Grinder Trainee - 1st Shift

Howmet Aerospace • Branford, CT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Howmet Aerospace is hiring a Grinder Trainee for its Branford, Connecticut facility, which produces jet engine components for aerospace and defense applications. The position operates swing grinders and small wheel grinders to remove defects and condition parts, ensuring surfaces meet required specifications before finishing operations. Training necessary to perform the job will be provided.

Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified at hire. Visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• Must be able to lawfully obtain access to export-controlled items.
• Must be able to read and write in English.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow simple work instructions, operations sheets, correspondence, and memos; ability to write simple correspondence or documentation.
• Basic understanding of measurement tools and ability to make fixture and control adjustments, using tools such as calipers and gauges.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to detailed but uncomplicated instructions and resolve problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Good organizational skills for maintaining records and reports.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

• One to three years of manufacturing experience is highly desired.
• Experience operating manufacturing equipment, advanced math skills, and leadership qualities are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and evaluate workpieces by sight and touch to identify surface defects.
• Safely operate swing grinders and small wheel grinders according to established procedures.
• Grind parts to required specifications, maintaining required radii and dimensions.
• Select, install, and replace grinding wheels or discs based on material and job requirements, following safety protocols.
• Perform fixture, grinding wheel, and diamond wheel changeovers; adjust equipment to meet alignment and dimensional requirements.
• Conduct dimensional checks after grinding and accurately record measurements.
• Polish surfaces with wheel brushes to achieve smooth, defect-free finishes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Follow safety requirements, including proper use of PPE, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Adjust machine controls as needed to achieve required measurements and tolerances.
• Assist other departments, including Blast, Demask, and Water Wash, to support workflow and labor efficiency.
• Perform other duties as needed or directed by management.

Benefits

• $1,000 sign-on bonus for eligible external hires.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, with FSA and HSA account options; benefits are eligible from day one.
• Vacation time and paid holidays.
• 401(k) plans with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution; retirement benefits are vested from day one.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage.
• Tuition assistance and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED