Tool and Cutter Grinder

Caterpillar•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Set up and operate various types of tool and cutter grinders to grind, sharpen, and form machine tools and cutters. Work operations vary because each cycle requires separate determinations and adjustments. The role involves examining cutting tools and relevant blueprints or other information to determine the tool’s intended use and plan the grinding or machining sequence, method, and setup. The position also includes checking finished tools for dimensions, finish, clearance, angles, contours, land, and reliefs; maintaining exacting angles, clearances, contours, and tolerances; presetting tools for numerical control machines and broaches; inspecting purchased perishable cutting tools and accessories; and repairing or modifying perishable tooling. Incidental duties include silver-solder brazing carbide and other ceramic tips. The role may also include material-mover duties related to tending a tool crib and moving cutting tools to and from machines. Caterpillar describes itself as a global team focused on progress, innovation, and building stronger, more sustainable communities. The position requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, relevant measurement and blueprint-reading skills, and willingness to work any shift and overtime as needed. Previous machinist experience and 2–3 years of experience are desired. Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Knowledge of how to set and use gauges such as calipers, bore micrometers, and dial indicators.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints for datum lines and tolerances.
Ability to interpret GD&T.
Ability to understand and use measuring devices.
Ability to use advanced shop mathematics.
Ability to work overtime as needed.
Willingness to work any shift.

Nice To Haves

Previous machinist experience.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
2–3 years of previous experience.

Responsibilities

Plan the operation sequence, grinding or machining method, and setup by examining the cutting tool, relevant blueprints, and information about the tool’s ultimate use.
Set up machines and select, mount, dress, and true grinding wheels to the required shapes, radii, angles, and contours.
Select and install holding fixtures; determine, set, and adjust speeds, feeds, depth of cut, and other machine settings.
Disassemble gang mills to grind, sharpen, and form cutters, then reassemble cutters to specifications.
Operate tool and cutter grinding machines to grind, form, and sharpen a range of tools and cutters to specifications, including broaches, tool bits, boring bars, formed tools, mills, reamers, drills, taps, and gauges.
Perform silver-solder brazing of carbide and other ceramic tips to tools and cutters as needed.
Check finished tools for dimensions, finish, clearance, angles, contours, land, and reliefs, considering the tool’s future use.
Maintain exacting angles, clearances, contours, and tolerances through careful judgment and machine adjustments.
Preset tools for numerical control machines and broaches.
Check purchased perishable cutting tools and accessories for conformance to specifications.
Inspect and segregate used carbide cutting tips and repair or modify perishable tooling as assigned.
May perform material-mover duties, including tending a tool crib and moving cutting tools to and from machines.
Work overtime as needed and be willing to work any shift.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
Paid time off plan, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
401(k) savings plans.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Health Lifestyle Programs.
Employee Assistance Program.
Voluntary benefits and employee discounts.
Career development.
Incentive bonus.
Disability benefits.
Life insurance.
Parental leave.
Adoption benefits.
Tuition reimbursement. Benefits are subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines, and also apply to part-time employees.