94102 – Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters

Lead statement

Glass process control operators run multi-functional process control machinery to melt, form and cut float glass and glass products.

Main duties

• Glass process control operators
• Operate multi-function process control machinery through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems to mix and melt raw materials; heat, anneal, temper or form float glass or glass products; and coat glass with silver or other metals and materials
• Observe gauges, computer printouts and video monitors to verify specified processing conditions and make adjustments as necessary
• Maintain shift log of production and other data
• May operate process control machinery to cut glass or assemble glass window units
• May clean and maintain process machinery
• May ensure adequate levels of oil, soap, talc or other materials used in machine production of glass.
• Glass forming machine operators
• Set up and adjust automatic glass feeding, flowing and forming machines
• Operate and maintain machines that press or blow molten glass in moulds to form or shape containers, such as bottles, jars and drinking glasses
• Operate electric kilns that heat glass sheets and mould to the shape and curve of metal jigs
• Spray or swab moulds with oil solutions to prevent adhesion of glass
• Weigh, measure and check production samples to assess conformance to specifications using scales and gauges and by visual verification.
• Glass finishing machine operators
• Set up and adjust glass and glass-product finishing machines
• Operate and maintain finishing machines to grind, drill, sand, bevel, decorate, wash or polish glass or glass products
• Visually inspect products for quality
• Record manufacturing information such as quantity, size and type of goods produced.
• Glass cutters
• Jig, measure and mark glass or place pattern on or under glass for cutting
• Examine and mark defective glass to obtain best cut
• Cut glass along marked outlines or around pattern using hand tools
• Smooth rough edges using belt sander or smoothing wheels
• Set up, operate and adjust computerized or robotic glass cutting equipment
• Monitor process for product quality.

Employment requirements

• Completion of secondary school may be required.
• Experience as a machine operator helper in glass manufacturing is usually required for machine operators in this unit group.
• Experience as a glass cutter helper is usually required for manual glass cutters.

Example job titles

gatherer - glass products manufacturing · ornamental glass production worker · glass furnace setter-operator · glass furnace set-up operator · glass-blowing machine operator · glass forming operator · glass furnace operator · glass temperer · mirror maker · glass beveller · glass polisher · glass buffer · glass etcher · glass-finishing machine operator · glass grinder · glass laminator · glass edger operator · hand glass cutter · glass cutter operator · glass cutter

Wages (per hour)

Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.