Marine Corps MOS · Engineering
1321 Fabrication Specialist
Overview
A Fabrication Specialist manufactures, repairs, and modifies components using 3D printing, machining, and welding, combining the former Metal Worker and Machinist specialties. The specialist works from drawings and specifications, operates additive, CNC, welding, and water jet equipment, verifies quality with precision measurement and non-destructive testing, and produces parts at the unit level in the field.
Core Skills
- additive manufacturing and 3D printing
- precision machining and CNC operation
- metal fabrication and welding
- hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing
- reading blueprints and technical drawings
- CAD/CAM part design and preparation
- non-destructive testing and quality control
- equipment setup, calibration, and maintenance
- expeditionary manufacturing in austere environments
- job planning and material selection
Civilian Software & Tools
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Facilities Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)
- CNC Lathe Operations
- CNC Mill Operations
- Grinding II (Cylindrical)
Career Growth
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations
- CNC Mill Programming Setup & Operations
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
What the Work Involves
- Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
- Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
- Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Related Occupations
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 1321. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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