Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: Career & Application Guide

What do cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders do?

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Cutter
Cutter Operator
Cutting Machine Operator
Die Cutter Operator
Flat Cutter
Machine Operator
Paper Cutter
Sheeter

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

Remove defective or substandard materials from machines, and readjust machine components so that products meet standards.
Maintain production records, such as quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
Adjust machine controls to alter position, alignment, speed, or pressure.
Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
Remove completed materials or products from cutting or slicing machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.
Stack and sort cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping, according to types and sizes of material.
Type instructions on computer keyboards, push buttons to activate computer programs, or manually set cutting guides, clamps, and knives.

Prepare an application for this occupation

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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