Position Summary:
The Senior Walter CNC Tool & Cutter Grinder is responsible for operating and maintaining Walter Helitronic CNC tool grinding equipment to manufacture high-precision cutting tools. This role involves machine setup, program adjustment, inspection, and continuous quality control to ensure tools meet exact print and performance requirements.
Senior CNC Tool & Cutter Grinder (High Precision / Expert Level)
Location: Little Rock, AR
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior CNC Tool & Cutter Grinder to join our precision manufacturing team. This is a top-tier, hands-on technical role responsible for producing, sharpening, and maintaining complex cutting tools with extreme accuracy and consistency. The ideal candidate is a true craftsperson with deep experience in multi-axis CNC grinding, tooling geometry, and tight-tolerance work.
You will operate as a subject matter expert, working independently on advanced grinding projects while also supporting process improvement, training, and high-complexity tooling challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up, program, and operate advanced CNC tool & cutter grinders (Primarily Walter Power machines with Tool Studio Software)
- Grind, recondition, and manufacture precision cutting tools including:
- End mills, drills, reamers, form tools, and custom geometries
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models, and tool specifications
- Develop and optimize grinding programs for efficiency, accuracy, and tool life
- Perform in-process and final inspections using:
- Micrometers, optical comparators, tool pre-setters, and CMMs
- Maintain extremely tight tolerances (often within ±0.0001” to ±0.0002”)
- Troubleshoot tooling issues and refine processes to improve performance
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams on tooling design and application
- Ensure adherence to quality standards, including ISO and customer-specific requirements
- Mentor junior grinders and support skills development within the team
- Maintain equipment, tooling, and work environment in top operating condition
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of CNC tool and cutter grinding experience (high precision environment)
- Strong expertise in multi-axis CNC grinding (5-axis preferred)
- Advanced understanding of:
- Tool geometry, cutting theory, and material science
- Grinding wheel selection, dressing, and coolant optimization
- Proven ability to work with tight tolerances in a production or job shop setting
- Experience reading and interpreting complex technical drawings
- Proficiency with measurement and inspection tools
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ANCA, Walter, Studer, Rollomatic, or similar CNC grinding platforms
- Programming experience (G-code, conversational, or proprietary CNC systems)
- Background in aerospace, medical, automotive, or high-precision tooling industries
- Knowledge of CAD/CAM software for tool design (e.g., Mastercam, NX, or similar)
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation based on experience and skill level
- Overtime opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k))
- Stable, long-term employment with growth potential
- Opportunity to work on challenging, high-value tooling projects
Why This Role Is Different
This is not an entry-level or routine production position. We are looking for someone who:
- Takes pride in precision craftsmanship
- Can solve complex tooling problems without hand-holding
- Understands the impact of tooling on overall manufacturing performance
- Wants to be recognized as a technical expert, not just a machine operator
How to Apply
Submit your resume along with a brief summary of your most complex grinding projects, including:
- Types of tools you’ve produced or reconditioned
- Machines and software you’ve worked with
- Tolerances you routinely held
ADDITIONAL NOTES
ARCH Global Precision is an Equal Opportunity Employee and wholeheartedly supports diversity in the workplace as a basic premise for business success. All employees of ARCH Global Precision are employed on an at-will basis.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.