Surface Grinder 1st 2nd Shifts

Job Title

Surface Grinder

Set up, operate, and tend rotary grinding machines and related tools to remove excess material, burrs, or sharp edges from metal work pieces. 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 work pieces 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 Shop Trak 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