Surface Grinder Operator

Graham Manufacturing•Batavia, NY

About The Position

Sets up, adjusts, and operates precision grinding machines to grind surfaces to close tolerances and finish requirements. Work may include dimensionally related shoulders, steps, flanges, and similar features. The position reports directly to the Special Products Supervisor or their designate. The operator works from blueprints, drawings, specifications, and charts to devise and implement setups. This includes planning grinding sequences; selecting and dressing abrasive shells; selecting speeds and feeds; setting stops based on work contours and dimensions; positioning and securing workpieces manually or with material-handling equipment; and adjusting the machine as needed. The operator accounts for wheel wear, temperature, and other factors that affect dimensions and finish. Work is checked during production and at completion using measuring tools, and may also be checked by others. The role also operates a radial drill and may require the employee to provide several personal hand tools. The position requires safe work practices, good housekeeping, appropriate protective gear, and completion of other duties assigned by departmental supervision. Work takes place indoors in a manufacturing environment with temperature changes and potential exposure to fumes or dust, chemicals, outdoor weather, moving mechanical parts, and moderate to loud noise.

Requirements

Technical trade-school education supplemented by apprenticeship-type training.
At least 1 year of diversified machine-shop experience; the posting describes this as matching 12–18 months of experience.
Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as geometric tolerances and drawing interpretation.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Demonstrated pride in workmanship and commitment to continual quality improvement.
Ability to follow instructions, respond to management direction, take responsibility for actions, and keep commitments.
Ability to work long hours when necessary to reach goals and to complete tasks on time or notify the appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Ability to read, write, analyze data and reports, exercise judgment, develop plans, procedures and goals, present information, and work under pressure.
Ability to move items up to 60 pounds for distances of up to 10 feet.
Ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods.
Ability to speak and communicate clearly with others.
May be required to provide several personal hand tools.

Responsibilities

Set up, adjust, and operate precision grinding machines to meet close tolerance and finish requirements.
Interpret blueprints, drawings, specifications, and charts to plan setups and grinding sequences.
Select and dress abrasive shells, determine speeds and feeds, and set stops according to work contours and dimensions.
Position and secure workpieces manually or using material-handling equipment.
Make allowances for wheel wear, temperature, and other factors affecting dimensions and finish specifications.
Check dimensions and make required machine adjustments.
Perform in-process and finish checks using measuring tools such as scales, calipers, indicators, and fixed adjustable gauges.
Operate a radial drill.
Observe safe work procedures, maintain good housekeeping, and wear appropriate protective gear and clothing.
Maintain an organized work area and accurate, timely labor reporting; follow quality-system and safety requirements and promptly report safety or health concerns.
Complete other duties as assigned by departmental supervision.