Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Production
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders prepare and manage machinery to shape metal or plastic workpieces with precision. Their work ensures components meet exact specifications, supporting industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive where accuracy is critical. Daily tasks include setting up machines, monitoring operations, adjusting tools, and inspecting finished parts for quality. This role offers fulfillment through hands-on craftsmanship, contributing to the production of essential parts that power machinery, vehicles, and infrastructure—making a tangible impact on modern industry and daily life.
What you might do
- Set up drilling and boring machines according to specifications
- Operate machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink work pieces
- Monitor machine operations to ensure quality and efficiency
- Inspect finished products for defects and adherence to standards
- Perform routine maintenance on machines to ensure proper functioning
- Follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries
AI & the future of this role
While the job involves physical operation and setup of machinery, much of the precision drilling and boring can be automated with advanced robotics and AI-driven CNC systems. Human oversight remains for quality control, but the core tasks are highly susceptible to automation.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details