A day in this role
You arrive to a clean, well-organized toolroom, review a print with tight GD&T, and choose the right wheel for a heat-treated steel part. You set up an Okamoto wet grinder, fixture the work, dial in speeds and feeds, and begin making sparks fly. Midway through, you verify flatness and size with micrometers and an optical comparator, make a minor adjustment and a quick dress, and collaborate with engineering to confirm a critical datum. By end of shift, you’ve delivered precise, mirror-flat parts that hit spec the first time.
What you’ll handle
- Set up and run surface grinders: programmable wet and manual machines (Okamoto, Parker Majestic).
- Select, mount, and dress grinding wheels; set speeds/feeds; ensure proper fixturing based on part geometry and material.
- Read and interpret blueprints, shop orders, and technical drawings with complex GD&T.
- Perform in-process and final inspections using micrometers, calipers, and optical comparators.
- Troubleshoot setups; perform routine maintenance and minor adjustments to keep equipment at peak performance.
- Champion safety and PPE protocols at all times.
- Partner closely with operations, engineering, and admin to meet quality and delivery goals.
- Pitch in with additional duties as needed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 5+ years proven experience setting up and operating manual surface grinders.
- Hands-on skill with programmable wet grinders and manual surface grinders.
- Required: experience with manual Parker Majestic and Okamoto Linear 618 or equivalent.
- Strong preference for prior Okamoto wet grinder experience.
- Bonus: ability to run a Blanchard grinder.
- Expert-level blueprint reading and GD&T comprehension.
- Comfort in a low-volume, high-mix environment.
- Steady hand, exceptional attention to detail, and pride in craftsmanship.
- Clear communicator and collaborative teammate.
- Bring your own precision tools (micrometers, calipers, depth micrometer, etc.).
Work environment & safety
You’ll work in a modern manufacturing setting with standard lighting and equipment. We provide PPE standards and enforce safe practices on every job.
Physical demands and accommodations
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Work may require sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods, primarily on level surfaces.
- Activities may involve reaching above shoulder height, below waist level, and lifting as needed to process or store materials.
- Proper lifting techniques are required. Lifting up to 50 pounds may be necessary on occasion. Pushing or pulling with a maximum force of up to 150 pounds may also be required.
- This position requires working in a manufacturing environment, with exposure to ambient room temperatures, standard lighting, and traditional manufacturing equipment.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including safety glasses with side shields; hearing protection may be required under certain conditions.