R&D Grinding Technician II

CoorsTek; Village of Potsdam (NY); Vor Ort; USD 30.307 - 38.572; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Paid Time Off

Medical Benefits

401K matching

Safety Equipment Provided

Wellness Programs

Zusammenfassung

CoorsTek in the United States is seeking an R&D Grinding Technician II to prepare ceramic samples for testing and support lab procedures. You will operate grinders and measurement tools, following work instructions and customer requirements while maintaining safety and quality.

The role requires a high school diploma with related experience or a bachelor’s degree with related experience, and experience with grinders or precision measurement is preferred.

Qualifikationen

• High school diploma or equivalent with 3 years of related work experience or a Bachelor’s degree with 1 year related experience.
• Technical training or machining-related certification preferred.
• G‑Code programming knowledge is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Prepare ceramic and related material samples for testing under supervision and follow approved procedures.
• Operate grinders and cutting equipment to harvest samples and shape test specimens.
• Perform grinding, sectioning, and shaping for various lab tests.
• Use calipers, micrometers, height gauges to verify dimensions and workmanship.
• Document preparation steps, equipment used, observations, and deviations.
• Collaborate with analysts, engineers, and technicians to ensure valid testing and minimize rework.

Kenntnisse

Math

Writing

Reading work instructions

Attention to detail

Communication

Ausbildung

High school diploma or equivalent + 3 years related work experience

Bachelor’s degree with 1 year related work experience

Tools

Blanchard grinders

reciprocating surface grinders

table saws

geological saws

calipers

micrometers

height gauges

Jobbeschreibung

It's exciting to work for a company that makes the world measurably better. We're committed to bringing safety, quality, and customer focus to the business of advanced ceramics manufacturing.

Job Title

R&D Grinding Technician II

Roles & Responsibilities

Works under limited supervision while following approved work instructions, drawings, customer requirements, and laboratory procedures to prepare ceramic and related material samples for testing.

• Operates sample preparation and machining equipment, including but not limited to: Blanchard grinders; reciprocating surface grinders; table saws; geological saws; basic cutting, grinding, and material removal equipment used for sample harvesting and shaping.
• Harvests samples from ceramic parts, coupons, billets, tiles, and other submitted materials to create basic shapes or test specimens for downstream analysis.
• Performs grinding, sectioning, and shaping operations to support mechanical, thermal, electrical, microscopy, chemistry, and other laboratory testing needs.
• Interprets basic work instructions, sample drawings, customer requests, and dimensional requirements to determine appropriate machining and preparation approach.
• Uses measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other basic inspection tools to verify sample dimensions and workmanship.
• Documents sample preparation steps, equipment used, relevant observations, and deviations from standard processing requirements.
• Identifies and communicates sample condition concerns, machining limitations, dimensional issues, cracking, chipping, contamination risks, or other preparation-related problems to laboratory leadership or internal customers.
• Performs basic troubleshooting on sample preparation equipment and resolves routine operational issues within area of responsibility.
• Cleans equipment and work areas, performs routine preventative maintenance, and supports safe, reliable operation of sample preparation equipment.
• Assists with data gathering, record keeping, and basic technical reporting related to sample preparation, equipment condition, rework, scrap, or process observations.
• Works independently on assigned sample preparation tasks and supports continuous improvement by identifying practical improvements to workflow, fixturing, equipment use, safety, or sample quality.
• Collaborates with analysts, engineers, technicians, and internal customers to ensure samples are prepared in a way that supports valid testing and minimizes rework.
• Cross‑trains on related laboratory equipment and sample preparation processes as needed to support department priorities.
• Complies with customer specifications, quality requirements, laboratory procedures, and safety standards.

Knowledge of CNC operation or G‑Code programming is a plus.

Job Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of related work experience, or Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related work experience.
• Technical training, trade school coursework, or machining‑related certification is preferred.

Experience

• Experience operating grinders, saws, or other material removal equipment is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Blanchard grinders, reciprocating surface grinders, table saws, geological saws, or similar sample preparation equipment is highly preferred.
• Experience machining, grinding, cutting, or preparing ceramic, glass, stone, carbide, refractory, or other brittle materials is preferred.
• Experience in a laboratory, R&D, prototype, machine shop, ceramics manufacturing, or materials testing environment is preferred.
• Experience with equipment maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and dimensional inspection is preferred.
• G‑Code programming knowledge is a plus.

Functional / Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Intermediate math and writing skills required.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, sample preparation requests, basic drawings, and dimensional requirements.
• Ability to use basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
• Generate basic technical notes, sample preparation records, and equipment-related documentation.
• Understand basic material handling considerations for ceramics and other brittle materials, including chipping, cracking, edge quality, contamination, and dimensional control.
• Possesses practical troubleshooting skills for sample preparation and machining equipment.
• Use computer systems for basic departmental functions, including data entry, work tracking, and documentation.
• Organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and able to manage multiple sample preparation priorities.
• Work with a diverse variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds; exhibits effective cooperation and communication skills.

Position-Specific Physical Requirements

Required to always wear appropriate personal protective equipment in work areas. May be required to work around rotating equipment, grinding wheels, saw blades, coolant systems, sharp edges, ceramic dust, and brittle material fragments. May be required to handle hazardous chemicals such as acids, solvents, coolants, or cleaning agents. May be required to wear a respirator; medical evaluation will be required prior to fitting. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. May be required to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, push, pull, and perform hands‑on equipment operation throughout the workday.

Target Hiring Range

Hourly: USD 22.84 – USD 27.62. Actual compensation is commensurate with experience, skills and education.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job-related factors. An applicant may not provide any information that indicates race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or other status protected by law or regulation.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• Company-Matched 401K (USA only)
• Company-Matched Pension Plan (CANADA only)
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with Company Contribution
• Wellness Reimbursement Program (USA only)
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet Insurance, Legal Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & more) (USA only)
• Safety Programs (reimbursement for safety shoes and company-provided safety glasses)
• Performance-Based Bonuses for all Employees
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Mentorship Program
• Community & Volunteer Events & MORE