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Grinder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grinder

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $23/hr

A Grinder is a qualified person who can use various hand and mechanical grinders and sanders to remove specific amounts material to prescribed guidelines for a desired finish or thickness of a part ...

New

Grinds and smooths surfaces of parts prior to finishing operations by performing the following duties. * Examines and feels the surface of the workpiece for defects. * Removes defects and/or sharp ...

Grinder II

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Grind and smooth surfaces of parts prior to finishing operations. * Remove defects and sharp edges from work pieces. * Operate grinder and move it over surface of work piece to remove scratches ...

Grinder I

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Are you a Grinder looking to take your career to new heights? Here at PDS Tech Commercial we have that new job for you. * Utilizing a large swing grinder and/or small hand grinder will condition ...

Conventional Grinder

Valencia, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

Gap Grinders O/D Grinders I/D Grinders Flat/Surface Grinder Primary Responsibilities Set up and machine operations on high strength steel and aluminum parts. May run one or more machines on a regular ...

Are you a Grinder looking to take your career to new heights? Here at PDS Tech Commercial we have that new job for you. * Utilizing a large swing grinder and/or small hand grinder will condition ...

Grinder I

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Starts grinder and moves it over surface of work piece to remove scratches, laminated metal, excess weld material, and burs. * Polishes ground areas with finer abrasive to produce smooth, unmarred ...

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CNC Grinder

Canoga Park, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

CNC ID/OD Grinder Location: Canoga Park, CA (Onsite | Aerospace Industry) Pay: $28 - $35 / hour (Depending on Experience) Shifts: 1st Shift (6:00 AM start) | 2nd Shift (3:00 PM start) Equipment:

As a Production Associate supporting grinding operations at Sierra Alloys , you'll help keep production moving safely and efficiently. This is an entry-level, hands-on role that supports grinders by ...

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 ...

Grinder / Shop Laborer This role focuses on grinding forged metals and alloys, supporting metal fabrication and forging operations, and performing general shop labor in a manufacturing environment.

Deburr Grinder

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $25.25/hr

Deburr Grinder Job Type: * Full Time * Day Shift Experience a must Benefits: * Group Health Insurance. Medical and Dental * 401(k) with matching contributions * Holiday and Vacation Pay Salary ...

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 ...

GRINDER (1st Shift)

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Production Associate supporting grinding operations at Sierra Alloys , you'll help keep production moving safely and efficiently. This is an entry-level, hands-on role that supports grinders by ...

The CNC Surface Grinder will be responsible for setting up and programming machines, monitoring operations, and ensuring parts meet quality and specification standards. This role supports our mission ...

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Showing results 1-20

Grinder information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do grinder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for grinder in California is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grinder?

A grinder is a machine operator who selects specific tools and equipment to finish products according to design specifications. As a grinder, your duties include the inspection of items coming off an assembly line, the removal of defective pieces, and the use of grinding machinery and CNC mill equipment to smooth or polish the surface of the products. Your responsibilities include setting up and operating tools and machinery, examining materials to identify defects, and selecting the appropriate tool or machine to correct defects and create a finished product that meets quality assurance standards.

What are grinder job specializations?

Grinders are skilled workers who operate grinding machines to shape, finish, or smooth metal and other materials. They use various types of grinding equipment, including bench grinders, surface grinders, and cylindrical grinders, to remove excess material and achieve precise surface finishes. Grinders are essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and tool making, ensuring components meet exact specifications. Their work requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a strong understanding of safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grinder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grinder, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metalworking or machining, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with grinding machines, precision measurement tools (like calipers and micrometers), and safety protocols is essential. Strong hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure high-quality, precise output and maintain safety and efficiency in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by grinders and how can they be addressed on the job?

Grinders often face challenges such as maintaining precision and consistency in their work, managing physical fatigue, and ensuring safety while operating heavy machinery. To address these, it's important to follow strict safety protocols, regularly inspect and maintain equipment, and take scheduled breaks to prevent strain. Additionally, collaborating closely with supervisors and quality control teams helps ensure that finished components meet required specifications and quality standards.

What is the difference between Grinder vs Machinist?

AspectGrinderMachinist
Required CertificationsOften requires precision machining certificationsRequires CNC or machining certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily with grinding machines to finish partsOperates various machine tools to produce parts
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, metalworking, and tool-makingWidely used in manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries

While both grinders and machinists work in manufacturing environments and require technical skills, grinders focus on finishing parts with grinding machines, whereas machinists operate a variety of machine tools to create or modify parts. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit in manufacturing roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Grinder jobs in California?

The most popular types of Grinder jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Grinder jobs?

Cities in California with the most Grinder job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Grinder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,998 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

$21.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Standex International rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Standex International is a global industrial growth company operating through our market-leading brands in electronics, cutting-edge forming technologies, engraving and scientific refrigeration. We work with our customers to advance progress through innovation. From inventing and producing parts for next-generation space vehicles, to evolving vaccine refrigeration, designing functional textures for everyday products, improving renewable energy technology and much more, we are focused on making what's next possible.
Standex Aerospace & Defense (A&D) manufactures large customized near-net-shaped metal-formed components such as fuel domes, lip skins, and other aerospace components. Our unique spin forming process is the most efficient forming process for these parts, while we also have a complementary deep draw forming process for parts with varying shapes and contours. These parts are difficult to manufacture due to their size and tight specifications. With facilities in the US and UK, our segment is positioned to serve customers in the space, aviation, and defense markets in the North American and European regions. Our deep knowledge of the forming process, combined with our multiple decades of experience, has positioned us as a critical manufacturing partner.
A Grinder is a qualified person who can use various hand and mechanical grinders and sanders to remove specific amounts material to prescribed guidelines for a desired finish or thickness of a part or tool.
What You'll Do
  • Set up parts on pedestals, clean parts using prescribed cleaning agents
  • Operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material, burrs from surfaces,
  • Deburr edges, buff, hone, or polish metal
  • Perform typical grind / jitterbug / deburr operations to support the production schedule
  • Maintain the work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and guidelines
  • Must participate in O.J.T (on the job training) as directed from time to time

Rough Grind - The process used as a preliminary or intermediate grinding operation to remove excess material from the part.
  • Prior to grinding, review thickness readings written on part.
  • Review planned thickness requirements.
  • Make a plan on how to efficiently achieve the desired thickness result(s) using an air grinder and various sandpaper grits.
  • Verify thickness results and overall finish with supervisor.
  • Send part to vidi-gage department for thickness check, if needed.
  • Neatly stage part for its next operation.

Final Grind - The process used as the last grind operation to produce the final part thickness and surface finish requirements. Operators use air grinders and various grinding grits to accomplish this process.
  • Prior to grinding, review thickness readings written on part.
  • Review planned thickness requirements.
  • Make a plan on how to efficiently achieve the desired thickness result(s) using an air grinder and various sandpaper grits to achieve planned thickness and surface requirements.
  • Verify thickness results and overall finish with supervisor.
  • Send part to vidi-gage department for thickness check, if needed.
  • Neatly stage part for its next operation.

Grind/Blend Chemical Milling Areas - The process used to grind level and blend the material steps created by the chemical milling process.
  • Prior to grinding, review thickness readings written on part.
  • Review planned thickness requirements.
  • Make a plan on how to efficiently achieve blend and level the material using an air grinder and various sandpaper grits.
  • Check material thickness if step removal is in question.
  • Verify thickness results and overall finish with supervisor.
  • Send part to vidi-gage department for thickness check, if needed.
  • Neatly stage part for its next operation.

Grind Weld - The process used to remove excess weld material and/or smooth the weldment.
  • Using a grinder, remove excess weld material and reduce weld height and irregularity.
  • Exercise care to prevent removal of parent material.
  • Ensure that a 63 Ra or better surface finish is achieved.

What You'll Bring
  • No experience required (on the job training)
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Basic math skills
  • Must be able to stand for 8 hours a day
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be open to overtime

What We Value
  • Six (6) months experience in warehouse production or manufacturing environment
  • Bilingual in Spanish/English
  • Ability to be a team player
  • Ability to be detail-oriented

Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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