Skills
CNC Machinist Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in CNC machinists, and how to build and show them.
What skills do CNC machinists need?
CNC Machinists need technical skills such as blueprint reading and gd&t, cnc setup and operation, and precision measurement, plus people skills like attention to detail and patience. They also use tools such as CNC mills and lathes and Micrometers, calipers and height gauges.
Technical (hard) skills
- Blueprint reading and GD&T
- CNC setup and operation
- Precision measurement
- G-code basics
- CAM programming
- Feeds and speeds
People (soft) skills
- Attention to detail
- Patience
- Problem-solving
- Math skills
Tools, equipment and technology
- CNC mills and lathes
- Micrometers, calipers and height gauges
- Edge finders and probes
- CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion 360
- Cutting tools and tool holders
- Coordinate measuring machines (CMM)
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how CNC machinists put their skills to work:
- How to set a work offset on a CNC mill
- How to measure a part with an outside micrometer
- How to calculate spindle speed (RPM)
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Blueprint reading and GD&T” and “CNC setup and operation.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “attention to detail,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as NIMS credentials near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our CNC machinist glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our CNC Machinist training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.