Grind Robot Operator

Athena Manufacturing; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Athena Manufacturing is seeking a Grind Robot Operator to support robotic grinding and finishing operations for metal components. You will load parts, monitor cycles, and ensure parts meet quality standards while maintaining a safe, organized workspace in line with 2 Second Lean principles.

You will perform routine equipment checks, document production activities, and collaborate with supervision to resolve issues, continuously seeking improvements in efficiency and waste reduction on the shop

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1+ years of manufacturing or fabrication experience preferred.
• Experience with robotic grinding, finishing, or deburring is a plus.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Ability to read work instructions, blueprints or production documents.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate robotic grinding and finishing equipment according to SOPs and safety rules.
• Load and unload parts, fixtures, or assemblies into grinding cells.
• Monitor operations for proper cycles and consistent quality.
• Inspect finished components for surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Perform minor adjustments to fixtures, tooling, or robot programs.
• Conduct routine equipment checks and basic preventative maintenance.
• Report malfunctions or quality concerns to supervisor or maintenance.
• Maintain production and quality documentation per QMS.
• Support continuous improvement and 2 Second Lean initiatives.
• Keep work area organized using 5S principles.

Skills

Robotic equipment experience

Grinding/finishing/deburring

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprints reading

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Robotic grinding systems

Grinding and finishing equipment

Inspection and measuring tools

ERP / Warehouse / Inventory systems

Job description

Athena Manufacturing, LP is a career-minded company that cares about our employees and their success. We invest in all employees by providing the training and skills they need to not only be successful in their occupation but also the opportunity to grow and advance within the company.

Overview:

The Grind Robot Operator is responsible for operating and supporting robotic grinding and finishing equipment used to deburr, smooth, and finish fabricated metal components. This role ensures that parts meet Athena Manufacturing's quality standards, customer specifications, and safety requirements while supporting efficient production flow.

The Grind Robot Operator will monitor robotic grinding operations, load and unload parts, perform routine equipment checks, and verify finished components meet required specifications. This role supports Athena's 2 Second Lean culture by identifying opportunities for improvement, reducing waste, and maintaining an organized and safe work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate robotic grinding and finishing equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety requirements.
• Load and unload parts, fixtures, or assemblies into robotic grinding cells.
• Monitor robotic operations to ensure proper cycle completion and consistent quality.
• Inspect finished components for surface quality, burr removal, dimensional requirements, and overall workmanship.
• Perform minor adjustments to fixtures, tooling, or robot programs as directed.
• Conduct routine equipment checks and basic preventative maintenance tasks.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, abnormal operations, or quality concerns to the Supervisor or Maintenance team.
• Maintain accurate production and quality documentation as required by Athena's Quality Management System (QMS).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute ideas aligned with Athena's 2 Second Lean philosophy.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area using 5S principles.
• Follow all safety procedures and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Support cross-training and assist in other fabrication or finishing operations as needed.
• Other duties may be assigned by leadership.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1+ years of manufacturing or fabrication experience preferred.
• Experience with robotic equipment, grinding, finishing, or deburring operations is a plus.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot minor equipment issues.
• Ability to read work instructions, blueprints, or production documents.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Arm-Hand Steadiness- The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Strength - (Heavy)- Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
• Movement- climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, twisting, bending
• Auditory- talking and hearing
• Vision-near acuity, far acuity, depth perception, color vision, field of vision
• Environment conditions and physical surroundings-noise, vibration, atmospheric conditions

PREFERRED TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY:

• Robotic grinding systems
• Grinding and finishing equipment
• Inspection and Measuring tools
• ERP / Warehouse / Inventory systems (M2M, SFM)
• Comfortable with technology; coachable and open to learning

REQUIRED WORK CLOTHING AND PPE:

• Safety glasses are provided by Athena
• Closed toe safety shoes are required

Athena Manufacturing supports commercial, aerospace, and government customers and is committed to maintaining compliance with applicable information security, export control, and government contract requirements, including the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program.

Certain roles may require access to controlled information, systems, or programs that are subject to U.S. government regulations, including export control requirements. As a result, access to specific work, systems, or data may be restricted to individuals who meet applicable regulatory eligibility requirements, including U.S. Person requirements as defined by federal regulations. Eligibility for such access will be determined prior to assignment and may be re-evaluated as business or regulatory needs change.

At Athena Manufacturing, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement through the principles of 2 Second Lean. This approach encourages all team members to identify and implement small, daily improvements that streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency. We believe that by empowering our employees to take ownership of their workspaces and share their ideas, we can drive innovation, increase productivity, and create a more enjoyable work environment for everyone. Join us as we strive to improve every day, 2 seconds at a time!