Machining Tech III - Grinder - 1st Shift

Howmet; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Howmet Aerospace Inc. in Fullerton, CA is seeking a Machining Tech III- Grinder, 1st Shift to set up and operate grinding equipment, balancing workload for production and experimental orders.

You will select wheels and fixtures, position parts, and verify tolerance with precision instruments, while ensuring safety and quality. This role requires prior machining experience and ability to read blueprints, with room for team training and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior machining experience with grinders and related equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions.
• Read and interpret part drawings; understand speeds and feeds for the machines.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Plan set-up and sequence operations on grinding work by studying orders, drawings, or instructions.
• Check dimensions and finish; determine feed/speed to hold tolerances and finish.
• Set up grinders: select grinding wheel, fixtures, and attachments.
• Position, align and secure parts; make minor machine adjustments.
• Operate grinders to produce production and experimental parts.
• Inspect parts with precision measuring instruments; perform minor repairs as needed.
• Train others in the department; assist in troubleshooting machine issues.

Skills

Machining experience

Read blueprints

Read/interpret English documents

Aerospace/fastener machining

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Comparators

Job description

Responsibilities

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is seeking a Machining Tech III- Grinder, 1st Shift at our aerospace manufacturing facility in the Fullerton, CA.

Sets up and operates grinding equipment, including but not limited to, centerless grinders, abrasive cut-off machines, double disc grinders and any other type of grinder for production and experimental work orders. Operator will support screw machine department to balance workload. Operator will be held to established production and quality standards. Incumbent will have control to make minor adjustments to the process or machine after tasks are assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan the set-up and sequence of operations on special and assigned grinding work by studying work orders, part prints, engineering drawings or other instructions.
• Check dimensions, finish, material and nature of part to determine feed and speed and other set-up information to hold specified tolerances and obtain required finish.
• Make complete set-up of all grinders by selecting and mounting suitable type, size and grade of grinding wheel, holding fixtures and attachments.
• Position, align and secure part.
• Make machine adjustments, dress, true and shape grinding wheels as required.
• Operate any type of grinder to produce both production, experimental parts and details.
• Check parts for finish and dimension with use of precision measuring instruments.
• Make such minor repairs as may be required in set-up and operations.
• May set-up machines for operation by others;
• May be required to train others in the department.
• Trouble shoots problems in both parts to be worked on, and machine problems.
• Parts to be lifted and/or transported may weigh up to 30 lbs.
• Keeps work area clean, safe and in an orderly fashion on a daily basis.
• Performs other tasks of equal or lesser skill as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior machining experience
• Ability to read and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Able to read/interpret part drawings, use quality tools (calipers, mics, comparators)
• Read and interpret blueprints
• Understand the speeds and feeds pertaining to the machine they are operating (where applicable)
• 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.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift/move 30 lbs. (may not exceed per EHS policies)
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stand and sit.
• Occasionally required to walk and talk or hear.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

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 the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, however, it may be occasionally loud enough where hearing protection is required.

Work hours - 5 days, 8 hours a day, with overtime to meet the demands of the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• aerospace/fastener machining experience

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $19.48- $32.53.

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.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [e-mail]

About the Team

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California. We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we're the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.