Manufacturing Technician - Grinding

Manufacturing Technician 3C - Grinding

Factory Operations is seeking a highly skilled Level 3 Grinding Machinist with expertise in manual and CNC OD/ID cylindrical grinding. This role is responsible for independently setting up, programming, and operating Studer, Danobat, and Campbell CNC OD/ID grinders, as well as manual grinders to produce high-precision components.

This is a senior-level position requiring strong technical judgment, the ability to solve complex machining challenges, and the capability to lead and mentor others. The successful candidate is expected to achieve independent productivity shortly after onboarding and contribute to process improvements and operational excellence. This role offers a career path toward Manufacturing Team Lead or Manufacturing Engineer, with company-supported development and advancement opportunities.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications:

• Independently set up, load and verify programs, set part zeros, and run multi-diameter CNC cylindrical grinding machines
• Perform complex grinding operations including finishing and polishing
• Set up and utilize appropriate workholding methods including centers, chucks, and steady rests for complex geometries
• Monitor and verify micro-inch surface finishes (Ra) using profilometers
• Select, mount, and balance appropriate grinding wheels (Aluminum Oxide, Silicon Carbide, or CBN) based on material specifications
• Perform wheel dressing and truing to maintain form, finish, and dimensional accuracy
• Develop, modify, and optimize CNC programs using Fanuc or OEM programming software
• Perform geometry and thermal offset adjustments on CNC controllers to correct wheel wear and material changes
• Optimize grinding parameters to balance surface finish, cycle time, and wheel life
• Lead or drive process improvements to reduce setup time, cycle time, and scrap
• Interpret complex blueprints and GD&T with multiple datums
• Perform in-process and final inspections to ensure conformance to the drawing
• Train and mentor other operators across the CNC and manual grinders
• Serve as a technical resource and role model for grinding best practices
• Apply lean manufacturing principles (SMED, 5S, value stream mapping, etc.)
• Identify and resolve surface finish and burn issues using root cause analysis
• Advanced understanding of grinding principles, materials, and process dynamics
• High competency with precision measurement instruments
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving ability, and technical leadership

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Technical School preferred)
• 5+ years with advanced CNC and precision grinding experience
• Proven ability to hold tolerances of 0.0001"
• Experience achieving high-polish surface finishes down to 8 Ra or better
• Strong understanding of how grinding parameters change for hardened tool steels, carbide, stainless steel, and specialty alloys

Compensation Range

$27.10 - $40.65 hourly. Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidates experience, skills, and qualifications.

Primetals offers competitive pay and benefits effective on your first day of employment, including health, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, disability insurance and paid time off.