Centerless Grinder Operator

Centerless Grinder Operator

This role involves setting up, operating, and maintaining centerless grinding machines to produce precision metal components to exact specifications. You will interpret blueprints and engineering drawings, select and install appropriate tooling, and ensure parts meet extremely tight tolerances while maintaining a safe, efficient, and high-quality production environment.

• Set up centerless grinding machines using blueprints, work orders, and engineering drawings.
• Select and mount appropriate grinding wheels, regulating wheels, and work rest blades based on job specifications.
• Adjust machine feeds, speeds, and wheel positions to achieve optimal material removal and surface finish.
• Load and feed raw metal stock or parts into grinding equipment safely and efficiently.
• Measure finished parts using micrometers, calipers, and go/no-go gauges to verify strict tolerance compliance (including tolerances to +/- 0.0001").
• Compare parts against blueprints and process sheets to confirm dimensional accuracy and quality standards.
• Monitor wheel wear during production and dress or replace grinding wheels as required to maintain performance.
• Troubleshoot defects such as chatter, taper, or out-of-roundness and make appropriate machine or process adjustments.
• Perform daily maintenance on grinding machines, including cleaning equipment and managing coolant levels.
• Use hand and power tools, including manual grinders and sanding tools, for metal finishing and part preparation.
• Support sheet metal production and fabrication tasks as needed, including basic sheet metal fabrication and finishing.
• Operate forklifts or other material handling equipment when required to move stock and finished parts safely.
• Document production data accurately, including part counts, inspection results, and machine downtime.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE, machine guarding, and lock-out/tag-out protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area in the metal machine shop.

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating centerless grinders (for example, Cincinnati, Landis, or Royal Master equipment).
• Proven experience in production grinding and metal finishing in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, mechanical drawings, and process sheets.
• Proficiency in shop math and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Expert use of precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, indicators, bore gauges, calipers, and go/no-go gauges.
• Hands-on experience with manual grinders and other grinding equipment.
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely and effectively for metalworking tasks.
• Capability to fabricate or work with sheet metal components as part of the production process.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods during 8–12 hour shifts.
• Strong safety mindset with strict adherence to PPE requirements, machine guarding, and lock-out/tag-out rules.
• Attention to detail and ability to hold very tight tolerances (down to +/- 0.0001").
• Solid troubleshooting skills for identifying and correcting grinding defects and process issues.

• Experience working in a high-volume metal manufacturing or machine shop environment.
• Familiarity with sanding and other finishing processes for metal components.
• Experience operating forklifts or other material handling equipment.
• Comfort using a variety of hand tools and power tools for fabrication and finishing.
• Strong documentation skills for recording production data and inspection results.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team in a fast-paced environment.

You will join a well-established metal manufacturing organization that offers strong benefits and a stable, long-term work opportunity. The environment supports skilled trades professionals with modern equipment, clear safety standards, and consistent production work. You can build your technical expertise, work with updated machinery, and be part of a team that values quality craftsmanship and reliability.

The role is based in a very large, fairly up-to-date metal machine shop. You will work around centerless grinding machines, manual grinders, sheet metal fabrication equipment, and various hand and power tools. The facility uses modern production and inspection equipment to support precision grinding and metal finishing. Shifts typically range from 8 to 12 hours, requiring extended periods of standing and regular lifting of materials up to 50 lbs.

The shop follows strict safety practices, including the use of personal protective equipment, machine guarding, and lock-out/tag-out procedures, creating a structured and safety-conscious environment.

This is a Permanent position based out of Monroe, NC.

The pay range for this position is $45760.00 - $58240.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will…