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Grinding Machine Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Position: Belt Grinder Machine Operator Location: Santa Fe Spring, CA Duration: Temp to Hire/ Fulltime Shift Hours: First Shift (6am-2:30pm) Position Summary: The Belt Grinder Operator plays a ...

Machinist III

Adelanto, CA ยท On-site

$56K - $83K/yr

Plans, lays out work, sets up and operates all types of lathes, mills or grinders to machine or grind developmental, production or maintenance parts to exacting tolerances and dimensions. DUTIES AND ...

Machinist III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$56K - $83K/yr

Plans, lays out work, sets up and operates all types of lathes, mills or grinders to machine or grind developmental, production or maintenance parts to exacting tolerances and dimensions. DUTIES AND ...

Machinist III

Poway, CA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Plans, lays out work, sets up and operates all types of lathes, mills or grinders to machine or grind developmental, production or maintenance parts to exacting tolerances and dimensions. DUTIES AND ...

Machinist III

Poway, CA ยท On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Plans, lays out work, sets up and operates all types of lathes, mills or grinders to machine or grind developmental, production or maintenance parts to exacting tolerances and dimensions. DUTIES AND ...

Grinder

Oxnard, CA ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust grinding wheel positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, * clearances, and tolerances. * Replace worn tools, grinding wheels and ...

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

Proven experience operating CNC OD/ID grinding machines. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings. * Strong knowledge of grinding processes, tooling, and inspection ...

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

Proven experience operating CNC OD/ID grinding machines. * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings. * Strong knowledge of grinding processes, tooling, and inspection ...

This position is responsible for setting up and operating centerless grinding machines to produce high-quality, close-tolerance metal components. The ideal candidate has hands-on machining experience ...

This position is responsible for setting up and operating centerless grinding machines to produce high-quality, close-tolerance metal components. The ideal candidate has hands-on machining experience ...

Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $20.25/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 ...

Grind Clerk

Tracy, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $22.50/hr

... Grinding, and Grind out. Works as an Organic Line Grinder, or Transport Driver for the lines. Job Duties * Performs machine set up and break down, replacement of parts when clogged or dirty on the ...

Set up and operate centerless grinding machines for production runs. * Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, work instructions, and specifications. * Adjust machine settings, speeds, feeds, guides ...

Showing results 41-60

Grinding Machine information

See California salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do grinding machine jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for grinding machine 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 grinding machine operator?

Grinding machine operators are skilled workers who set up, operate, and maintain grinding machines used to shape and finish metal or other materials. They use precision instruments to grind, smooth, or polish surfaces, ensuring parts meet exact specifications. Operators also inspect finished products for quality and make adjustments to the machinery as needed. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of safety procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grinding machine operator?

To thrive as a Grinding Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machining processes, blueprint reading, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC grinding machines, precision measurement tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong work ethic are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the production of high-quality parts, safe operations, and efficient workflow in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by grinding machine operators, and how can they be overcome?

Grinding machine operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision tolerances, managing machine wear, and ensuring consistent quality over long production runs. To overcome these, operators should regularly calibrate equipment, perform preventive maintenance, and closely monitor the condition of grinding wheels and coolants. Effective communication with maintenance teams and following strict safety protocols also help minimize downtime and improve overall productivity.

What is the difference between Grinding Machine vs Machinist?

AspectGrinding MachineMachinist
Primary RoleOperates grinding machines to shape or finish metal or other materialsSets up, operates, and maintains various machine tools to produce precision parts
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of grinding techniques, safety protocols, and machine operation; certifications varyTechnical training or certifications in machine operation and blueprint reading
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, workshopsFactories, manufacturing facilities, machine shops
Industry UsageUsed within manufacturing for finishing partsUsed across manufacturing for producing and shaping parts

While a Grinding Machine is a tool used by machinists, the machinist is the skilled worker who operates various machines, including grinding machines, to produce precise components. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, with machinists possessing broader skills in machine operation and setup.

What are popular job titles related to Grinding Machine jobs in California?

For Grinding Machine jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grinding Machine jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Grinding Machine jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Grinding Machine job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,925 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Machine Operator

search-tactics

Santa Fe Springs, CA โ€ข On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Position: Belt Grinder Machine Operator
Location: Santa Fe Spring, CA
Duration: Temp to Hire/ Fulltime
Shift Hours: First Shift (6am-2:30pm) 
 

Position Summary:

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 involves operating conventional belt grinding equipment to deburr, polish, and finish high-precision metal parts manufactured to tight tolerances. The ideal candidate has experience working in a high-specification environment where quality, traceability, and attention to detail are paramount.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate manual belt grinding machines to perform surface finishing, edge deburring, radius blending, and cosmetic polishing on raw materials.
  • Follow detailed work instructions, engineering drawings, and aerospace specifications (e.g., AS9100 or customer-specific requirements).
  • Perform precise hand-finishing tasks on complex geometries and critical surfaces, including tight radii, bores, and edges.
  • Select proper abrasive belts, wheels, and tools based on material type (e.g., titanium, Inconel, stainless steel, aluminum) and desired surface finish (Ra/RMS).
  • Perform in-process inspection using calibrated measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and surface roughness testers.
  • Collaborate with quality inspectors, foreman, and production supervisor to ensure part compliance and address surface finish concerns.
  • Document work performed and ensure all processes are traceable according to aerospace quality standards.
  • Maintain clean work area, properly handle high-value parts, and adhere to all safety, ESD, FOD, and quality protocols.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED required; technical/vocational training preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in a precision machining environment.
  • Proven experience with manual belt grinding, surface finishing, or polishing of close-tolerance aerospace parts.

Skills & Competencies:

  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and process sheets.
  • Strong understanding of surface finish requirements (e.g., Ra values, appearance standards).
  • High attention to detail and quality; ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Familiarity with AS9100 environments is a strong plus.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented production setting with tight deadlines.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

  • Ability to stand, bend, and lift for extended periods; lift up to 50 lbs. safely.
  • Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for detailed finishing work.
  • Exposure to grinding dust, noise, and shop environment – PPE required.
  • May require use of respirator depending on task and material.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience finishing aerospace components (e.g., turbine blades, housings, brackets, fasteners).
  • Familiarity with high-value materials such as titanium, Inconel, and aerospace-grade aluminum