According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences. | 95% |
| Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers. | 94% |
| Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools. | 92% |
| Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets. | 92% |
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. | 91% |
| Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment. | 90% |
| Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards. | 89% |
| Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions. | 89% |
| Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts. | 88% |
| Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools. | 87% |
| Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing. | 86% |
| Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts. | 84% |
| Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines. | 84% |
| Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications. | 83% |
| Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures. | 76% |
| Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components. | 69% |
