Machine Operator

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Job family:
Manufacturing

Business area:
Pulp & Paper Service

Contract location:
Springfield, MA, US

Working location:
Springfield

Location type:
Office Location / Office-based

Contract type:
Permanent

Every day, ANDRITZ continues to deliver successful innovative solutions to our customers globally. Why are we so successful? Because we are passionate and love what we do! We are at the forefront of future engineering technologies, with solutions that ensure the success of our clients in key industries that are shaping the future of the world we live in.

MACHINE OPERATOR I – KNIFE GRINDER (1st Shift)

Springfield, MA | Onsite |
Starting at $22/hour

At ANDRITZ
, we deliver innovative engineering solutions to customers around the world. Our success is driven by skilled employees, a collaborative culture, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

We are currently seeking a Machine Operator I to join our Paper Service team in Springfield, MA.This specialized role is responsible for operating two NC knife grinding machines simultaneously to produce high-quality ceramic blades that meet exact specifications (up to 400 inches long). The role requires precise machine setup, process control, and inspection to maintain straightness, dimensional accuracy, and surface-finish requirements across extended blade lengths, all while maintaining quality, safety, and productivity standards.

About the Role

This hands-on manufacturing role is ideal for a safety-focused, detail-oriented professional with machining experience who takes pride in quality workmanship and efficient production. The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, and comfortable operating industrial equipment in a manufacturing environment.

Why Join ANDRITZ?

At ANDRITZ, we recognize the value our employees bring to the organization and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 27 paid days off annually
• Annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Employee service awards
• Summer family events and employee appreciation activities
• A safe, team-oriented work environment

Key Responsibilities

• Operate two NC knife-grinding machines safely and efficiently to meet production requirements.
• Set up parts, fixtures, grinding wheels, NC programs, and feed controls.
• Grind ceramic blades up to 400 inches long to the required dimensional, straightness, and surface-finish specifications.
• Monitor grinding operations to prevent chipping, fractures, heat distortion, and surface defects.
• Inspect work in process using straightedges, indicators, anvil micrometers, and other precision measuring tools.
• Handle long, fragile components safely using cranes and other material-handling equipment.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Complete production and quality records accurately and on time.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in accordance with 5S standards.
• Follow company policies, procedures, and safety requirements, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work effectively as part of a team to achieve production goals.

Qualifications

Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent education, training, or relevant experience will be considered.
• At least three years of grinding or machining experience, including knife grinding, surface grinding, or a related process.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and written and verbal instructions.
• Working knowledge of grinding fundamentals, including speeds, feeds, wheel selection, and the behavior of hard or brittle materials.
• Experience operating multiple machines and managing competing priorities in a production environment.
• Experience using precision measuring instruments and maintaining tight tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail, commitment to quality, and effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to operate forklifts, floor cranes, high lifts, and other mobile equipment after completing required training and authorization.

Preferred

• Experience with knife grinding, long-bed grinding, ceramic materials, or composites.
• Experience operating NC grinding machines; familiarity with Göckel or similar equipment is a plus.
• Experience maintaining straightness and flatness over extended part lengths.
• Overhead crane or comparable material-handling experience.
• Experience working in a safety-focused industrial environment.

What Success Looks Like

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to safety.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• A team-first mindset.
• A desire to learn and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This position is based in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, elevated noise, dust, dirt, fumes, welding…