Chain making machine operator
Also known as: engine turner, jewellery chainmaker, lay out technician, novelty chain maker, chain making machine operative, hand chain making operator
About this occupation
Chain making machine operators tend and operate the proper equipment and machinery for the creation of metal chains, including precious metal chains such as for jewellery, and produce these in all steps of the production process. They feed the wire into the chainmaking machine, use pliers to hook the ends of the chain formed by the machine together and finish and trim the edges by soldering them to a smooth surface.
Essential skills and knowledge
- remove inadequate workpieces
- ensure equipment availability
- supply machine
- types of metal
- troubleshoot
- types of chain
- operate hand tools in chain making
- quality standards
- monitor automated machines
- monitor moving workpiece in a machine
- tend chain making machine
- perform test run
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other (O*NET 51-4199.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
US median pay: US$45,950 a year (2025), 15,900 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.