Knife Filer

American Crystal Sugar Company • Moorhead, MN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Knife Filer is responsible for inspecting, sharpening, repairing, and maintaining beet slicing knives and related equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production operations. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, the ability to use precision measuring tools, and the knowledge to perform equipment adjustments and preventive maintenance while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Requirements

• High School diploma or a GED certificate is required.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand how equipment adjustments impact machine performance and downstream operations.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers, straight edges, gauges) to verify knife condition, alignment, and tolerances.
• Working knowledge of filing, grinding, sharpening, and straightening equipment, including the ability to make mechanical adjustments as required.
• Basic understanding of preventative maintenance practices, including lubrication, inspection, and part replacement.
• Ability to identify abnormal equipment conditions and clearly communicate maintenance needs.
• Candidates are required to complete a Mechanical Aptitude Test and achieve the required minimum passing score.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate, adjust, and maintain filing, routing, jointing, straightening, and grinding machines used in knife preparation.
• Evaluate knife condition using visual inspection and precision measurement tools to determine wear, straightness, sharpness, and suitability for continued use.
• Make mechanical adjustments to filing and grinding equipment to achieve required knife geometry, sharpness, and consistency.
• Assist in setting knives and changing cutter blocks, ensuring proper alignment and adherence to operational specifications.
• Understand and communicate how knife quality directly impacts downstream process performance and equipment reliability.
• Perform preventative and minor corrective maintenance, including lubrication, adjustments, and part replacement.
• Identify equipment issues beyond routine maintenance and coordinate with maintenance personnel as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area while following all safety procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance starting on day one.
• Pension
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a Company match
• Paid dental
• Paid basic life insurance
• Paid short-term disability
• Voluntary long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Service awards
• 24/7 employee assistance program with access to eight confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost

What This Job Offers

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