Ceramic & Grinder Operator

Knowles Corporation; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Knowles is seeking a Ceramic/Grinder Operator in San Diego to manufacture ceramic resonators and substrates. You will set up and run Dorst presses, grinding machines, furnaces, and testing systems while ensuring quality and safety.

The role requires basic math, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. The position involves RF and frequency testing, measuring components with micrometers and calipers, and maintaining documentation and housekeeping as

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production machinery including presses and grinding equipment.
• Perform ceramic processing, drying, firing, and grinding.
• Inspect parts using measuring tools and verify tolerances.
• Document production data and maintain clean, organized work areas.
• Follow safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Machine operation

Ceramics knowledge

Grinding operations

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Measuring equipment use

RF testing familiarity

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Calipers

Job description

The Ceramic/Grinder Operator is responsible for manufacturing high-quality ceramic resonators and substrates through a variety of ceramic processing, grinding, testing, and inspection operations. This position sets up and operates production equipment, grinding machines, furnaces, and testing systems to produce components that meet quality and performance specifications while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate automated Dorst presses, grinding machines, deburring equipment, and other production machinery.
• Perform ceramic processing activities including drying, firing, and grinding operations.
• Operate high-temperature furnaces and related equipment.
• Position and secure workpieces using fixtures, chucks, or machine tables as required.
• Select and install appropriate grinding wheels, speeds, feed rates, and tooling based on work instructions and product specifications.
• Set up computers and production equipment as required for processing and testing.
• Perform RF and frequency testing using designated testing equipment.
• Monitor machine operations and make adjustments to ensure product quality and process efficiency.
• Verify dimensions and specifications using measuring instruments such as micrometers, comparators, dial indicators, gauges, and other inspection tools.
• Conduct detailed visual and dimensional inspections of parts and identify defects.
• Select and use appropriate tools and equipment to correct defects and produce finished products that meet quality standards.
• Complete production documentation, work orders, travelers, Shop-Trak entries, and other required records.
• Maintain organized work areas and equipment in accordance with housekeeping standards.
• Work in accordance with all work instructions, quality standards, and operating procedures.
• Follow and support all safety practices by wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), complying with safety signs and placards, maintaining good housekeeping, communicating unsafe practices or conditions, and reporting all safety incidents and near misses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum one year of manufacturing, machine operation, ceramics, grinding, or related production experience preferred.
• Knowledge of ceramic materials and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Basic understanding of grinding operations and machine setup.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate manufacturing equipment safely.
• Ability to use precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Good mathematical aptitude.
• Ability to multitask and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with ceramic processing, drying, firing, grinding, RF testing, and frequency testing is preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and test equipment used in ceramic and grinding operations is preferred.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, or Asylee, as required for certain positions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Work Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate manufacturing and grinding equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Good visual acuity and inspection skills.
• Works indoors in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and hazardous equipment.
• Exposure to dust, contaminants, and manufacturing materials.
• Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

About Knowles

Knowles is a leading manufacturer of specialty electronic components. We design parts that perform unique, critical functions for innovative technologies. Through extreme reliability, custom engineering, and scalable manufacturing, we enable businesses to succeed in the most demanding applications across medtech, defense, and industrial markets.
Our high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, advanced medtech microphones, balanced armature speakers, and miniaturization products enable and enhance the performance of technologies with the power to change, improve, and save lives. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has grown into a global organization with employees spanning 11 countries.
What's in it for you on Day 1:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance plans
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Basic Life Insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Hourly Overtime opportunities
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Exciting Onsite Perks:

• Free coffee available at our cafeteria
• Employee Appreciation Events

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive and fair total compensation package for all employees.
Individual compensation decisions are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to previous experience and skills acquired prior to joining Knowles, cost of living in the assigned work location, assigned schedule, and salaries of similarly situated peers at the company. It is to be expected that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences and therefore will be paid at different points in the stated range. We recognize that the person(s) we select for hire may be less experienced or more experienced than the role as posted; if this is the case, any updates to available salary ranges will be communicated with candidates during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles Precision Devices prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status.

ITAR Statement: Please note that this position may require access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status) or have the necessary authorization to access controlled technical data. Compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations is a condition of employment.

Notice to Staffing Agencies, Search Firms and Recruitment Agencies: The recruitment process at Knowles is managed through the Human Resources department. Knowles does not accept resumes submitted from 3rd party agencies outside of our system. To submit resumes, 3rd party agencies will need to be a pre-approved vendor with a valid contract in place, be actively engaged by Knowles to recruit for a specific position and have agency log in credentials to submit candidates to our careers portal. Please do not submit resumes via e-mail, through our external website or directly to our employees. Any resumes submitted in this way become the property of Knowles and will not be eligible for any placement fee.