Machine Operator (Second Shift)

Grinding Technician

Shift: Second Shift (3PM-1:30AM Mon-Thurs)

Summary

The Grinding Technician is responsible for setup, operation, in-process inspection, and troubleshooting of grinding equipment to produce high-precision components that meet customer specifications and quality standards. This role supports finishing operations from setup through final In Process inspection and plays a critical role in maintaining tight tolerances and superior surface finishes while contributing to continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

Safety, HS&E, and Compliance:

• Enforce company safety policies and promote a strong safety culture.
• Ensure PPE usage, safety training participation, near-miss reporting, and monthly safety inspections.
• Maintain OSHA and EPA compliance across assigned operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up, align, and operate grinding machines (Blanchard Grinders / Rotary Surface grinders)
• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to accurately finish parts to tight tolerances.
• Select appropriate grinding wheels, dressing tools, and machine parameters for optimal performance.
• Perform wheel dressing, balancing, and routine maintenance of grinding equipment.
• Perform in-process inspections and final inspections using precision measuring tools such as Calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, indicators, and surface finish instruments Keyence.
• Make machine adjustments to achieve required tolerances and surface finishes.
• Troubleshoot dimensional or surface quality issues during production.
• Verify product quality and ensure conformance to specifications and customer requirements.
• Maintain proper documentation of grinding operations as required.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area (5S standards).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase process capability and reduce scrap/rework.
• Perform basic maintenance on machines

Documentation & Reporting

• Record production checks, inspection results, and issues in Excel or ERP systems (Invex).
• Maintain accurate data for job tracking, traceability, scrap reporting, and production performance.
• Communication defects, delays, and equipment concerns, to leadership and support teams.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform material handling, including loading and unloading parts.
• Clean and prepare parts after grinding operations.
• Support inventory handling and part staging as needed.
• Assist with inspection processes and packaging of finished goods.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of grinding processes and precision finishing techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings with tight tolerances.
• Knowledge of grinding wheels, and dressing methods.
• Solid shop math skills, including fractions, decimals, and metric/imperial conversions.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a precision-focused environment.

Work Ethic

• Reliable, self-motivated, and quality-driven mindset.
• Takes ownership of work, machines, and continuous improvement efforts.

Communication & Teamwork

• Effective communication with machinists, operators, leaders, and quality teams.
• Ability to work cross-functionally across departments to resolve issues and improve processes.

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• 2+ years of grinding, precision, or manual machining experience preferred. Machine operation of any type is a positive. 
• Experience Blanchard Grinders / Rotary Surface grinders a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Frequent handling of tools, parts, and inspection equipment.
• Good vision required, including close-up focus for precision inspection work.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing shop environment.
• Exposure to moving machinery, noise, coolant, and metalworking conditions