Honing Machine Operator

Job Title

Honing Machine Operator

Purpose

Set up, operate, and maintain honing machines to produce precision-finished metal parts. Ensure components meet dimensional, surface finish, and quality specifications while maintaining safety and production efficiency.

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required

• Technical or vocational training in machining preferred

Knowledge

• Mechanical & Machining: Operation, maintenance, and repair of machines and tools

• Precision Measurement: Use of micrometers, calipers, gauges, and surface finish measuring tools

• Mathematics: Basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry for measurements and calculations

• Production & Quality Control: Knowledge of machining processes, tolerances, and inspection techniques

• Safety & Compliance: Awareness of workplace safety procedures and regulations

Skills

Technical Skills

• Machine setup and adjustment

• Operation and monitoring of honing equipment

• Precision measuring and inspection

• Troubleshooting and minor machine maintenance

• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications

• Recording operational and quality data

Core Skills

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Critical thinking and problem-solving

• Time management and organizational skills

• Communication and teamwork

• Active learning and adaptability

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Read and interpret work orders, drawings, and specifications to determine machining requirements

• Set up and adjust honing machines, including tooling, speed, feed rates, and fixtures

• Load workpieces into machines and secure them for processing

• Operate honing machines and monitor operations for quality and efficiency

• Measure and inspect machined parts using precision instruments

• Adjust machine settings as needed to maintain tolerance and surface finish requirements

• Perform first-piece inspection and document measurements before full production runs

• Record production quantities, material usage, and inspection results

• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on machines

• Identify and report defective parts or operational issues to supervisors

• Follow all safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Work Context

Physical & Body Positioning

• Standing for long periods

• Walking and bending to load/unload materials

• Handling and manipulating heavy workpieces

• Repetitive hand and arm motions

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to metal dust, lubricants, and noise

• Hot or cold temperature depending on workshop conditions

• Requires use of PPE: safety glasses, gloves, ear protection, steel-toe shoes

Pace & Scheduling

• Production pace determined by machine speed and work orders

• Time-sensitive work with attention to quality

Communication & Teamwork

• Coordinate with supervisors, team members, and quality inspectors

• Document production and inspection data accurately

Activities

• Operating and monitoring honing machines

• Using hand tools and measuring instruments

• Inspecting workpieces for dimensions, surface finish, and quality

• Loading/unloading materials and managing workpiece flow

• Recording production and inspection data

• Maintaining machine and work area cleanliness

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating honing machines or similar precision machining equipment

• Ability to read technical drawings and measurement specifications

• Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity

• Knowledge of safety procedures and proper PPE use

• Effective communication and teamwork skills