By: Hannah Denne

Here at PGS Worldwide, we hire for a wide range of positions: from Sanitation Workers, to Payroll, to Aeronautical Engineers. We work with industry-leading Aerospace companies to create opportunities for our employees to work a wide range of exciting positions. One position we are lucky to get to hire for is the Machinist! Both CNC Machines and manual machines are used to create tooling and other small parts for use in manufacturing, and starting a career in this field can be exciting to anyone with an interest in hands-on, technical work in the Aerospace field.

CNC stands for “Computer Numerically Controlled”, which essentially means that these technicians are responsible for carefully programming their machinery in order to perform the designated tasks to precise specifications. The results of a machinist’s work are precisely crafted tooling and parts made of a variety of materials. Read on to learn more about what a career as a Machinist might look like!

1. Machine Operation/Programming

Many machinists are responsible for their own programming using a variety of CAD, CAM, and other software programs. The programming performed by machinists dictates what tools the machine uses, what paths it cuts, and otherwise how the tools within the machinery move. Candidates looking into this type of a role should feel comfortable using computers, as well as demonstrate an interest in working with numbers and code.

2. Precision

Once the precise dimensions are entered in the software, the Machinist is responsible for monitoring the machinery – mills, lathes, grinders, and CNC machines –
to ensure that quality is maintained to tight tolerances, down to minute fractions such as .005 and .010. To excel as a machinist, candidates should possess a keen eye for detail, and enthusiasm for ensuring quality down to the smallest degree.

3. Maintenance

Machinists are also often responsible for maintenance/troubleshooting of their machines, so a strong mechanical aptitude/background is essential.

4. Manufacturing

The end result of a Machinist’s work is the creation of parts, tools, and other components for use in larger assemblies and subassemblies within a manufacturing environment. When working with our partners here at PGS, these pieces will often be utilized to work with Aerospace hardware! Experience in manufacturing is always a plus, and an understanding of the big picture is a benefit to any Machinist, who routinely works down to the smallest detail.

If you are interested in this or any other roles in the Aerospace industry, check out the Search Jobs page on our website to see what exciting opportunities we have available!