Grinder Operator

Aerotek; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym access

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Paid holidays

PTO

Sick time

Performance raises

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Grinder Operator in Anoka, MN for a permanent, onsite role in metal fabrication. You will finish welded parts using handheld grinders, remove weld spatter, and prep surfaces for painting.

The position offers extensive overtime opportunities, on‑the‑job training, and a path to build a stable career in fabrication. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork with a 46-person crew, and independent task management with regular communication to supervision.

Qualifications

• Approximately 6 months of fabrication experience, with grinding experience preferred.
• Able to operate small electric grinding tools and basic power tools.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with hand and power tools.
• Strong work history and clear communication with team and leadership.
• Willing to work overtime when required.
• Follow safety guidelines and wear PPE at all times.

Responsibilities

• Finish newly welded parts in the fabrication department using handheld grinders.
• Remove weld spatter to ensure a clean finish.
• Smooth surfaces so paint adheres properly in the paint booth.
• Operate small electric grinders and related tools safely.
• Move materials within fabrication and grinding areas.
• Wear and maintain PPE to protect eyes, arms and body.
• Follow safety procedures and keep work area clean and organized.
• Collaborate with a team of about 46 while managing tasks independently.
• Communicate status, issues, or safety concerns with team and supervisors.

Skills

Fabrication experience

Operate grinding tools

Hand tools & power tools

Communication

Overtime eligibility

Safety procedures & PPE

Tools

Electric handheld grinders

Job description

Job Title: Grinder Operator Job Description

The Grinder Operator works in the fabrication department, taking newly welded metal parts and using handheld grinding tools to remove weld spatter and smooth surfaces so they are ready for painting. This is a hands-on, entry-level role that offers extensive overtime opportunities, competitive pay, and on-the-job training for motivated individuals who want to work hard and build a stable career in metal fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Work in the fabrication department to finish newly welded metal parts using handheld grinding tools.
• Remove all weld spatter from metal components to ensure a clean and professional finish.
• Smooth metal surfaces correctly so paint can adhere properly when parts go to the paint booth.
• Operate small electric handheld grinders and other basic power tools safely and efficiently.
• Move materials and parts as needed within the fabrication and grinding area.
• Wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect eyes, arms, and body from sparks and debris while grinding.
• Follow safety procedures and participate in maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Collaborate with a small team of 46 people while independently managing assigned grinding tasks.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors about job status, issues, or safety concerns.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 6 months of fabrication experience, with grinding experience preferred.
• Ability to operate small electric grinding tools and other basic power tools.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with hand tools and power tools.
• Good and consistent work history, even if not in manufacturing.
• Ability to effectively communicate with team members and leadership.
• Ability to work overtime when needed.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and wear required PPE.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication, metal finishing, or metalworking.
• Background in mechanical assembly or general labor in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools used in fabrication and finishing.
• Metal cutting or fabrication experience is a plus.
• Stable employment history, with no more than three jobs in the past 18 months.
• Willingness to learn and be trained into the role with no prior grinding experience required.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy access to a state-of-the-art gym, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability benefits, and a 401(k) plan with 100% match up to 3%. The organization offers paid holidays, two weeks of PTO upon hire, and 40 hours of sick time, supporting strong work-life balance. Performance, safety, and attendance are recognized through quarterly and annual raises, and the team culture emphasizes well-being with hydration breaks and treats provided on hot days.

Work Environment

The role is based in a comfortable metal fabrication area that stays moderate in the winter and can become warm in the summer, similar to other industrial environments. On hotter days, mandatory breaks are provided along with Gatorade and Freezee-style treats to support hydration and safety. The grinding area consists of a small team of about 46 people, where teamwork is important but most grinding tasks are performed independently. The environment involves regular use of handheld grinders and other power tools, with required PPE such as eye, arm, and body protection to guard against sparks and metal debris.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Anoka, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Anoka,MN.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.