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Grinder Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Expert Staffing West

Grinder

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Operator to verify all machines through start up protocol. * Turn machines on. * Check to make sure all magnets on chucks are off. * Check to make sure grinding wheels are in working condition.

Applied Medical

Grinder Machinist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$20 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role contributes directly to dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, and tooling performance by setting up and operating a variety of grinding equipment in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Applied Medical

Grinder Machinist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

$20 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role contributes directly to dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, and tooling performance by setting up and operating a variety of grinding equipment in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Applied Medical

Grinder Machinist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role contributes directly to dimensional accuracy, surface integrity, and tooling performance by setting up and operating a variety of grinding equipment in a regulated manufacturing environment.

STS Metals

GRINDER (2nd Shift)

Irwindale, CA

$19.50 - $22/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll work closely with operators and leads to keep work areas organized, material flowing, and ... The Grinder will work with crew on Forge Team on 2nd shift to make forged bars and blocks. Duties ...

STS Metals

GRINDER (1st Shift)

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll work closely with operators and leads to keep work areas organized, material flowing, and ... Willing to train to operate grinding equipment used in grinding forgings and input forging stock ...

Integrated Magnetics

CNC OD/ID Grinder

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The CNC OD/ID Grinder will be responsible for setting up, programming, and operating grinding equipment to produce precision components that meet stringent quality standards. This role is vital to ...

Integrated Magnetics

CNC Surface Grinder

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proven experience operating CNC surface grinding machines. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints. * Strong understanding of grinding processes, tooling, and equipment.

Integrated Magnetics

CNC OD/ID Grinder

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The CNC OD/ID Grinder will be responsible for setting up, programming, and operating grinding equipment to produce precision components that meet stringent quality standards. This role is vital to ...

Integrated Magnetics

CNC Surface Grinder

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proven experience operating CNC surface grinding machines. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints. * Strong understanding of grinding processes, tooling, and equipment.

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsGrinder Operator JobsGrinder Operator Jobs in California

Grinder Operator information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do grinder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for grinder 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grinder operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grinder Operator, you need a solid understanding of machine operation, blueprint reading, and precision measurement, usually backed by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC grinding machines, calipers, micrometers, and related safety protocols is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and reliability are crucial soft skills for maintaining product quality and meeting production goals. These competencies ensure efficient, accurate, and safe operation in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Grinder Operator vs Machinist?

AspectGrinder OperatorMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in grinding techniquesHigh school diploma; technical training or certifications in machining
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, machine shopsFactories, machine shops, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusPrecision grinding of parts to specificationsOperating various machine tools to produce parts

While both roles work in manufacturing environments and require technical skills, Grinder Operators specialize in grinding processes to achieve precise finishes, whereas Machinists operate a variety of machine tools to create parts. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and specific technical focus.

What is a grinder operator?

Grinder Operators are skilled workers who set up, operate, and maintain grinding machines to shape and finish metal or other materials. They use precision tools to grind, polish, or sharpen parts according to specifications, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. Grinder Operators may work in manufacturing, metalworking, or fabrication industries, often reading blueprints and using measuring devices to achieve exact results. Their role is critical in producing parts with tight tolerances and smooth finishes.

What are some of the common safety challenges faced by grinder operators, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Grinder Operators often work with heavy machinery and rotating equipment, which presents safety challenges such as flying debris, noise exposure, and the risk of hand injuries. To address these issues, workplaces enforce strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection. Regular equipment inspections and adherence to lockout/tagout procedures are also standard practice to minimize accidents. Team members are encouraged to communicate clearly and maintain clean, organized workspaces to further enhance safety.

What are popular job titles related to Grinder Operator jobs in California?

For Grinder Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Grinder Operator jobs in CA?

For Grinder Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Grinder Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grinder Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 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.

Machining Tech II, Centerless Grind (1st shift)

Howmet Aerospace

Carson, CA

$21 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Howmet Aerospace rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 161 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Machining Technician II, Grind

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a 1st Shift, Centerless Grind Technician for our Carson, California location.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $7.4 Billion in revenue in 2024, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2024 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Born from many well-known and long-standing brands, Howmet Fastening Systems, headquartered in Torrance, California, is the premier designer and manufacturer of aerospace and industrial fasteners, latches, fluid fittings and installation tools. Our products are used nose to tail on commercial and military aircraft, as well as on jet engines, industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, wind turbines, solar power systems, and construction and industrial equipment.

    Key Responsibilities:

  • Production of parts meeting drawing and specification requirements in a safe manner.
  • Know how to grind profile on automatic feeder
  • Quality tool
    • Gauges – Go and No Go
  • Micrometer
  • Microscope
  • Familiar with blueprint and Aerospace Spec
  • SPC – Statistical Process Control
  • Change over from one diameter to another diameter
    • High volume/low mix
    • Low volume /high mix
  • Changing to different grip length
  • Work with low tolerances .002-.005
  • Profile – 1 step
  • Profile – 2 step (Very Advance)
  • Set-up and operation of equipment, as assigned.
  • Perform statistical process control measurements and calculations.  Complete forms or computer entries as required.
  • Order and maintain inventory levels of required tooling, gages and supplies.
  • Participate in assuring team tooling and material readiness.  (Assemble tooling set-up kits, stage raw materials and perform external setup tasks, as required)
  • Perform machine inspections including daily, weekly and monthly preventative maintenance tasks.
  • Perform shop floor housekeeping duties.
  • Prepare daily production reports and forms.
  • Perform other tasks as needed in support of production team and team leader.
  • Work in a safe manner that promotes the health and well-being of the individual and the environment.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. The salary range for this position is $21.00 to $27.00


BPhysical Demands: 

  • Must be able to lift/move 30 lbs. (may not exceed per EHS policies)
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time 

Basic Requirements: 

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 1 years experience operating machinery 
  • Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • 3 years’ experience machinery operator in aerospace manufacturing 
  • Ability to read and interpret product prints.
  • Ability to use inspection gages and instruments

What Howmet Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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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

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