Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knife Machinist Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Knife Machinist Assistant is a vital, hands-on role supporting our senior machinists and the overall production of high-quality knives. You will be the backbone of the machine shop, ensuring that equipment is running smoothly, materials are prepared, and quality standards are meticulously met. This position is a fantastic entry point into the world of precision manufacturing, offering a direct career path for individuals passionate about craftsmanship, mechanics, and creating tangible, top-tier products. You'll be instrumental in the day-to-day operations that transform raw materials into finished works of functional art.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Production or Manufacturing Associate
Recent Trade School or Vocational Program Graduate
Assembly Line Worker with a mechanical aptitude

Advancement To:

CNC Machine Operator / CNC Machinist
Senior Knife Machinist or Toolmaker
Quality Control Inspector / Technician
Production Supervisor or Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician
Finishing or Assembly Specialist
R&D Prototyping Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior machinists with the setup, calibration, and operation of various machines, including CNC mills, lathes, surface grinders, and manual machinery.
Load and unload raw materials such as steel blanks and handle materials into machinery, ensuring proper alignment and securing of workpieces.
Operate basic shop equipment like saws, sanders, and drill presses to prepare materials for more complex machining operations.
Perform initial quality control checks on machined parts using precision measuring instruments like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify conformance to specifications.
Monitor machine operations closely, listening for unusual noises or signs of mechanical issues, and immediately reporting any deviations to the lead machinist.
Conduct deburring, tumbling, and hand-finishing operations on knife components to remove sharp edges and prepare them for the next stage of production.
Read and interpret basic blueprints, work orders, and technical drawings to understand part dimensions, tolerances, and material requirements.
Change out worn or broken tooling, such as drill bits, end mills, and grinding wheels, under the supervision of a senior team member.
Maintain a consistent and efficient workflow by organizing and staging parts and materials for upcoming production runs.
Accurately document production data, including part counts, cycle times, and scrap rates, in our manufacturing execution system.
Support the sharpening and honing process, learning the techniques to create and refine razor-sharp edges on finished blades.
Participate actively in troubleshooting minor production issues, collaborating with the team to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Ensure all finished components are cleaned, properly sorted, and transported to the subsequent department, such as heat treatment or assembly.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine and preventative maintenance on machinery, including cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and topping off fluid levels.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by sweeping floors, wiping down equipment, and properly storing tools and supplies.
Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
Assist with inventory management by helping to count, sort, and store raw materials, tooling, and shop supplies.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement.
Contribute to the team's continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions for enhancing efficiency and quality.
Collaborate with the quality assurance team to understand defect trends and help implement preventative measures at the machine level.
Participate in sprint planning and daily stand-up meetings to align on production priorities and team goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Basic Machine Operation: Familiarity with operating machinery such as drill presses, band saws, and sanders.
Precision Measurement: Ability to use and read calipers, micrometers, and other measurement tools accurately.
Blueprint Reading: Foundational ability to interpret simple technical drawings and schematics.
Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of how mechanical systems work and a natural ability to work with tools and machinery.
Hand and Power Tool Proficiency: Safe and effective use of a variety of hand tools (wrenches, files) and power tools.
Basic Shop Math: Competency in performing calculations involving fractions, decimals, and basic geometry.
Computer Literacy: Ability to interact with basic computer software for data entry and retrieving work orders.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough when performing tasks to ensure high-quality outcomes and part accuracy.
Willingness to Learn: A strong desire to absorb new information, develop technical skills, and take constructive feedback.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically to identify issues and assist in finding practical solutions.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively with others, supporting team members to achieve shared production goals.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and dedicated to completing tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
Safety Conscious: Proactively aware of and committed to maintaining a safe working environment for oneself and others.
Verbal Communication: Clearly communicates issues, questions, and status updates to supervisors and team members.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational school or community college in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 2 years in a manufacturing, production, or similar hands-on environment.

Preferred: Previous experience as a machine operator helper, shop assistant, or in a role requiring a high degree of mechanical aptitude is highly desirable. Direct experience in a metalworking or CNC environment is a significant plus.