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Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Also called: Machine Operator, Molder, Process Technician, Production Technician

What they do:

Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.

On the job, you would:
  • Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
  • Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
  • Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Initiative

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Intera Systems Hawk-i
  • Visi-Trak True-Trak 20/20

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $37,050

Education

High school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.