High Automation Risk
This role has an above-average probability of significant AI or automation disruption. Consider upskilling and monitoring AI tooling in this sector.
Machinist (Night Shift)
👤 For candidates
🤖 Enhance with AI
- ›Learn CNC programming with AI-assisted simulation tools
- ›Use digital measurement systems for faster quality checks
- ›Apply AI-driven maintenance alerts to reduce downtime
📈 Disruption outlook
% risk of significant disruption
🎓 Learn now
📚 For full-time, part-time & evening courses on the Isle of Man, visit University College Isle of Man (UCM)
🏢 For employers
🔄 Alternatives
Automates multi-axis machining and tool changes
Automates measurement and defect detection using vision systems
Upskills machinists for flexible, AI-augmented roles
⚡ Recommendation
🔀 Hybrid approachAI augments complex tasks but human expertise remains essential for aerospace quality
Microsoft Copilot & M365
Automate maintenance logs and machine performance alerts
Analyse production data and quality trends
Visualise output, downtime, and defect rates
Machinists
O*NET 51-4041.00
🏢 For Employers
This role scores highly for automation potential. You may want to consider a technological solution - or redesign the role to focus on tasks that benefit from human judgement.
👤 For Candidates
This role is highly automatable. Unless you can augment your work using AI tools, long-term prospects in this area may be limited. Consider building complementary skills that are harder to automate.
Job Description
Automation Risk
This role contains a significant proportion of routine and semi-routine tasks (machine operation, measurement, part finishing) that are increasingly automatable with advanced robotics and CNC automation. However, tasks requiring interpretation of engineering drawings, troubleshooting, team collaboration, and independent judgment remain less automatable but are highly exposed to AI augmentation. Overall, the role is at medium-to-high risk of automation, with strong AI exposure for task support.
Task analysis
- Set up and operate CNC milling, turning, and EDM machines to manufacture aircraft landing gear components.
- Check and verify own work using CMM and manual measuring equipment to ensure aerospace tolerances.
- Perform part marking, manual broaching, lapping, and cleaning of components.
- Conduct first-line maintenance and calibration of machines.
- Interpret engineering drawings and work instructions to determine machining methods and sequences.
- Program CNC machines using controls such as Mazak, Fanuc, Okuma, and Mori Seiki.
- Collaborate with team members to meet production targets and resolve issues.
- Work independently with minimal supervision, maintaining high standards and safety compliance.
Occupational Classification
UK Salary Benchmark
Architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis · ONS ASHE 2024 annual earnings
👤 For Candidates
AI & future-of-work guidance
🤖 Enhance with AI
- ›Learn CNC programming with AI-assisted simulation tools
- ›Use digital measurement systems for faster quality checks
- ›Apply AI-driven maintenance alerts to reduce downtime
📈 Disruption outlook
% risk of significant disruption
🎓 Learn now
📚 For full-time, part-time & evening courses on the Isle of Man, visit University College Isle of Man (UCM)
🏢 For Employers
Strategic hiring options & technology alternatives
🔄 Alternatives
Automates multi-axis machining and tool changes
Automates measurement and defect detection using vision systems
Upskills machinists for flexible, AI-augmented roles
⚡ Recommendation
🔀 Hybrid approachAI augments complex tasks but human expertise remains essential for aerospace quality
Microsoft Copilot & M365
Automate maintenance logs and machine performance alerts
Analyse production data and quality trends
Visualise output, downtime, and defect rates
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
O*NET Competency Skills
Alternative Career Paths
Specializes in creating and optimizing CNC programs for complex manufacturing tasks.
Oversees production teams and ensures quality and efficiency in manufacturing cells.
Focuses on inspecting and verifying precision components for compliance with standards.
Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on manufacturing equipment.
Also Consider
🔥 Hot Technologies
In-demand tools for this occupation (O*NET)
Work Activities
General work activities from O*NET
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Getting Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Processing Information
- Training and Teaching Others
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
- Working with Computers
Anthropic Economic Index
Real-world AI adoption data from millions of Claude conversations · Dataset ↗
Observed Claude Usage
0%
of conversations
Classic Auto. Risk
65%
Frey & Osborne
Job Zone
3/5
Medium prep
O*NET Median Salary
£34k
US ref. $44k · fx 0.79
Occupational family: Production
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