Machinists on Numerically Controlled Machine Tools
Job description
These individuals operate and program machines that create workpieces in series. They work for manufacturers of:
- Industrial metal products
- Machines
- Motor vehicles and aeronautics
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Odours
- Noise
- Electricity
- Falling objects
Main tasks
- Read blueprints and interpret complex drawings.
- Use machining processes (turning, milling, etc.).
- Create programs with machine tools.
- Define the sequence of operations.
- Drive machine tools.
- Use programming software, as required.
- Optimize or correct programs, as required.
- Check the quality of the parts produced.
- Maintain and clean machine tools.
Advancement and mobility
- Experience leads to senior positions.
Training and requirements
Formation
Most training programs are offered in French only.
College
DCS in mechanical Engineering Technology
Placement rate: 43.3%
53.4% of graduates pursue further studies
Sometimes required
-
Experience in manufacturing processes is often required.
-
Possibility of obtaining eight certificates of vocational qualification (CQP) issued by the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESS):
- CNC Milling Machine Set-up Operator
- CNC Milling Machine Programmer/Adjuster
- CNC Lathe Set-up Operator
- CNC Lathe Programmer/Adjuster
- CNC Cylindrical Grinder Set-up Operator
- CNC Cylindrical Grinder Programmer/Adjuster
- Wire EDM Machine Set-up Operator
- Wire EDM Machine Programmer/Adjuster
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Information processing
- Programing
- Data collection
- Result evaluation
- Monitoring operations
- System analysis
- Active learning
- Reading comprehension
- Written expression
- Judgment and decision-making
- Mathematics
- Critical thought
- Solving complex problems
- Active listening
- Systems evaluation
- Operation analysis
- Quality control analysis
- Coordination
- Troubleshooting
- Oral expression
- Operations and control
- Time management
Abilities
- Information organization
- Near vision
- Perception speed
- Awareness of issues
- Mathematical reasoning
- Visualization
- Selective attention
- Classification
- Written comprehension
- Oral comprehension
- Basic numeracy
- Deductive reasoning
- Inductive reasoning
- Written expression
- Control accuracy
- Processing flexibility
- Speech clarity
- Digital dexterity
- Idea generation
- Verbal skills
- Information processing speed
- Speech recognition
- Reaction time
Knowledge and attributes
- Capacity to work under pressure
- Capacity to adapt
- Versatility
- Rigour
- Attention to detail
- Tolerance to stress
- Sense of observation
- Timeliness
- Knowledge of design
- Knowledge of mechanics
Interests
- Create, design
- Work in computer science or information and communication technologies (ICT)
- Make, build, install
- Make technical plans and drawings
- Conduct tests and trials, control processes
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Investigative
- People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
- Enterprising
- People with this profile prefer having responsibilities, influencing others and responding to challenges.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (CNP 72100)
Skill type
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
Last update: January 29, 2026