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

Oct 28, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Quality Control Machinist is to ensure the accuracy and precision of manufactured parts. To do this, they use a variety of tools including calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical comparators. The machinist must also inspect and test the product to ensure it meets the design specifications.

If a part is found to be faulty, the machinist is responsible for identifying the cause and taking corrective action to fix the issue. This could involve adjustments to the machine settings, replacing worn components, or even redesigning the part itself. Quality Control Machinists play an essential role in product quality and customer satisfaction, as their work ensures that any manufactured parts are up-to-spec and fit for purpose.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Quality Control Machinists need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for most positions.
Earn a postsecondary certificate or degree. Employers often prefer to hire Quality Control Machinists who have completed a postsecondary certificate or degree in machining or a related field.
Gain experience. Quality Control Machinists need to have at least a few years of experience in machining and working with precision measuring instruments and inspection tools.
Become certified. Many employers prefer to hire Quality Control Machinists who are certified. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers certification in various machining skills, including quality control.
Obtain additional training. Quality Control Machinists may also benefit from taking additional courses in areas such as mathematics, CAD/CAM programming, and CNC machine operation.

The key to becoming a skilled and competent Quality Control Machinist is to have a combination of knowledge, experience and strong problem-solving skills. Knowledge of the machining process, including the ability to read blueprints, use precision measuring instruments, and understand the various types of materials used in the machining process, is essential. Experience in operating various types of machines and tools is also necessary, as well as being familiar with quality control processes and procedures.

Strong problem-solving skills help the Quality Control Machinist identify issues quickly and come up with effective solutions. Investing in continuing education and staying up to date with new technologies and processes ensures that the Quality Control Machinist is properly equipped for the job.

You may want to check Assembly Machinist, Grinder Machinist, and Welding Machinist for alternative.

Job Description

Troubleshoot machining processes and equipment to identify and address any quality issues.
Inspect machined parts for conformance to drawings and specifications.
Operate and monitor CNC machining centers to ensure accuracy and quality.
Set up and operate a variety of precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges, to evaluate dimensions and tolerances of machined parts.
Adjust machining parameters to maintain quality standards.
Maintain accurate records of quality control data.
Perform routine maintenance on machining equipment.
Select cutting tools and tooling according to the machining operation to be performed.
Troubleshoot and repair machining problems when necessary.
Monitor stock levels and order additional supplies when needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics.
Knowledge of machining processes and techniques.
Understanding of quality control principles and procedures.
Ability to operate and troubleshoot CNC machinery.
Proficiency in using measuring instruments and gauges.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and best practices.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality assurance standards.

Quality control machinists require a wide range of skills to ensure the highest quality of products are created. An important skill for any quality control machinist is the ability to understand and interpret technical drawings and specifications. This skill is essential for machinists to properly inspect, measure, and test materials and components to ensure that they meet the required standards.

machinists must have a good understanding of mathematics and be able to use precision measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers. They must also have problem-solving skills to be able to identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the production process. Finally, attention to detail is key for machinists to detect any imperfections in the material or components, ensuring that only the highest quality products reach the customer.

all of these skills allow quality control machinists to ensure that the products they produce are up to the highest standards.

Fabrication Machinist, Machine Operator (Machinist), and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Quality Control Machinist jobs?
What methods do you use to ensure quality control?
How would you handle a situation where you had to make a difficult decision regarding quality control?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest machining technologies?
What do you find most rewarding about working as a Quality Control Machinist?
Describe a successful project that you have completed as a Quality Control Machinist.
How do you understand customer requirements and use them to guide your work?
What challenges have you faced while working as a Quality Control Machinist?
How do you identify and address potential problems before they occur?
How do you ensure that all machines in the process are working properly?

Common Tools in Industry

Calipers. Measuring tool used to accurately measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object. (e. g. measuring the diameter of a bolt)
Micrometers. Precision measuring tool used to measure the outside diameter of an object. (e. g. measuring the diameter of a coin)
Dial Indicators. Tool used to measure small linear distances. (e. g. measuring the flatness of a surface)
Vernier Calipers. Measuring tool used to measure linear distances with more precision than calipers. (e. g. measuring the thickness of a sheet of paper)
Height Gauge. Tool used to measure vertical distances or heights. (e. g. measuring the height of a wall)
Optical Comparator. Machine used to compare the dimensions of an object to a predetermined standard by magnifying the image of the object and comparing it to a template. (e. g. verifying the accuracy of a gear's teeth)
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Tool used to measure the coordinates of points on an object's surface to determine its size, shape, and form. (e. g. verifying the accuracy of a machined part's dimensions)

Professional Organizations to Know

The American Society of Quality (ASQ)
The Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME)
The Institute of Quality Assurance (IQA)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The International Society of Automation (ISA)
The Precision Machinists Association (PMA)
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
The American Welding Society (AWS)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The International Association for Measurement and Control (IAMC)

We also have CNC Machinist, Tool and Die Machinist, and Manual Machinist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Quality Assurance. The process of ensuring that products and services meet the predetermined standards of quality.
Calibration. The process of ensuring that a device or instrument is accurately measuring a physical quantity.
Tolerance. The maximum acceptable deviation from a specified value or range of values.
Gauging. The process of measuring an object or material to determine its size, shape, or other dimensional parameters.
Metrology. The science of measurement, including the study of measurement systems, instruments, and techniques.
Blueprint Reading. The ability to read and interpret blueprints and drawings to determine the dimensions and tolerances of a part.
Statistical Process Control (SPC). A method for using statistical analysis to monitor and control processes to ensure quality standards are met.
Dimensional Inspection. A process for inspecting objects and materials to ensure they conform to specified dimensions and tolerances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Quality Control Machinist?

A Quality Control Machinist is a skilled tradesperson responsible for inspecting and testing manufactured parts and products to ensure that they meet quality standards.

What skills are required of a Quality Control Machinist?

A Quality Control Machinist needs to be highly skilled in the use of precision measuring tools and equipment, have knowledge of manufacturing processes and be familiar with quality control procedures and standards.

What type of materials can Quality Control Machinists inspect?

Quality Control Machinists can inspect a variety of materials including metals, plastics, composites, ceramics, and alloys.

What are the responsibilities of a Quality Control Machinist?

The main responsibilities of a Quality Control Machinist include inspecting parts and products for any defects or irregularities, testing the accuracy of dimensions or tolerances with precision measuring equipment, and recording data in quality control logs and reports.

What qualifications are needed to become a Quality Control Machinist?

To become a Quality Control Machinist, an individual typically needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as completion of an apprenticeship program in machining or manufacturing technology. Additional certifications such as Quality Control Technician or Quality Inspector may also be required.

Web Resources

Machinist | Ogden-Weber Technical College www.otech.edu
Smart Machining and Quality Control in Remanufacturing www.a-star.edu.sg
What is a Manufacturing Quality Controller? | Goodwin University www.goodwin.edu