Metal Finishing Team Member

MPE-Inc • Milwaukee, WI

7d • Onsite

About The Position

MPE is seeking a Metal Finishing Operator to prepare fabricated sheet metal parts and weldments for painting. The operator sands, grinds, blends, and deburrs parts to achieve a smooth, uniform, paint-ready finish, following work orders, drawings, and work instructions and ensuring parts meet quality and safety standards before they move to the Paint Line. No prior finishing experience is required; training is available for the right person.

This role works on the production floor in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The second shift runs from 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work involves moderate to loud noise, metal dust, sparks, vibration, and sharp edges; sanding and grinding take place in ventilated booths. Required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves, with additional PPE as required by the task. No relocation or sponsorship is available.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Ability to read and understand work orders, work instructions, and mechanical drawings, including standard and metric dimensions.
• Ability to use basic measuring tools such as a tape measure, scale, and calipers.
• Ability to safely operate sanders and portable grinders, or willingness to learn through MPE training.
• Detail orientation and ability to stay focused on repetitive tasks.
• Ability to read drawings and instructions and use basic math and measurements.
• Ability to continuously stand and walk on concrete floors, grip and guide vibrating power tools, and use close vision to inspect surface finish.
• Ability to frequently lift and move parts up to 50 pounds and bend, stoop, reach, twist, and use fine hand dexterity.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move parts up to 75 pounds with a team lift or lift-assist equipment, and to kneel, crouch, or sit.
• Ability to hear and respond to instructions and alarms in a noisy environment while wearing hearing protection.

Nice To Haves

• Six months to one year of metal finishing, grinding, welding, or sheet metal fabrication experience.
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment, such as FDA, ISO 13485, or ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

• Operate orbital/DA sanders to smooth surfaces and blend welds, scratches, and other marks to an even, paint-ready finish.
• Use portable grinders to grind weld seams flush and deburr or break sharp edges with grinders, files, and hand tools.
• Select, dress, and change abrasive discs, wheels, and pads to suit the material and finish requirements.
• Read and interpret work orders, standard and metric mechanical drawings, and work instructions to determine finishing requirements.
• Visually inspect finished parts and use measuring tools before parts move to the Paint Line; verify other operators’ work when assigned.
• Identify, tag, and segregate nonconforming parts, report quality issues, and initiate nonconformance documentation according to MPE procedures.
• Complete production records and work order sign-offs accurately and legibly.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on finishing equipment and dust collection booths, and promptly report equipment problems.
• Wear required PPE and follow safety procedures, including safe tool operation, guarding, and lockout/tagout where applicable.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Meet quality, output, and on-time production goals and update the Team Leader on work status.
• Train other team members as directed and participate in continuous improvement activities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance, including HSA-qualified and traditional plans, with coverage starting the first of the month after hire.
• Dental insurance, with coverage starting the first of the month after hire.
• Vision insurance, with coverage starting the first of the month after hire.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Nine paid holidays.
• Vacation time from day one.
• Career development and internal promotion opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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