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CNC Machine Operator

Skilled Trades

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Mechanical Engineering

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  2. 2Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
  3. 3Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  4. 4Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
  5. 5Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
  6. 6Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
  7. 7Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
  8. 8Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
  9. 9Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
  10. 10Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  11. 11Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
  12. 12Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
  13. 13Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
  14. 14Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
  15. 15Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
  16. 16Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
  17. 17Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
  18. 18Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
  19. 19Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
  20. 20Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
  21. 21Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
  22. 22Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
  23. 23Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
  24. 24Control coolant systems.
  25. 25Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
  26. 26Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
  27. 27Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • CNC Tech
  • Operator
  • PLC Tech
  • CNC Operator
  • CNC Machinist
  • Laser Operator
  • Stencil Cutter
  • Set Up Operator
  • Machine Operator
  • CNC Gear Operator

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. Typical entry

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationHigh school diploma

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Design & Technology (RBT)Draws directly on Production and Processing — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Mechanical Engineering StudiesDraws directly on Production and Processing — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Mechanical — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Mathematics83%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Production and Processing81%

    Design & Technology (RBT)Mechanical Engineering Studies

  • Mechanical76%

    Mechanical Engineering StudiesPhysicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • English Language66%

    English

  • Engineering and Technology66%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Education and Training62%

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
  • Leading or coordinating othersVery high
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentEvery day

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

0%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

On Malaysia's official shortage list

TalentCorp and ILMIA's Critical Occupations List — evidence of a real hiring shortage in Malaysia right now.

Matched to a related occupation on the list, not this exact job title.

Stationary Plant and Machine Operators Not Elsewhere Classified · Shortage indicators met: 4/12

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
See pay for a related career: Welder

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Matriculation

One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.

12–24 months

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org