Surface Grinder
Set up, operate, and tend rotary grinding machines and related tools to remove excess material, burrs, or sharp edges from metal workpieces. Grind parts to specified thickness per customer work orders and inspect all raw and finished parts using calipers and micrometers. Ensure compliance with specifications, safety standards, and production schedules.
Production (100%)
Inspect sample workpieces for conformance with specifications using gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators
Study job orders for specifications, tooling instructions, material requirements, and operational sequences
Adjust machine controls, cutting speeds, depths, and feed rates to maintain tolerances
Start grinders and monitor operations to ensure specifications are met
Perform grinding cycles, stopping to adjust grinding wheel positions and machine controls as needed
Replace worn tools and sharpen dull cutting tools using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines
Compute machine settings and unspecified dimensions using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics
Verify machines through startup protocol: ensure magnets are off, grinding wheels are functional, and machines are clean
Communicate with shift operators regarding daily schedules and special instructions
Select and prioritize orders according to supervisor guidance, due dates, and weekly customer schedules
Verify that prints match job travelers
Check thickness after each grind; report deviations immediately to supervisor
Record completed orders, scrap, and shortages in ShopTrak or equivalent CAM software
Sign off complete or partial work orders and move finished parts to the next station
Ensure different customers' orders are not double-stacked on the same cart
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred; less than High School acceptable with relevant experience
Professional, technical, or administrative training, or equivalent apprenticeship in manufacturing
Minimum 3 years of work-related experience, plus 3 months adaptation to specific job duties
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
Knowledge of metal properties, grinding techniques, and shop mathematics
Proficiency with precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, dial indicators)
Ability to adjust and monitor machine controls for tolerances
Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of grinding equipment
Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety standards
Ability to follow complex instructions and adapt to changing production priorities
Effective communication and teamwork skills
Continuously (70–100%):
Use hands to feel, touch, grasp, or grip tools and objects
Talk or hear
Frequently (30–70%):
Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl
Reach overhead, stretch, stand, sit, walk, rotate body
Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs
Occasionally (Up to 30%):
Climb, balance, rotate from sitting, perform repetitive movements
Taste or smell
Vision Requirements: Constant observation, near and far acuity, peripheral vision
Continuously (70–100%): Hand tools, machinery
Frequently (30–70%): Welders, milling machines, grinders, presses, lathes, band saws, measuring devices, computers, office equipment
Occasionally (Up to 30%): Vehicles/heavy equipment (forklift, sweeper, crane, company pickup truck)
Exposure to loud noise, oil, grease, solvents, heat, cold, wet/humid conditions, dust, dirt, moving machinery, electrical hazards, heights, slippery floors, vibration, toxic chemicals, vapors, and fumes
Indoors with some exposure to outside weather conditions
Required use of PPE: safety goggles, metal-guarded safety shoes, masks, harness, hard hat, ear protection, gloves
Work involves highly technical, challenging, and variable tasks
Requires judgment, initiative, and problem-solving for new and complex issues
Decisions may have significant impact on production quality, safety, and customer satisfaction
Handles confidential company and customer data; unauthorized disclosure may be detrimental to the company