Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 31,410 - 84,250; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is looking for a skilled Metal and Plastic Model Maker to set up and operate machinery, including lathes and milling machines. The role involves devising tools and fixtures, while utilizing CAD and CAM software to fabricate parts. Candidates must demonstrate strong operational control and possess critical thinking skills. A deep understanding of quality control and troubleshooting is essential. The position offers a competitive salary range of approximately $31,410 to $84,250 annually, depending on experience and location.

Qualifications

• Ability to set up and operate machines to create working models.
• Proficiency in using CAD and CAM software for fabricating model parts.
• Skills in aligning, fitting, and joining parts accurately.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate lathes, milling and engraving machines.
• Devise tools, dies, molds, and fixtures for model making.
• Record production operations and specifications.

Skills

Operation and Control

Operation Monitoring

Monitoring

Quality Control Analysis

Troubleshooting

Critical Thinking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

CNC Software Mastercam

Job description

All About Metal and Plastic Model Makers

Job Description: Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Life As a Metal & Plastic Model Maker: What Do They Do?

• Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
• Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
• Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
• Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
• Use computer‑aided design (CAD) and computer‑aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
• Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

Metal & Plastic Model Maker Needed Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Model Makers say are important on the job.

• Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Process Mold Technician
• Product Builder

Is There Job Demand for Metal and Plastic Model Makers?

There were about 6,300 jobs for Metal and Plastic Model Maker in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Model Maker. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 600 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Metal & Plastic Model Maker are Utah, Arizona, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Oregon, Kentucky, or Colorado. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Metal and Plastic Model Makers make between $31,410 and $84,250 a year.

Metal and Plastic Model Makers who work in Washington, Massachusetts, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

What Tools do Metal and Plastic Model Makers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Model Makers may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• CNC Software Mastercam