The Federal Job Series 3400 – Machine Tool Work is a group of skilled trades jobs under the Federal Wage System (FWS) that involve operating, setting up, and maintaining machine tools used to make, change, and fix metal and other materials. These jobs are very important for helping federal agencies with their manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance demands, especially in defense, aerospace, and infrastructure operations.

This series includes jobs that need the use of manual and computer-controlled machine tools such lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) equipment. People in this series are in charge of reading blueprints and technical drawings, choosing the right equipment and materials, setting up machines, and doing accurate machining work to make or fix parts and components.

Some important jobs in the 3400 series are:

• Machinist (3414) – Uses a range of machine tools to make precise metal pieces. It is common for machinists to work from comprehensive plans and have strict tolerances.
• Toolmaker (3416) is a job that involves making and fixing the tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures that are used in manufacturing and assembly.
• Machine Tool Operator (3417): Works with machine tools under close supervision, doing the same operations over and over again with minimal focus on setup or accuracy.
• Instrument Maker (3416) makes precise tools and gadgets, usually for scientific or technical purposes.

People who work in these jobs need to be very good with technology, pay attention to details, and know how to use machines, metals, and safety rules. To make sure that the work is accurate and of high quality, workers need to be able to use measurement tools like micrometers, calipers, and gauges.

The 3400 series is very important for making and keeping the mechanical parts that keep the federal government working efficiently. Machine tool workers are very important to the government workforce. They make parts for military vehicles, fix parts for research equipment, and help with infrastructure projects.