How to Be Aerospace Machinist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aerospace machinist plays a vital role in the production of aircraft parts and components. Their expertise and attention to detail is essential in ensuring that the parts they produce meet the highest safety standards and meet the needs of the aerospace industry. This is because the parts they work on are used in high-risk situations, such as on aircraft and spacecraft, and must be made to exact specifications.

The effects of their work can be seen in the improved performance, reliability, and safety of the aerospace industry. As a result, aerospace machinists must have specialized knowledge and experience in the design and production of parts, as well as a keen eye for detail. Furthermore, they need to understand the latest manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and CNC machining, to ensure the precision and quality of their products.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in a post-secondary training program. Post-secondary training programs for aerospace machinists are available at technical institutes and community colleges. Look for programs that have been accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Gain experience through an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs are available through trade unions, industry associations, and employers. Apprentices are paid while they learn the techniques needed to be an aerospace machinist.
Become certified. Certification is important for aerospace machinists, as it demonstrates their knowledge and skill level. The NIMS offers certification in several areas, including CNC Machine Tool Operator, Aerospace Machinist, and Quality Control Inspector.
Keep up with industry trends. Aerospace machinists must stay up to date on new technologies and trends. This can be done through continuing education classes, industry events, and trade publications.

To stay ahead and qualified as an Aerospace Machinist, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest machining technologies, procedures, and safety standards. This means taking advantage of any training or educational opportunities available from your employer, staying abreast of industry trends, and investing in yourself by attending conferences and seminars on a regular basis. having a strong understanding of the aircraft systems, components, tools, and materials that are related to your job can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Finally, having a positive attitude and being willing to take on new challenges will ensure that you remain a valuable asset to your company. By staying informed and motivated, you can remain a qualified Aerospace Machinist and stay ahead in the industry.

You may want to check Aerospace Structural Engineer, Aerospace Tooling Specialist, and Aerospace Technical Writer for alternative.

Job Description

Operate and maintain a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and assemblies.
Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure they meet specifications.
Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings to plan the sequence of operations.
Assemble mechanical components, using hand tools and power tools.
Install machines, equipment, tools and fixtures necessary for operations.
Adjust machine settings to ensure proper operation and quality of parts.
Monitor machine operation to detect any problems or malfunctions.
Troubleshoot and repair machinery when problems arise.
Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
Perform regular maintenance on machines to ensure optimal performance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aerospace machining operations (e. g. , milling, drilling, tapping, reaming, etc. )
Knowledge of machining tools and equipment (e. g. , lathes, grinders, saws, etc. )
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings and schematics
Ability to use precision measuring instruments (e. g. , calipers, micrometers, etc. )
Ability to operate computer numerical control (CNC) machines
Knowledge of safety procedures and practices
Knowledge of quality assurance standards (e. g. , AS9100, ISO 9001, etc. )
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication skills

The most important skill for an Aerospace Machinist is the ability to work with precision and accuracy. This requires a keen eye for detail, a steady hand, and a good understanding of mathematics. To be successful in this profession, one must also have excellent problem-solving skills, be able to interpret complex technical drawings, and possess computer literacy.

Quality control is also essential, as any small mistake could have dangerous consequences in the aerospace industry. By having all of these skills, Aerospace Machinists can ensure that the components they produce meet the strict safety and quality standards set by the aerospace industry. This ultimately results in safer airplanes, helicopters, and other aerospace vehicles for everyone.

Aerospace Project Manager, Aerospace Quality Assurance Analyst, and Aerospace Maintenance Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aviation machining?
What types of measurements do you use to ensure accuracy of machined parts?
How do you perform quality control checks on machined parts?
Have you ever programmed CNC machines?
Explain the process you use for troubleshooting malfunctions on machined parts.
What safety protocols do you follow when operating machinery?
Describe a time when you had to adjust a machine to produce a part to specified tolerances.
How do you keep up with the latest technology in machining and manufacturing?
Have you ever used CAD/CAM software to design parts?
What strategies do you use to ensure efficient production on a job?

Common Tools in Industry

Lathe. A machine tool used for shaping metal, typically by rotating a workpiece against a cutting tool. (eg: CNC Lathe)
Milling Machine. A machine tool used to machine solid materials. (eg: Bridgeport Mill)
Drill Press. A machine tool used to drill holes in material. (eg: Radial Drill)
Grinder. A machine tool used to grind material into small, precise shapes. (eg: Bench Grinder)
Boring Bar. A tool used to bore holes into material. (eg: Line Boring Bar)
Band Saw. A saw used to cut curves and shapes into material. (eg: Horizontal Band Saw)
Tap and Die Set. A set of tools used to thread and tap holes in material. (eg: 1/4-20 Tap and Die Set)
Reamer. A tool used to enlarge or finish the diameter of existing holes in material. (eg: Hand Reamer)
Sander. A tool used to smooth, shape, or finish material surfaces. (eg: Belt Sander)
Hand File. A tool used to shape and smooth material surfaces. (eg: Flat File)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA)
International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG)
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Aircraft Engine Historical Society (AEHS)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)
Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA)

We also have Aerospace Software Engineer, Aerospace Electrical Engineer, and Aerospace Engineer Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Machining. The process of removing material from a workpiece to create a desired shape or form.
CNC Machining. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a process that uses specialized cutting tools to create parts and components with very precise dimensions.
Lathe Machining. Lathe machining is a process using a cutting tool to shape a rotating workpiece into a desired shape or form.
Drilling. Drilling is the process of creating a round hole in a workpiece by using a rotating cutting tool.
Milling. Milling is the process of using a rotating cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece in order to create a desired shape or form.
Grinding. Grinding is the process of using an abrasive material to remove material from a workpiece in order to create a desired shape or form.
Welding. Welding is the process of joining two or more pieces of metal together by melting them together.
Annealing. Annealing is a heat treatment process that involves heating a metal to a specific temperature and then cooling it slowly to improve its properties.
Heat Treating. Heat treating is the process of subjecting metal to certain temperatures in order to alter its properties, such as strength and hardness.
Tapping. Tapping is the process of cutting threads into a hole using a tap tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aerospace Machinist?

An Aerospace Machinist is a skilled technician who operates machines to produce parts used in aeronautics and other industries. They are responsible for machining parts for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and related components.

What qualifications are needed to be an Aerospace Machinist?

To become an Aerospace Machinist, one must typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and experience with machining tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders. Additionally, some technical schools offer specialized courses in aerospace machining.

What are some of the tasks of an Aerospace Machinist?

Aerospace Machinists are responsible for setting up and operating specialized machinery to fabricate parts used in the aerospace industry. They must adhere to exacting standards when machining parts, and they may also perform quality checks on completed parts.

What are the salary ranges for Aerospace Machinists?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Aerospace Machinists was $45,420 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $32,090, and the highest 10% earned more than $64,460.

What career advancement opportunities are available for Aerospace Machinists?

Aerospace Machinists may advance to higher-level positions such as lead machinist or supervisor. With additional education and experience, they may also pursue managerial positions within the aerospace industry.

Web Resources

What Is an Aerospace Machinist? - UTI Corporate www.uti.edu
INTERNATIONAL ASSN. OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE case.edu
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering | The University of Arizona www.ame.arizona.edu