R&D Grinding Technician II

R&D Grinding Technician II

Responsible for preparing, machining, and harvesting ceramic and related material samples for laboratory testing and R&D evaluation. Operates grinding, cutting, and shaping equipment, including Blanchard grinders, reciprocating surface grinders, table saws, and geological saws, to produce test-ready specimens in accordance with customer requirements, approved work instructions, quality expectations, and safety standards.

Works under limited supervision while following approved work instructions, drawings, customer requirements, and laboratory procedures to prepare ceramic and related material samples for testing.

• Operates sample preparation and machining equipment, including but not limited to:
• Blanchard grinders
• Reciprocating surface grinders
• Table saws
• Geological saws
• Basic cutting, grinding, and material removal equipment used for sample harvesting and shaping
• Harvests samples from ceramic parts, coupons, billets, tiles, and other submitted materials to create basic shapes or test specimens for downstream analysis.
• Performs grinding, sectioning, and shaping operations to support mechanical, thermal, electrical, microscopy, chemistry, and other laboratory testing needs.
• Interprets basic work instructions, sample drawings, customer requests, and dimensional requirements to determine appropriate machining and preparation approach.
• Uses measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other basic inspection tools to verify sample dimensions and workmanship.
• Documents sample preparation steps, equipment used, relevant observations, and deviations from standard processing requirements.
• Identifies and communicates sample condition concerns, machining limitations, dimensional issues, cracking, chipping, contamination risks, or other preparation-related problems to laboratory leadership or internal customers.
• Performs basic troubleshooting on sample preparation equipment and resolves routine operational issues within area of responsibility.
• Cleans equipment and work areas, performs routine preventative maintenance, and supports safe, reliable operation of sample preparation equipment.
• Assists with data gathering, record keeping, and basic technical reporting related to sample preparation, equipment condition, rework, scrap, or process observations.
• Works independently on assigned sample preparation tasks and supports continuous improvement by identifying practical improvements to workflow, fixturing, equipment use, safety, or sample quality.
• Collaborates with analysts, engineers, technicians, and internal customers to ensure samples are prepared in a way that supports valid testing and minimizes rework.
• Cross-trains on related laboratory equipment and sample preparation processes as needed to support department priorities.
• Complies with customer specifications, quality requirements, laboratory procedures, and safety standards.
• Knowledge of CNC operation or G-Code programming is a plus.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of related work experience, or Bachelor's degree with 1 year of related work experience.
• Technical training, trade school coursework, or machining-related certification is preferred.

Experience

• Experience operating grinders, saws, or other material removal equipment is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Blanchard grinders, reciprocating surface grinders, table saws, geological saws, or similar sample preparation equipment is highly preferred.
• Experience machining, grinding, cutting, or preparing ceramic, glass, stone, carbide, refractory, or other brittle materials is preferred.
• Experience in a laboratory, R&D, prototype, machine shop, ceramics manufacturing, or materials testing environment is preferred.
• Experience with equipment maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and dimensional inspection is preferred.
• G-Code programming knowledge is a plus.

• Intermediate math and writing skills required.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, sample preparation requests, basic drawings, and dimensional requirements.
• Ability to use basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
• Able to generate basic technical notes, sample preparation records, and equipment-related documentation.
• Understands basic material handling considerations for ceramics and other brittle materials, including chipping, cracking, edge quality, contamination, and dimensional control.
• Possesses practical troubleshooting skills for sample preparation and machining equipment.
• Able to use computer systems for basic departmental functions, including data entry, work tracking, and documentation.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and able to manage multiple sample preparation priorities.
• Must be able to work with a diverse variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Exhibits effective cooperation and communication skills to work within a team environment and…