Your shift starts at the bench: you review prints with tight GD&T callouts, confirm work orders, and plan your approach. You choose the right wheel, dress it, and set speeds and feeds. On the floor, you split time between programmable wet grinders and manual machines—most often Okamoto and Parker Majestic—bringing steel and alloy parts into tolerance with crisp, flat finishes.
As parts move through the process, you measure with micrometers, calipers, and an optical comparator, documenting in-process checks and making minor machine adjustments to hold spec. You coordinate with operations, engineering, and admin so jobs flow smoothly. Throughout the day, you keep safety first, wear PPE, and keep your grinders tuned for top performance.
- Set up and run surface grinding equipment, including programmable wet grinders and manual machines (Okamoto and Parker Majestic).
- Select, mount, and dress grinding wheels; set speeds/feeds; fixture parts to suit the work.
- Interpret blueprints, work orders, and technical drawings with complex GD&T.
- Perform in-process and final inspections using micrometers, calipers, and optical comparators.
- Troubleshoot setups; complete wheel dressing and minor adjustments to keep machines at peak performance.
- Follow safety procedures and PPE requirements at all times.
- Partner with operations, engineering, and admin to meet quality and production goals.
- Other duties as requested.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum 5 years setting up and operating manual surface grinding machines.
- Strong background with programmable wet grinders and manual grinders.
- Hands-on experience with manual Parker Majestic and Okamoto Linear 618 (or equivalent) required.
- Experience with an Okamoto wet grinder strongly preferred.
- Blanchard grinding experience is a major plus.
- Expert blueprint reading and GD&T skills.
- Comfort working in low-volume, high-mix environments.
- Steady hand, exceptional attention to detail, and pride in craftsmanship.
- Clear communicator and collaborative teammate.
- Own essential tools (micrometers, calipers, depth micrometer, etc.).
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Work may require sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods, primarily on level surfaces.
- Activities may involve reaching above shoulder height, below waist level, and lifting as needed to process or store materials.
- Proper lifting techniques are required. Lifting up to 50 pounds may be necessary on occasion. Pushing or pulling with a maximum force of up to 150 pounds may also be required.
- This position requires working in a manufacturing environment, with exposure to ambient room temperatures, standard lighting, and traditional manufacturing equipment.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including safety glasses with side shields; hearing protection may be required under certain conditions.
