Grinder Sander I-III

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is seeking a Grinder/Sander to join our manufacturing team in the United States. The role focuses on grinding and sanding fiberglass/composite parts to meet finish specs, removing coatings, masking for paint, and preparing parts for final inspection.

Responsibilities span operating finishing equipment, interpreting drawings, documenting work, ensuring zero defects, and complying with safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Communicates in English both written and verbally.
• Must be able to demonstrate accurate basic math skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate the accurate use of a tape measure.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
• Typical qualifications for this level include basic/entry‑level skills in: Math, Documentation, Materials Knowledge, Tooling/Fixtures/Templates, Equipment, Production Processes, Quality, Safety.

Responsibilities

• Uses machine and hand finishing techniques to smooth and blend rough components into finished products.
• Operates shop related machinery to include ventilation booths, ovens, pneumatic tools, common hand tools, and scales.
• Interprets and follow manufacturing orders and drawings.
• Documents Travelers and Charts accurately.
• Supports and exhibits the focus of zero defects as well as right‑the‑first‑time approach.
• Inspects finished product for conformance to specifications. Follows FOD practices.
• Handles, applies, stores and disposes of composite materials, adhesives, sealants, resins and solvents in accordance with company and environmental requirements.
• May work from verbal and/or written Manufacturing Order instructions.
• May occasionally perform common tasks outside the scope of this job description in support of production operations.
• Maintains a clean work area and ensuring strict adherence to the 5S Standards.
• Routinely meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards commensurate with level of position.
• Complies with established QMS procedures.
• Complies with established safety directives.
• Assists co‑workers within immediate department as required.
• Assists outside department personnel per Supervisor request or approval.i
• May be trained and cross‑utilized to perform technical tasks outside the scope of this job description in support of production operations.
• Accurately tracks and records time spent on jobs within the required computer systems in accordance with company procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grinder/Sander

Blueprints

Grinding wheels

Belt sanders

Polishing jacks

Grinding machinery

Interpret technical drawings

Engineering specifications

Surface grinders

Cylindrical grind

Education

High school education or equivalent

Tools

Tape measure

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective, jet‑powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Grind, sand, and fill fiberglass and composite products to meet finish requirements. Remove protective coatings using chemical and mechanical methods. Mask and prepare parts for final paint. Un-mask and clean final product.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Grinder/Sander ALL

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Grinder/Sanders. Each level of Grinder/Sander has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Uses machine and hand finishing techniques to smooth and blend rough components into finished products.
• Operates shop related machinery to include ventilation booths, ovens, pneumatic tools, common hand tools, and scales.
• Interprets and follow manufacturing orders and drawings.
• Documents Travelers and Charts accurately.
• Supports and exhibits the focus of zero defects as well as iright-the-first-time approach.
• Inspects finished product for conformance to specifications. Follows FOD (foreign object prevention) practices.
• Handles, applies, stores and disposes of composite materials, adhesives, sealants, resins and solvents in accordance with company and environmental requirements
• May work from verbal and/or written Manufacturing Order instructions.
• May occasionally perform common tasks outside the scope of this job description in support of production operations.
• Maintains a clean work area and ensuring strict adherence to the 5S Standards.
• Routinely meets or exceeds productivity and quality standards commensurate with level of position.
• Complies with established QMS procedures.
• Complies with established safety directives.
• Assists co‑workers within immediate department as required.
• Assists outside department personnel per Supervisor request or approval.i
• • May be trained and cross‑utilized to perform technical tasks outside the scope of this job description in support of production operations.
  • Accurately tracks and records time spent on jobs within the required computer systems in accordance with company procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Grinder/Sander I

• Works under close supervision.
• Performs routine, non‑complex work assignments within scope of primary duties and responsibilities listed above.

Grinder/Sander II

• Works under limited supervision.
• Performs routine and non‑routine intermediate levels of work assignments within scope of duties and responsibilities listed above.
• May have a limited role in training Grinder/Sander I, when directed by area supervisor.

Grinder/Sander III

• Works under minimal supervision.
• Performs advanced, routine and/or non‑routine work assignments within scope of duties and responsibilities listed above.
• Responsible for the direct training and supervision of the work quality of less skilled Grinder/Sanders.
• Provides input on continuous improvement projects, working closely with supervisors and engineering personnel to champion changes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Compensation:

$21.00 - $30.00 Hourly

Keyword: Grinder/Sander, blueprints, grinding wheels, belt sanders, polishing jacks, grinding machinery, interpret technical drawings, and engineering specifications, surface grinders, cylindrical grind

Required Experience:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Grinder/Sander I

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Communicates in English both written and verbally.
• Must be able to demonstrate accurate basic math skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate the accurate use of a tape measure.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
• Typical qualifications for this level include basic/entry‑level skills in the following areas:
  • Math
  • Documentation
  • Materials Knowledge
  • Tooling/Fixtures/Templates
  • Equipment
  • Production Processes
  • Quality
  • Safety

Grinder/Sander II

• Basic computer skills with the ability to navigate around files.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).
• Typical qualifications for this level include an advanced level of skills in the following areas:
  • Math
  • Documentation
  • Materials Knowledge
  • Tooling/Fixtures/Templates
  • Equipment
  • Production Processes
  • Quality
  • Safety

Grinder/Sander III

• Satisfies all Grinder/Sander II requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and assign work assignments in order to meet production deadlines and requirements.
• Some experience in the passavation and alodining of metals.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

Grinder/Sander I

• Preferably some hands‑on experience in manufacturing production.
• Experience in machine sanding operations desired.

Grinder/Sander II

• Preferably 2-3 years hands‑on experience in composite manufacturing.

Grinder/Sander III

• Preferably 3-5 years hands‑on experience in composite manufacturing

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and working from slightly elevated surfaces on a regular basis.
• Manipulating materials, primarily with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lifts and carries heavy objects weighing up to 50lbs.
• Utilizes both powered and non‑powered equipment.
• Occasional exposure to noise, hazardous materials and dusts.
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

N/A

From: Kratos Defense