R&D Grinding Technician II

## R&D Grinding Technician IIApplylocations:
Golden, COtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition :
R-113986

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.
** Job Title
** 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.
** Roles & Responsibilities
** 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.##

Job Requirements
** 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.## Functional / Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
* 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…