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O*NET detailed work activity

Program equipment to perform production tasks

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Part of Program computer systems or production equipment, under the O*NET work activity group Working with Computers. Individual tasks below can carry a different label when their own wording calls for it (1 AI-ready, 20 AI-assist, 2 stays human).

Tasks built on this activity

• Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
• Program computer numerical control machines.AI-assist Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
• Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
• Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.AI-assist Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.AI-assist Machinists
• Set up future jobs while machines are operating.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.AI-assist Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Program computerized numerical control machine tools.AI-assist Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
• Program electronic equipment.AI-assist Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Program electronic equipment.AI-assist Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.AI-assist Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.AI-assist Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Program lighting consoles or load automated lighting control systems onto consoles.AI-assist Lighting Technicians
• Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.AI-assist Printing Press Operators
• Set up, program, or control computer-aided design (CAD) or computer numerical control (CNC) machines.AI-assist Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Program computers to operate machinery.AI-assist Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

Tasks where it is part of the work

• Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.Stays human Prepress Technicians and Workers
• Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.Stays human Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
• Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.AI-ready Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic