Cup-and-Cone Precision Grinding Cell Operator

Be the precision behind every rail component

Step onto the Cup Cone line at Amsted Rail Petersburg and own a full production cell that shapes metal work pieces to exacting specifications. You’ll run, monitor, and maintain grinding equipment to produce precision parts that meet both customer requirements and Amsted Rail standards.

A day in this role

Your shift starts with a safety check and a quick review of production goals. You’ll load programs into the machine control unit, stage part bins with a forklift, and bring the cell online. As parts move across transfer conveyors, you’ll listen for unusual vibration, verify dimensions with gauges, and keep processes tuned for accuracy.

What you’ll do Follow all plant-wide safety, ergonomics, and environmental requirements outlined in the Amsted Rail Health & Safety program

Measure and verify work piece dimensions with gauges per our departmental quality plan Inspect parts for defects and conformance throughout the run Assist Setup personnel during changeovers; swap attachments and prepare the line/cell

Use hand and power tools safely to support production and maintenance tasks

Lift and position components manually or with hoists/cranes

Monitor transfer conveyors and ensure proper, continuous operation

Listen for excessive vibration; make adjustments to stabilize and correct

Adjust machine parameters in manual or automatic modes; intervene when parts drift out of spec Record production run details in the company computer system

Understand operational sequences and final dimensions to maintain throughput and quality

Department-specific impact

Select and load the correct program into machine control units to begin operations

Perform preventive maintenance to keep equipment reliable

Troubleshoot part compliance and equipment issues to minimize downtime

Remove and replace worn grinding wheels as needed

Operate a forklift to stage part bins for processing

Oversee gantry devices and coordinate with load/unload robots

What makes you a great fit Successfully pass a pre-employment drug & background screening

Able to lift, push, and pull 10–50 lbs and stay on your feet moving through the department for the shift

Comfort wearing employer-provided PPE for the department

Mechanical aptitude; prior industrial experience is a plus

Why choose Amsted Rail Petersburg Employee Ownership:
Annual stock awards (10% of compensation)401(k) Match:
Up to 4% dollar-for-dollar

Comprehensive Benefits:
Medical, dental, vision, HSA with company contributions, life insurance, disability coverage, and pet insurance available after 30 days Competitive Pay:
Competitive hourly rate, considering prior experience for additional pay, plus annual bonus eligibility potential

Career Growth:
On-the-job training, pay-for-skill, and advancement pathways

Work-Life Balance: PTO starting at 3 weeks, 11 paid holidays, Day Shift (7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.), Night Shift (7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.)Additional Perks:
Tuition reimbursement, referral bonuses, employee discount programs

Amsted Rail’s commitment to Affirmative Action:

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to  and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at