Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Junction Machinist Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Junction Machinist Assistant is a foundational role within our manufacturing operations, serving as the essential support system for our team of skilled Junction Machinists and CNC operators. This position is designed for an individual with a strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to build a career in precision machining. The core purpose of this role is to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the machine shop by handling a wide range of preparatory, operational, and finishing tasks. This allows our senior machinists to focus on complex setups and high-precision machining. The Assistant is instrumental in maintaining workflow, upholding our stringent quality standards, and ensuring a safe and organized work environment, making them a key contributor to the overall success of the production floor.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Manufacturing Associate or Production Worker
Technical or Vocational School Graduate (Machining Program)
General Laborer with demonstrated mechanical interest

Advancement To:

Junction Machinist / Manual Machinist
CNC Machine Operator / Programmer
Quality Control Inspector

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician Assistant
Welding Assistant
Assembly Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior machinists in the setup and operation of various manual and CNC machines, including lathes, mills, grinders, and drill presses, by staging materials and tooling.
Accurately measure and verify dimensions of finished components using precision instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and bore gauges to ensure conformance to specifications.
Meticulously deburr, file, and sand machined parts to remove sharp edges and imperfections, ensuring they meet precise surface finish requirements and are safe to handle.
Operate band saws, cut-off saws, and other fabrication equipment to accurately cut raw material stock to specified lengths and sizes for upcoming machining jobs.
Perform thorough cleaning of machined parts using solvents, ultrasonic cleaners, or tumbling machines to remove oils, chips, and other residues in preparation for inspection or secondary operations.
Safely transport raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished components to and from workstations and storage areas using pallet jacks, carts, or other material handling equipment.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the machine shop, including sweeping floors, clearing workbenches, and properly disposing of scrap metal and other waste materials.
Monitor machine operations for any unusual noises or vibrations and promptly report any potential malfunctions or maintenance needs to the supervising machinist or shift lead.
Top off and maintain fluid levels in machines, including coolant and lubricants, and assist with the regular cleaning of machine sumps and chip conveyors.
Carefully package and prepare finished parts for shipping or transfer to other departments, ensuring they are protected from damage and correctly labeled.
Read and interpret basic engineering drawings, blueprints, and work orders to understand part specifications, material requirements, and operational sequences.
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on machinery and equipment, such as lubrication, filter changes, and basic adjustments under the guidance of a senior technician.
Use a variety of hand tools, including files, wrenches, and pneumatic grinders, to perform finishing, assembly, or minor adjustment tasks on machined components.
Document completed work accurately, recording quantities, run times, and any deviations on production logs or within the company's ERP system.
Adhere strictly to all company safety policies and procedures, including the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times within the production environment.
Assist with the management and organization of the tool crib, ensuring that cutting tools, holders, and fixtures are cleaned, inspected, and returned to their designated locations.
Perform first-piece and in-process inspections on parts to verify conformance to critical dimensions before proceeding with a full production run.
Operate bench grinders and other sharpening equipment to properly dress and prepare tool bits and drills under direct supervision.
Support the quality control department by gathering and delivering parts for detailed inspection and measurement.
Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives and team meetings, offering suggestions for enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency within the machine shop.

Secondary Functions

Assist in maintaining inventory levels of shop supplies, raw materials, and tooling, notifying the supervisor when items need to be reordered.
Contribute to a culture of safety by actively participating in safety audits and reporting any potential hazards or unsafe conditions.
Support the maintenance team during machine repairs or installations by providing hands-on assistance as directed.
Participate in company-provided training sessions to develop new skills in machining, blueprint reading, and quality control.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in the use of basic hand tools and power tools commonly found in a machine shop environment.
Ability to accurately read and interpret basic mechanical blueprints and engineering drawings.
Competency in using standard precision measuring instruments, including digital/dial calipers and micrometers.
Fundamental understanding of shop mathematics, including fractions, decimals, and basic geometry.
Experience operating material handling equipment such as pallet jacks and utility carts.
Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with the general function of machine tools (lathes, mills).
Knowledge of different types of metals and materials and their general properties.
Ability to operate a band saw or other industrial cutting equipment safely and effectively.
Skill in performing deburring and finishing operations using files, stones, and abrasive tools.
Basic computer literacy for time tracking and accessing digital work instructions.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to follow both verbal and written instructions precisely.
A proactive and collaborative team player attitude, willing to assist others as needed.
Eagerness and willingness to learn new skills and advance within the machining trade.
Strong problem-solving aptitude with the ability to think critically when faced with a challenge.
A safety-first mindset and a consistent awareness of the surrounding work environment.
Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma from a technical or vocational school in Machining Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machining Technology
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or mechanical shop environment.

Preferred:

Prior experience working as a shop helper, machinist trainee, or in a role involving hands-on mechanical assembly is highly desirable. Any exposure to CNC or manual machining operations is a significant plus.