Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, task by task.

The work this job is made of, grouped and scored on how much of its output software can produce today, then linked to what addresses it. What is left over is the job. The full activity list is underneath.

Also filed here51
  • operator
  • laser operator
  • stencil cutter
  • set up operator
  • machine operator
  • shot peening operator
  • welding robot operator
  • machine set up operator
  • laser beam trim operator
  • robotic machine operator
  • aircraft metals technician
  • automation machine operator
  • automated equipment operator
  • numerical control lathe operator
  • and 37 more
SOC code
51-9161.00
Activities scored
6
In O*NET
25 activities
Activities an agent can take on
5
Grounded in
O*NET 30.3
The tasks · Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsSOC 51-9161.00
Program CNC machines and modify cutting programsWhat can do this →
85% · agentMostly automatable
Calculate machine parameters and review specificationsWhat can do this →
82% · agentMostly automatable
Enter commands and control instructions into machinesWhat can do this →
78% · agentMostly automatable
Study blueprints to determine setup requirementsWhat can do this →
75% · agentMostly automatable
Measure finished workpieces for conformanceWhat can do this →
72% · agentMostly automatable
Mount workpieces, install tools, adjust controls, monitor operationWhat can do this →
18% · you keepBarely automatable
The team5 agents · 5 need no setup
CNC Programming Agent
G-code · Microsoft Excel · Autodesk AutoCAD
● No integration needed
Machining Calculator Agent
Microsoft Excel · CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator · Sheets
● No integration needed
Command Entry Agent
Direct motion computer numerically controlled CNC software · G-code · Docs
● No integration needed
Blueprint Analysis Agent
Autodesk AutoCAD · Dassault Systemes SolidWorks · Docs
● No integration needed
Measurement Documentation Agent
Microsoft Excel · Sheets · Docs
● No integration needed
You keep this
Physically mount, align, and secure workpieces and tooling on machinesMonitor machine operation in real-time and adjust for malfunctions or quality issuesPerform hands-on maintenance, tool changes, and equipment troubleshootingOwn final approval of workpiece quality and production decisions

Automatability scores estimate how much of a task an agent can reliably do today, grounded in O*NET task data. They are not predictions of job loss.

Start with these three

The most automatable work in this job, and the one tool we would use for each. Every task has a page of its own with the reasoning and every occupation that does it.

Program CNC machines and modify cutting programs85% · work done in software · mostly automatable
ClaudeFrom $20/moWhy this one
Calculate machine parameters and review specifications82% · analysis and evaluation work · mostly automatable
ClaudeFrom $20/moWhy this one
Enter commands and control instructions into machines78% · work done in software · mostly automatable
ClaudeFrom $20/moWhy this one
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The full activity list

All 25 detailed work activities O*NET records for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators, grouped by how much of each one software can take on. Every row has its own page.

Mostly automatable 5

Mostly automatable activities for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
ActivityJobs
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications50
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements23
Program equipment to perform production tasks15
Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production12
Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment8

Partly automatable 1

Partly automatable activities for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
ActivityJobs
Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions8

Barely automatable 19

Barely automatable activities for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
ActivityJobs
Clean production equipment51
Load materials into production equipment40
Maintain production or processing equipment38
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment37
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment36
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning35
Replace worn equipment components32
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment30
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions26
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references26
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning21
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications20
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products16
Install mechanical components in production equipment14
Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow14
Stack finished items for further processing or shipment13
Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment12
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment11
Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces3