Marine Corps MOS · Engineering
2161 Machinist
Overview
A Machinist fabricates, repairs, and modifies engineer, motor transport, and weapons equipment and accessories using machine tools and welding equipment. The machinist works from specifications and drawings, verifies accuracy with precision measuring devices, maintains shop equipment, and coordinates work with other repair shops.
Core Skills
- precision machining and fabrication
- reading blueprints and technical drawings
- CNC and manual machine operation
- measurement and quality control
- equipment setup and calibration
- preventive maintenance on shop equipment
- documentation and job tracking
- safety and risk management
- attention to detail and accuracy
- working from technical specifications
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
- Construction Management
- Facilities Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- CNC Lathe Operations
- CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations
- CNC Mill II · Funded
- CNC Mill Operations · Funded
- CNC Mill Programming Setup & Operations
Career Growth
- Grinding I
- Grinding II (Cylindrical)
- Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout · Funded
- Measurement, Materials, and Safety
- Milling I
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
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Tool and Die Makers
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
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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