Medical Wire Grinding Technician

Guidewire Grinding Technician

Some components are measured in inches. The components made in KMM's Wire Grinding department are often measured in thousandths and ten-thousandths.

As a Guidewire Grinding Technician, you will help manufacture precision guidewires and corewires used in medical device applications. These small components can require complex tapers, micro-diameters, tightly controlled profiles, and exceptional consistency from one part to the next.

You will train to set up, program, operate, monitor, and inspect specialized grinding equipment, including Glebar CAM2 Advanced Wire Grinding Systems and a Royal Master Generation-X Swiss-Type Grinding System.

This is a strong opportunity for someone with mechanical aptitude, patience, and a sharp eye for detail to build a career in precision manufacturing. Previous guidewire grinding experience is valuable, but applicants with transferable machining, grinding, inspection, or technical-school experience are encouraged to apply.

Operate Precision Guidewire Grinding Equipment

• Set up, program, and operate Glebar CAM2 wire grinding machines in OD, centerless, and modified grinding modes

• Set up and operate the Royal Master Generation-X Swiss-type grinding system

• Manufacture guidewires, corewires, and other precision medical device components

• Load and handle fine wire materials carefully to prevent bends, surface damage, or contamination

• Monitor grinding parameters, machine performance, wheel condition, and part quality throughout each production run

• Make trained machine adjustments to maintain dimensions and process stability

• Operate multiple grinding machines or related processes simultaneously after demonstrating proficiency

• Follow approved work instructions, setup documentation, inspection plans, and production procedures

Inspect Tight-Tolerance Components

• Perform first-piece and in-process inspection

• Measure diameters, tapers, profiles, lengths, and other critical features

• Use micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, laser measurement systems, vision systems, and other precision inspection equipment

• Program and use P4K profile measurement systems, as assigned

• Compare inspection results with technical drawings, specifications, and process requirements

• Record measurement and production data accurately

• Identify out-of-tolerance conditions and stop or escalate the process when necessary

• Work closely with Quality Assurance to meet critical medical device inspection and traceability requirements

Troubleshoot and Improve the Process

• Investigate dimensional variation, surface-finish issues, wire-handling problems, and machine alarms

• Adjust approved machine parameters and offsets to bring the process back into control

• Help identify potential causes of scrap, rework, downtime, or inconsistent results

• Support root-cause analysis and corrective-action activities

• Participate in continuous-improvement projects involving quality, productivity, machine utilization, and cycle time

• Help develop stable and repeatable processes as new products move from development into production

• Share observations and improvement ideas with operators, technicians, engineers, supervisors, and Quality team members

• Perform routine machine care and support preventive-maintenance activities

What Success Looks Like

• Guidewires and corewires consistently meet customer specifications

• Inspection records and production documentation are complete and accurate

• Grinding processes remain stable and repeatable

• Potential quality issues are recognized before they create larger problems

• Machines operate efficiently with minimal avoidable downtime

• Development processes transition successfully into repeatable production

• You steadily expand your ability to operate, set up, inspect, troubleshoot, and program equipment

• You contribute practical ideas that improve safety, quality, productivity, or workflow

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring

Required Experience and Skills

• Mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning precision manufacturing

• Ability to perform basic shop math using decimals and fractions

• Ability to read and accurately record measurements

• Strong attention to detail when working with very small components and tight tolerances

• Ability to follow written work instructions, specifications, inspection plans, and safety procedures

• Basic computer and data-entry skills

• Ability to communicate quality or process concerns clearly

• Dependable attendance and willingness to learn through hands-on training

• Ability to work independently after training while remaining part of a collaborative production team

Preferred Experience and Skills

Experience in every area is not required. Relevant experience may include:

• One or more years of machine operation, precision manufacturing, grinding, machining, inspection, or related technical work

• Guidewire, corewire, catheter, or medical component manufacturing

• Precision wire grinding, CNC grinding, centerless grinding, OD grinding, profile grinding, or taper grinding

• Glebar CAM2 grinding systems

• Royal Master Generation-X or other Swiss-type grinding equipment

• P4K profile measurement systems

• Laser micrometers, optical comparators, vision inspection systems, micrometers, calipers, indicators, or precision gages

• Blueprint or technical drawing interpretation

• Basic geometric dimensioning and tolerancing concepts

• Machine setup, offsets, parameter adjustments, or process troubleshooting

• Statistical process control or production data collection

• ISO 13485, FDA-regulated, aerospace, defense, or other highly controlled manufacturing environments

• Technical school, machining program, apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, or manufacturing certificate

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk throughout the workday while operating and monitoring manufacturing equipment

• Sit periodically while programming equipment, inspecting components, or completing documentation

• Use hands and fingers for precise handling of thin wires, small components, measuring tools, controls, keyboards, and production materials

• Maintain the visual acuity and focus needed to inspect small features, read measurement displays, and identify subtle defects

• Reach, bend, stoop, crouch, and move around production and inspection equipment

• Frequently lift and carry lightweight components, tooling, containers, and production materials

• Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds

• Work around moving machinery, grinding equipment, coolant, oils, noise, and other conditions normally present in a precision manufacturing facility

• Wear required personal protective equipment and follow all safety procedures

• Maintain concentration while operating or monitoring multiple processes

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ITAR Requirement