Machinist Resume Example & Writing Guide
Build a professional machinist resume. Includes CNC machinist examples, precision manufacturing skills, and tips for showcasing tolerances and certifications.
Machinist Resume Example
Here's a professional machinist resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.
Alex Johnson
Machinist
New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Professional Summary
Precision CNC Machinist with 8+ years of experience operating and programming CNC mills and lathes in aerospace and automotive manufacturing. Expert in reading GD&T blueprints, holding tolerances to ±0.0005", and performing first-article inspections. Known for zero-defect production and continuous improvement contributions.
Work Experience
Senior Machinist
2022 – Present
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
- •Operated and programmed 5-axis CNC mills producing aerospace components with tolerances of ±0.0005"
- •Maintained a 99.7% quality rate across 10,000+ parts produced annually with zero customer returns
- •Reduced cycle times by 18% through toolpath optimization and custom fixturing solutions
Machinist
2019 – 2022
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL
- •Trained 5 junior machinists on CNC programming, blueprint reading, and quality inspection procedures
- •Led a Kaizen event that improved shop floor efficiency by 25% and reduced scrap by $40K annually
Skills
CNC Milling • CNC Turning • Manual Machining • G-Code/M-Code Programming • Mastercam/Fusion 360 • GD&T Blueprint Reading • Precision Measurement (CMM) • Calipers & Micrometers • First Article Inspection • Tooling Selection • SPC/Quality Control • Lean Manufacturing • Preventive Maintenance • Material Selection • 5S/Kaizen
Education
Machining Technology Certificate
Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology
Apprenticeship in Precision Machining
Machinist Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for amachinist with 8+ years of experience:
“Precision CNC Machinist with 8+ years of experience operating and programming CNC mills and lathes in aerospace and automotive manufacturing. Expert in reading GD&T blueprints, holding tolerances to ±0.0005", and performing first-article inspections. Known for zero-defect production and continuous improvement contributions.”
“Hardworking machinist looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”
Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.
Work Experience Bullet Points
Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a machinist resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:
- Operated and programmed 5-axis CNC mills producing aerospace components with tolerances of ±0.0005"
- Maintained a 99.7% quality rate across 10,000+ parts produced annually with zero customer returns
- Reduced cycle times by 18% through toolpath optimization and custom fixturing solutions
- Trained 5 junior machinists on CNC programming, blueprint reading, and quality inspection procedures
- Led a Kaizen event that improved shop floor efficiency by 25% and reduced scrap by $40K annually
Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”
Key Skills for a Machinist Resume
Include these skills on your machinist resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:
ATS Keywords for Machinist Resume
These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in machinist resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:
Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.
Education & Certifications
Education
- Machining Technology Certificate
- Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology
- Apprenticeship in Precision Machining
Certifications
- NIMS Certified CNC Machinist
- NIMS Certified CNC Programmer
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- Lean Manufacturing Certification
Expert Tips for Your Machinist Resume
Include specific tolerances you can hold — precision matters
List CNC machines, software, and programming languages used
Quantify quality rates, parts produced, and scrap reduction
Highlight NIMS certifications and specialized training
Show continuous improvement contributions (Lean, Kaizen, 5S)
Machinist Salary & Job Outlook
Entry Level
$38K
Median Salary
$49K
Experienced
$72K
Job Outlook
-5% decline (2022-2032), due to automation
Source: BLS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a machinist put on a resume?
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What certifications help a machinist resume?
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