Blanchard Grinder Operator - Manual Machinist

Job Description

Job Description

Precision Steel Services has supplied steel across the Midwest since 1974. We are looking for a Blanchard Grinder Operator to join our grinding and machining team.

This is not a button-pushing job.

As a Blanchard Grinder Operator, you set up and run manual grinding equipment to produce flat, accurate steel components that meet dimensional, flatness, parallelism, and surface finish requirements. You control the final result through setup, machine feel, inspection, adjustment, and attention to detail.

This is hands-on manual machine work for someone who understands that quality is built throughout the job, not checked in at the end.

What You’ll Do

• Set up and operate Blanchard grinders to grind steel plate and components to specification
• Read and follow work orders, prints, job instructions, and production documentation
• Verify material size, stock allowance, and job requirements before grinding
• Position and secure material using magnetic chucks, fixtures, and proper setup techniques
• Adjust machine settings, feeds, speeds, grinding parameters, and passes as needed
• Monitor machine performance, sound, finish, load, and part condition throughout the job
• Use precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, depth micrometers, indicators, and height gauges
• Perform in-process and final checks to confirm size, flatness, finish, and overall part quality
• Run multiple machines while maintaining quality, safety, and production pace
• Record production, inspection, and downtime information accurately
• Use cranes, forklifts, and other material-handling equipment as trained
• Perform routine machine maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, coolant checks, wheel changes, and general upkeep
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized work area and follow PPE requirements

What We Expect

• You take ownership of the finished part
• You understand that small measurement mistakes can create scrap
• You pay attention to machine sound, feel, finish, and behavior throughout the job
• You speak up when something does not look, sound, or measure right
• You do not pass problems downstream
• You maintain steady production without sacrificing quality or safety
• You keep your machine, tools, work area, and documentation clean and organized
• You show up reliably and understand that attendance matters
• You take pride in producing work you would be willing to put your name on

What Winning Looks Like

• Parts are ground flat, accurate, clean, and to specification
• Tolerances, surface finish, and dimensional requirements are consistently achieved
• Stock is removed correctly without taking parts undersize
• Problems are caught early instead of becoming scrap
• Machines are monitored, maintained, clean, and ready for the next job
• Production goals are met without sacrificing quality or safety
• The next operation receives parts that are ready to move forward
• The finished product reflects pride, control, and craftsmanship

Why Precision Steel

Blanchard Grinder Operators are not just running machines. They are producing precision-ground steel components that represent the quality of our company.

This role is a strong fit for someone with manual machine experience who takes pride in setup, measurement, machine feel, and the finished result. Great operators build trust one part at a time by doing the job right, catching problems early, and continuously improving their craft.

Fast hiring process: interview, shop tour, and quick decision for the right person.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Previous manual machine operation experience required
• Experience using precision measuring equipment such as micrometers, calipers, depth micrometers, indicators, or similar tools
• Ability to verify work using measurements, prints, work instructions, or production documentation
• Ability to understand basic tolerances, stock removal, and dimensional requirements
• Ability to safely lift, move, and handle steel materials with appropriate equipment
• Strong attention to detail, quality, and accuracy
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
• Ability to work in varying shop conditions, including heat, cold, noise, and active equipment movement
• Ability to work overtime, including weekends when required

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Blanchard grinding experience
• Experience with manual grinders, surface grinders, mills, lathes, boring mills, or similar manual equipment
• Experience running multiple machines or managing more than one process at a time
• Experience reading blueprints, shop drawings, or machining prints
• Experience with flatness, parallelism, surface finish, stock allowance, or squareness requirements
• Experience operating overhead cranes or forklifts
• Experience performing routine machine maintenance or preventative maintenance

Benefits

Pay, Shift & Growth Opportunity

Base Pay: $22.00–$26.00/hour, based on experience

Shift Premiums:

• 2nd Shift: +$0.50/hour
• 3rd Shift: +$1.00/hour

Overtime available

We do not believe in flat roles. Your pay and responsibility can grow with skill, reliability, and performance.

Operators can advance by building skill in manual grinding, setup control, inspection, machine maintenance, production pace, troubleshooting, and overall ownership of the finished part.

Progression is earned through performance, not just time on the job.

Benefits

• Direct hire position
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off starting at 90 days
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability and supplemental coverage options
• Performance and attendance-based incentives
• Ongoing training and skill development
• Cross-training and advancement opportunities
• Stable, full-time work with overtime opportunities