What does a grinder operator do?
Grinding machines are used to crush and grind the outer or inner cylindrical or tapered surfaces of metal surfaces. A grinder operator is someone who sets up and operates grinding machines. You are expected to follow specified instructions and charts while carrying out grinding operations. Your duties may also involve selecting the right kind of cutting tools to use while performing a procedure.
Grinder operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real grinder operator resumes:
- Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
- Utilize micrometers, calipers and preset gauges to monitor parts against require specifications.
- Inspect and measure work pieces using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers for conformance to specifications.
- Operate grinders proficiently minimizing downtime and maximizing output adhering to company safety standards
- Mount grinding wheel and regulating wheel on spindles with wrenches.
- Inspect parts using micrometers, indicators, comparators along with other tools.
- Inspect, place correct amount of items on pallets or in cartons.
- Understand and follow safety processes and procedures dictate by ADM and OSHA.
- Operate grinder to make quality product under type tolerances (.064-.110 OD).
- Grind castings according to specs, set up machines for different jobs to be run
- Tool print reading, SPC monitoring of tool dimensions using micrometers, gages and comparators.
- Finish high tolerance holes in the jigs and fixtures (for sheet metal progressive stamping dies
- Train in reading design drawings and product inspection using gauges, calipers, and other instruments.
- Supply materials to spindles, conveyors, hoppers, or other feeding devices and unload package product.
- Fill holes, indentations, cracks and seams on weld materials using MIG and TIG welding machines.
Grinder operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Grinder Operators are proficient in Grinders, Grinding Machines, and CNC. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Coordination, and Visual ability.
We break down the percentage of Grinder Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Grinders, 15%
Used Assemblers, Grinders and Shredders to grind scrap parts of plastic materials to be used for recycling.
- Grinding Machines, 13%
Installed and operated various grinding machines to produce components for aerospace applications.
- CNC, 9%
Finish Grind piston crowns on CNC machines.
- Grinding Wheels, 7%
Determine grinding speeds, feed rates, holding fixtures, and grinding wheels to be used.
- Calipers, 6%
Use of various measuring tools such as Micrometers and calipers and other tools used for measuring in the steel industry.
- Good Communication, 5%
Be aware of your surroundings.Skills Used:Heavy lifting, Good Communication with Others, Forklift Training.
Most grinder operators use their skills in "grinders," "grinding machines," and "cnc" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential grinder operator responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a grinder operator to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "material moving machine operators signal and direct workers to load and unload material." Grinder operators often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "utilized small hand tools and grinders -forklift operator skills used communication both verbal and written time management critical and analytical thinking skills"
Coordination. Another essential skill to perform grinder operator duties is coordination. Grinder operators responsibilities require that "material moving machine operators must have steady hands and feet to guide and control heavy machinery precisely." Grinder operators also use coordination in their role according to a real resume snippet: "operated production machinery utilized good communication skill to interact well with co-workers possess good hand-eye coordination ability to perform repetitive tasks"
Visual ability. grinder operators are also known for visual ability, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to grinder operator responsibilities, because "material moving machine operators must be able to see clearly where they are driving or what they are moving." A grinder operator resume example shows how visual ability is used in the workplace: "performed visual inspection to ensure quality standards. "
Mechanical skills. grinder operator responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "material moving machine operators make minor adjustments to their machines and perform basic maintenance on them." This resume example shows what grinder operators do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "inspected stopper rods, ladle, and mechanical components following each heat while complying with all safety rules and regulations. "
The three companies that hire the most grinder operators are:
- TPI33 grinder operators jobs
- BD19 grinder operators jobs
- Express Employment Indy South10 grinder operators jobs
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Compare different grinder operators
Grinder operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between grinder operators and machine operator/forklift operator. For instance, grinder operator responsibilities require skills such as "grinders," "grinding machines," "grinding wheels," and "calipers." Whereas a machine operator/forklift operator is skilled in "drive forklift," "load trucks," "electric pallet jack," and "sit-down forklift." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Machine operator/forklift operators tend to make the most money working in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,711. In contrast, grinder operators make the biggest average salary, $41,629, in the automotive industry.The education levels that machine operator/forklift operators earn slightly differ from grinder operators. In particular, machine operator/forklift operators are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a grinder operator. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Grinder operator vs. Assembling machine operator
An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues. Furthermore, an assembling machine operator needs to adhere to the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real grinder operator resumes. While grinder operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "grinders," "grinding machines," "grinding wheels," and "calipers," assembling machine operators use skills like "quality control checks," "pallet jack," "press machine," and "product quality."
On average, assembling machine operators earn a lower salary than grinder operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, assembling machine operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $34,516. Whereas grinder operators have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $41,629.assembling machine operators earn similar levels of education than grinder operators in general. They're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Grinder operator vs. Technical machine operator
Depending on the industry, a grinder has a diverse range of duties. Typically, they oversee setting up and operating bearing grinders, cam grinders, and CNC lathes. A grinder must meet with the manufacturer's specifications by making use of shop drawings. Additionally, they may be tasked with repairing any mechanical breakdowns on the machines.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a grinder operator is likely to be skilled in "grinders," "grinding machines," "grinding wheels," and "calipers," while a typical technical machine operator is skilled in "preventative maintenance," "continuous improvement," "gmp," and "trouble shoot."
Technical machine operators make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $35,834. On the other hand, grinder operators are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $41,629.When it comes to education, technical machine operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to grinder operators. In fact, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Grinder operator vs. Grinder
Types of grinder operator
Updated January 8, 2025
