What Is a Screw Machine Operator and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A screw machine operator is a type of machinist who uses an automatic lathe to build specialty and custom-ordered parts or tools. As a screw machine operator, you install stops, gears, and cams and adjust them to produce parts to client specifications. Your responsibilities include the operation and monitoring of the turning machine and other machinery as each part is made and testing each piece against the blueprints. Screw machine operators need a high school degree or a GED certificate. Skills and qualifications that help in a screw machine operator career include mechanical experience and mathematical abilities. You need to be able to read blueprints accurately and properly service and maintain your equipment.

To meet the minimum qualifications required to perform your responsibilities as a screw machine operator, you should be able to read blueprints and understand product specifications; position, secure, and sharpen the tools; set the specifications for operation; replace parts; and control the turning machine throughout the settings. Many companies prefer candidates with a high school diploma and a minimum of two years of experience powering an automatic lathe type screw machine. A screw machine operator needs mathematical skills as well as the ability to meet the physical demands of the position.