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Surface Grinder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penn United Technologies

Surface Grinder

Cabot, PA · On-site

Surface Grinder Penn United Technologies, Inc. is now hiring for full-time, experienced Surface Grinders to join our Tooling division. Our precision Surface Grinders focus on safely manufacturing ...

Oberg Industries

Surface Grinder

Freeport, PA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Surface Grinder to join our skilled machining team. This role is ideal for a hands-on machinist who takes pride in precision work, blueprint accuracy, and continuous ...

Area Temps

Surface Grinder

Westlake, OH · On-site

$24/hr

Surface Grinder - Westlake, Ohio Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pay: $24/hr Type: Temp-to-Perm Opportunity Are you an experienced Surface Grinder looking for a stable ...

Oberg Industries

Surface Grinder

Freeport, PA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Surface Grinder to join our skilled machining team. This role is ideal for a hands-on machinist who takes pride in precision work, blueprint accuracy, and continuous ...

Marathon-Personnel

Surface Grinder

North Houston, TX

Must have experience operating 24" and 96" large reciprocating surface grinders. * In-depth knowledge of the grinding process (wheel selection and offsets, wheel dressing, typical speeds and feeds ...

Integrated Magnetics

CNC Surface Grinder

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

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 ...

Integrated Magnetics

CNC Surface Grinder

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

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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Surface Grinder information

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$13

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$36

How much do surface grinder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface grinder in the United States is $22.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do surface grinders make?

Surface grinders typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and familiarity with precision tools can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or machining environments.

What are surface grinders?

Surface grinders are specialized machines used to produce a smooth finish on flat surfaces of metal or other materials. Operators of surface grinders set up, operate, and maintain these machines to ensure precise shaping and finishing of workpieces. The process involves using a rotating abrasive wheel to remove material, achieving tight tolerances and fine surface qualities required in manufacturing and metalworking industries.

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

To thrive as a Surface Grinder, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with precision measuring instruments, surface grinding machines, and CNC systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and focus on safety help professionals excel in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the production of high-quality components, minimize errors, and maintain workplace safety standards.

What can I do with a surface grinder?

A surface grinder is used by operators to precisely remove small amounts of material from metal or other hard surfaces, creating a smooth, flat finish. It is commonly employed in manufacturing and maintenance to achieve tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes, often requiring knowledge of machine setup and safety procedures.

What is the highest paid machinist job?

The highest paid machinist jobs are often in specialized fields such as CNC machining, aerospace manufacturing, or precision grinding, including roles like CNC programmer or aerospace machinist. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher salaries compared to general machinist roles.

What is the difference between Surface Grinder vs Cylindrical Grinder?

AspectSurface GrinderCylindrical Grinder
Primary UseCreates flat surfaces on workpiecesProduces precise cylindrical or round shapes
Workpiece ShapeFlat, planar surfacesCylindrical or round parts
Work EnvironmentWorkshop with precision grinding machinesSimilar workshop setting, specialized for round parts
Common CertificationsMachining certifications, precision grinding trainingSimilar certifications, focus on cylindrical grinding techniques

Surface grinders and cylindrical grinders are both essential in machining, but they serve different purposes. Surface grinders are used to create flat surfaces, while cylindrical grinders shape round or cylindrical parts. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right tool for specific manufacturing needs.

What Is a Surface Grinder?

A surface grinder operates surface grinding machines to create smooth surfaces. Their job duties are to set up, maintain, and inspect the machine. They must select the proper wheeling and tooling for each workpiece. This career requires experience with the equipment, as well as materials such as stone, metal, and glass. Most employers provide on-the-job training, but schooling from a technical college is also available. Additional qualifications include knowledge of industry computer software, hand-eye coordination, and strong mathematical skills.

What is the job description of a surface grinder?

A surface grinder is responsible for using grinding machines to produce smooth, flat surfaces on metal or other materials. The job involves setting up and operating grinding equipment, measuring workpieces for precision, and ensuring quality standards are met. Skills in machine operation, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety procedures are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Surface Grinders in maintaining precision and quality during production runs?

Surface Grinders often encounter challenges such as tool wear, maintaining tight tolerances, and ensuring consistent surface finishes, especially during long production runs. Variations in material hardness or improper machine setup can lead to dimensional inaccuracies. To address these issues, Surface Grinders routinely monitor equipment, make necessary adjustments, and perform regular maintenance. Close collaboration with quality control and engineering teams is also essential to quickly identify and resolve any inconsistencies, ensuring high-quality output.
More about Surface Grinder jobs
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Surface Grinder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Grinder job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,007 per year, or $22.6 per hour.
Surface Grinder

Surface Grinder

Penn United Technologies

Cabot, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Surface Grinder
Penn United Technologies, Inc. is now hiring for full-time, experienced Surface Grinders to join our Tooling division. Our precision Surface Grinders focus on safely manufacturing components for progressive stamping dies and spare components for a variety of industries including medical, automotive, nuclear, and electrical connectivity. Penn United is a leader in our industry, providing the highest quality precision manufactured solutions for a variety of products and industries for over 53 years. Penn United provides work that challenges you, training and career opportunities to advance you, and an amazing benefit compensation program that rewards you.
Surface Grinder Responsibilities:
  • Prioritize, plan and prepare work. Analyze tasks and establish an appropriate sequence of operations
  • Read blueprints and job orders for product specifications, number of parts to be ground, material specifications, grinding stock, and due dates
  • Set up and operate various grinding machines
  • Select grinding wheel, speeds and feed rates for each operation according to requirements and knowledge of metal properties and abrasives
  • Verify hole locations and dimensions of ground work piece for conformance to specifications using measuring instruments, such as micrometers, comparators, calipers, dial indicators, gauge blocks and load test equipment
  • Check grinder for proper maintenance, preparation (proper wheel and dressing, etc.) before starting each job
  • Grind component to blueprint specifications and stock allowances
  • Potential to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment

Surface Grinder Qualifications:
  • Journeyworker papers or four plus years of precision grinding experience required
  • If you have work experience with centerless, cylindrical, jig, surface, or contour grinding, you are encouraged to apply
  • Willingness to cross train on different equipment
  • Excellent blueprint reading, understanding of GD& T, mechanical and math abilities
  • Commitment to quality, speed and accuracy, and maximizing acceptable product percentages
  • Committed to safety, team development, and product and service excellence
  • High school diploma or GED minimum required
  • Primarily daylight shift, but must be able to work an off-shift as needed, and stand 8-9 hours per day

Compensation & benefits:
Penn United Technologies currently employs over 700 people in our employee-owned precision manufacturing company, located about 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh in Butler County. We offer an array of excellent benefits that reflect our commitment to the health and financial well-being of our employee-owners including:
  • COMPETITIVE STARTING WAGE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY FOR TWO PAY INCREASES IN THE FIRST YEAR
  • HEALTH BENEFITS
    • Medical, dental, vision, Rx insurance that starts the first day
    • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • Hearing Aid Coverage
  • RETIREMENT
    • ESOP : 5% Company paid contribution to our Employee Stock Ownership Plan
    • 401K: 3% Company paid contribution
    • 401K: 50% Company paid match up to the first 6% you contribute
  • MONTHLY PROFIT-SHARING PROGRAM
  • WORK / LIFE BALANCE - Paid Time Away from Work
    • 15 Days Paid Time Off (PTO) your first year
    • 9 Paid Holidays
  • OTHER INSURANCE COVERAGE
    • Group Term Life
    • Short Term Disability (after 90 days)
    • Long Term Disability (after 6 months)
    • Voluntary Benefit package
  • ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
    • Shift Differential
    • On-site cafeteria
    • Temperature controlled buildings
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Safety Equipment (PPE) Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disability

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