A machinist resume has to prove you hold tight tolerances and produce quality parts with minimal scrap. Hiring managers look for the machines and controls you run, your inspection and measurement skills, and a record of precision under production pressure. This example shows how to frame machining work around tolerances and quality, list the equipment and programming you know, and keep the resume clean for shop supervisors and ATS screening.
Sample resume
Greg Novak
CNC Machinist · Precision Machining & Setup
Cincinnati, OH
Professional summary
CNC machinist with 7 years running mills and lathes to tight tolerances. Strong at setup, first-article inspection, and process adjustments that reduce scrap and hold quality.
Experience
CNC Machinist
Mar 2019 – Present
Queen City Precision · Cincinnati, OH
- Set up and ran 3- and 4-axis CNC mills to tolerances of ±0.0005", passing first-article inspection consistently.
- Reduced scrap 20% by optimizing feeds, speeds, and tooling on a recurring aerospace part.
- Interpreted GD&T drawings and verified parts with micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
Machinist
Mar 2015 – Feb 2019
Ohio Valley Machine · Cincinnati, OH
- Operated manual and CNC lathes on production runs, meeting output and quality targets.
- Performed in-process inspection and documented dimensions for quality control.
Education
- Machining Technology Certificate — Cincinnati State Technical CollegeJan 2015 – Jun 2015
- NIMS Certification (CNC Milling) — NIMSJan 2017 – Jun 2017
Skills
Sample resume summary
Machinist resume focused on precision, CNC operation, measurement, setup, and quality control.
Achievement bullet examples
- Set up and operated CNC or manual machines to meet tolerance and production requirements.
- Read technical drawings and used gauges to verify part accuracy.
- Adjusted tooling, feeds, and speeds to improve quality and reduce scrap.
Skills to highlight
ATS keywords
How to write this resume
State the tolerances you hold
Precision is the whole job. Naming tolerances (e.g. ±0.0005") tells a shop exactly what level of work you are capable of.
Name machines, controls, and inspection
List the mills, lathes, controls (Fanuc, Haas), and measurement tools you use. GD&T and first-article inspection show real quality discipline.
Quantify quality and scrap
Scrap reduction, first-pass yield, and inspection pass rate prove you protect quality and cost. Pair each with a number where you can.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not stating the tolerances or precision level you work to.
- Listing "ran machines" without the specific equipment, controls, and inspection tools.
- Omitting GD&T and measurement skills central to the trade.
- Ignoring scrap or quality metrics that show production value.
Frequently asked questions
What should a machinist resume include?
The tolerances you hold, a summary, the machines and controls you run, GD&T and inspection skills, quality/scrap metrics, and relevant certifications like NIMS.
How do I show precision on a machinist resume?
State specific tolerances, first-article and in-process inspection experience, and measurement tools you use, along with scrap-reduction or yield numbers.
Should machinists list CNC controls on a resume?
Yes — name the controls (Fanuc, Haas, Mazak) and machine types you run, since shops screen for specific equipment experience.