators undergo different sets of trainings to understand functions of various machines. Since each machine operates differently, an operator must complete training for two or more machines before they are able to handle them. Most of these programs teach an operator about maintenance, machine settings and skills needed in proper handling.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements: Because machine operators have machines to work with, they need presence of mind of what they are doing. Safety is the utmost priority on this job, so they must uphold safety precautions at all times and follow instructions very carefully to avoid accidents.

Working Conditions: Machine operators usually work in warehouses, offices and other indoor areas. They work during regular hours and receive overtime pays. Some of them work in manufacturing business wherein they operate huge machines. In industrial companies where machine operators handle heavy-duty or large machines, workers may be exposed to different noises, dust, smoke and fumes.

Salary: A machine operator receives an annual average of $20,000. This amount will depend on the employer, the benefits and the work experience. If a machine operator is able to operate more than one machine, they can receive an annual paycheck of $25,000. Although a sewing machine operators only earns $16,000. Some like CNC machine operators earn up to $24,000 annually.

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