Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications; make adjustments as necessary. Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools. File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together. Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools. Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects. Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates. Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, and rulers. Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness and heat tolerance. Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes. Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly. Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators. Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications. Cast plastic tools or parts, or tungsten-carbide cutting tips, using pre-made molds. Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products. Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software. Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces, and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.

Mechanical -- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Operation and Control -- Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Equipment Selection -- Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job. Quality Control Analysis -- Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. Installation -- Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications. Operations Analysis -- Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Control Precision -- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Wrist-Finger Speed -- The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Manual Dexterity -- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Finger Dexterity -- The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. Information Ordering -- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). Visualization -- The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.