A professional who files grooved, contoured, and irregular surfaces of metal objects, such as metalworking dies and machine parts, to conform to templates, other parts, layout, or blueprint specifications. Responsibilities include:

• Studies blueprint or layout on workpiece, and selects files according to material, size and shape of work, and amount of stock to be removed, applying knowledge of filing procedures.
• Files workpiece surface to layout lines, and inspects with magnifying glass.
• Verifies conformity of finished workpiece by positioning workpiece against template or other part, or by measuring dimensions, using instruments, such as vernier calipers, micrometers, and surface gauges.
• Smooths and polishes workpiece with emery cloth or power buffer, and feels surface with fingers for smoothness.
• May lay out workpiece or saw out template or layout.
• May functionally test workpiece by mounting workpiece in press or with other parts and operating press or machine.
• May specialize according to product as die filer.