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Grind Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quality and Productivity. ' Maintain a clean and safe work environment. ' Works with minimal supervision to independently perform the job of Set-up Grind Operator. ' Set-up and operate one Cincinnati ...

🔧 OD Grinder Operator | Earn $29-$38 per Hour!Paid Training * Career Growth * Exceptional Benefits * Precision Manufacturing Looking for a rewarding machining career with competitive pay? We're ...

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Quality and Productivity. ' Maintain a clean and safe work environment. ' Works with minimal supervision to independently perform the job of Set-up Grind Operator. ' Set-up and operate one Cincinnati ...

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Grinder Operator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Express Employment Professionals is seeking a Grinder Operator for a growing manufacturing company ... Select, mount, attach and calibrate a variety of attachments to grind angles, contours, lines ...

Centerless Grinder

Brea, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Quality and Productivity. ' Maintain a clean and safe work environment. ' Works with minimal supervision to independently perform the job of Set-up Grind Operator. ' Set-up and operate one Cincinnati ...

Machine Operator / Grinder

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Position Overview The Machine Operator - Grinder is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining grinding machinery to produce high-quality parts according to specified measurements and ...

Machine Operator / Grinder

Montebello, CA

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Position Overview The Machine Operator - Grinder is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining grinding machinery to produce high-quality parts according to specified measurements and ...

Night shift Grinding Operator Department/ Area: Grind Position Summary: Candidates will be responsible to set-up and operate #2 size CINCINNATTI centerless grinding machine - run small batch of ...

Grinder Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Grinder Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring PVC scrap grinders and pulverizers ... grind PVC pipe. * Operate PVC scrap grinder and pulverizer equipment. * Handle and separate ...

Grinder Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$20 - $21.50/hr

The Grinder Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring PVC scrap grinders and pulverizers ... grind PVC pipe. * Operate PVC scrap grinder and pulverizer equipment. * Handle and separate ...

Belt Grinder Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The Belt Grinder Operator plays a critical role in the post-machining finishing process, ensuring aerospace-grade components meet strict surface finish and dimensional requirements. This position ...

Belt Grinder Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

The Belt Grinder Operator plays a critical role in the post-machining finishing process, ensuring aerospace-grade components meet strict surface finish and dimensional requirements. This position ...

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Grinder Operator

Sylmar, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Grinding Operator 2nd Shift Department/ Area ... Grind Position Summary: Candidates will be responsible to set-up and operate #2 size CINCINNATTI ...

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Shift-6:00 am - 2:30 pm Santa Fe Springs, CA Overtime Available We're looking for an experienced Belt Grinder Operator to perform precision finishing, deburring, and polishing on aerospace components.

Centerless Grinder

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Centerless Grinder Operator to support the production of precision metal components used in demanding aerospace and industrial applications. This ...

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Showing results 1-20

Grind Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do grind operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for grind operator in California is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grind operator?

Grind operators are skilled workers responsible for operating grinding machines that shape, smooth, or finish metal and other materials. They set up, monitor, and adjust grinding equipment to ensure parts are produced to precise specifications. Grind operators also inspect finished products for quality, perform routine maintenance on machines, and follow safety protocols to prevent accidents. This role is crucial in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a grind operator?

To thrive as a Grind Operator, you need a solid understanding of machine operation, blueprint reading, and basic math, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with grinding machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and sometimes CNC systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong teamwork skills help operators ensure precision and maintain safety standards. These competencies are vital for producing high-quality parts, minimizing waste, and maintaining workplace safety in manufacturing environments.

What challenges do grind operators face and how can they be managed?

Grind Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision in measurements, preventing equipment wear, and meeting production deadlines. To manage these, operators need to regularly inspect and calibrate grinding machinery, carefully follow safety and quality protocols, and communicate with team members about any irregularities or maintenance needs. Staying organized and attentive to detail helps ensure product consistency and reduces downtime, making the work environment smoother and safer.

What is the difference between Grind Operator vs Machinist?

AspectGrind OperatorMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, vocational training, or certifications in grindingHigh school diploma, technical training, or certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, grinding shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, workshops
Job FocusPrecision grinding of parts to specificationsDesign, setup, and operate various machine tools to produce parts
Common UsageUsed in industries requiring surface finishing and precision grindingUsed across manufacturing sectors for part fabrication and machining

While both roles involve working with machinery in manufacturing settings, a Grind Operator specializes in grinding processes to achieve precise surface finishes, whereas a Machinist operates a variety of machine tools to produce parts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What job categories do people searching Grind Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Grind Operator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Grind Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,925 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Salary Range: $26.00-36.00/hr

Shift: Centerless Grinder Set Up Operator ' 1st Shift

 

Position Overview:

The Centerless Grinder Set Up Operator will set-up and operate one Cincinnati #2 OM Center-Less Grinding Machine. While operating the machine the operator will follow the quality policy of 3V Fasteners.''''''''

 

Key Responsibilities:

'         Plan and perform close tolerance set-ups with multiple material types.

'         Responsible for training, instructing and setting-up for lower level employees.

'         Set-up and operate while no set-ups for others are required.

'         Establish proper grinding wheel speeds and stock removal rates for optimum efficiency.

'         Identify necessary gages for each job.

'         Perform 1st article inspection, referring to the part print, before operating or turning over to another operator

'         Actively participates in continuous improvement activities to assist team in meeting daily goals of: Quality and Productivity.

'         Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

'         Works with minimal supervision to independently perform the job of Set-up Grind Operator.

'         Set-up and operate one Cincinnati #2 OM Grinding Machine.

'         Maintain high quality standards.

'         Read and understand work instructions.

'         Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner.

'         Completes router, inspection sheet and inputs set-up/production information into LTS production tracking.

'         Observes all safety regulation.

'         Performs other duties as required.

Report any equipment defects, unsafe or hazardous conditions, or material shortages to the supervisor.
 


Basic Qualifications

'         High School Diploma or GED.

'         Good communication skills.

'         Ability to read and interpret blueprints.

'         Experience using Inspection Tools (Micrometer, Caliper, Drop gages, etc.)

'         Minimum of 5 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

'         Experience with Cincinnati Centerless Grinders.

Physical Requirements:

'         Visual acuity for detailed work.

'         Must be able to lift 50 pounds from floor to waist and waist to floor periodically.

'         Must be able to stand for the entire shift.

Must be able to work in an un-air conditioned shop environment.


What Howmet Aerospace employees say

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About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888