Grinder Trainee - 1st Shift

Howmet; Branford (CT); On-site; USD 26,174 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Day-one benefits

Medical coverage

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace is hiring a CNC Grinder in Branford, CT to operate swing and small wheel grinders, condition parts, and ensure specifications are met. Training provided to perform grinding and finishing operations with attention to radii and dimensions.

The role emphasizes safety, tool selection, and quality control, with on-site work and a start salary of $22.00/hour plus a $1,000 sign-on bonus and day-one benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be able to read and write in English and follow written instructions.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED is required.
• 1–3 years of manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and evaluate workpieces to identify surface defects.
• Safely operate swing grinders and small wheel grinders.
• Grind parts to required specifications and dimensions.
• Select and install appropriate grinding wheels and tooling.
• Perform wheel changeovers and adjust for alignment and tolerances.
• Record dimensional measurements accurately after grinding.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow PPE rules.

Skills

English literacy

Manufacturing experience

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Location

• 4 Commercial Street, Branford, CT, 06405, US (On-site)
• Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability? None

Company Overview

Howmet Aerospace in Branford, CT is currently hiring highly motivated and energetic candidates to join their team. Howmet Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries worldwide. The Branford facility is focused on producing jet engine components that are essential for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications. With over 50 years of experience in the Branford facility, we are proud to contribute to the development of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines, and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, please visit www.howmet.com.

Follow @howmet: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Summary

We are seeking a candidate to join our team as a CNC Grinder. This position is responsible for swing grinders and small wheel grinders to condition parts for defect removal. This role ensures parts meet required specifications by grinding and smoothing surfaces prior to finishing operations. All training necessary to successfully perform this job will be provided.

Job Responsibilities

• Inspect and evaluate workpieces by sight and touch to identify surface defects.
• Safely operate swing grinders and small wheel grinders in accordance with established procedures.
• Grind parts to required specifications, maintaining consistent radii and dimensions per operation instructions.
• Select and install appropriate grinding wheels or discs based on material type and job requirements.
• Replace worn grinding wheels or discs following all safety protocols.
• Perform fixture, grinding wheel, and diamond wheel changeovers; adjust equipment to meet alignment and dimensional requirements.
• Conduct dimensional checks after grinding and accurately record measurements.
• Polish surfaces using wheel brushes to achieve smooth, defect‑free finishes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Follow all safety requirements, including proper use of PPE, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Adjust machine controls as needed to achieve required measurements and tolerances.
• Support cross‑functional operations by assisting in other departments (e.g., Blast, Demask, Water Wash) to maintain workflow and labor efficiency.
• Perform other job duties as needed or directed by management.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export‑controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
• Candidate must be able to read and write in English
• This position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 Years of manufacturing experience highly desired.
• Experience running manufacturing equipment, advanced math skills, and leadership qualities preferred.

Skills & Abilities

Must be able to read, comprehend and follow simple work instructions, operations sheets, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence or documentation.

Basic understanding of measurement tools and able to make fixture and controls adjustments. (calipers, gauges, etc.).

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Good math skills with the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Good organizational skills in maintaining a variety of records and reports.

Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will usually work in a shop environment with exposure to loud noise, heat/fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and moving mechanical parts with a risk of electrical shock.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary $22.00
• External hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus.
• Benefits package includes, Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, and more - eligible from day one.
• Excellent benefits/401K vested from day one.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers' success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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