R&D Grinding Technician II

Overview

It’s exciting to work for a company that makes the world measurably better. We’re committed to bringing safety, quality, and customer focus to the business of advanced ceramics manufacturing.

R&D Grinding Technician II

• 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, and 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.

• 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.

• 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…