Grinding and Buffing Operator

Job Description:

Grinding and Buffing Operator – Smith Equipment

The Grinding and Buffing Operator prepares, grinds, sands, and buffs metal or other manufactured parts to meet established quality, surface-finish, and production standards. This position operates hand tools and powered equipment safely, inspects completed work, and maintains an organized work area.

Major Areas of Accountability

• Operate grinders, sanders, buffers, and related hand or powered equipment to remove rough edges, excess material, scratches, weld marks, or surface defects.
• Select and install appropriate abrasive wheels, belts, discs, compounds, pads, and fixtures based on material and finish requirements.
• Read work orders, drawings, specifications, and quality standards to determine required processes and surface finish.
• Inspect parts before, during, and after processing; identify defects and rework or report nonconforming materials as directed.
• Measure or visually verify dimensions, surface quality, and finish using required gauges and inspection tools.
• Maintain production records, including quantities completed, scrap, rework, and material usage.
• Perform routine equipment checks, replace worn consumables, and report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
• Follow established safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment and maintain a clean work area.
• Handle and move materials, parts, and finished products in accordance with workplace procedures.
• Support team production goals and perform other related duties as assigned

• Utilizes a variety of metal cleaning and finishing equipment such as metcote tanks, thermal deburrer, electro-plating tanks, and various soap and rinse tanks.

• Utilizes test equipment to maintain appropriate chemical balances, temperatures, cleanliness, etc.

• Assists in maintaining the wastewater treatment system.

• Troubleshoots and performs routine maintenance of metal finishing equipment and assigned work area.   Keeps department and machines clean and orderly.

• Utilizes proper storage, handling and disposal methods of all hazardous materials.

• Assists in maintaining chemical supplies and other regular consumables.

• Inspects parts using measuring equipment per prescribed procedures.

• Performs work in a safe manner by following all safety rules and ensures that proper safety equipment is used (including machine guards).

• Maintains department records per established procedures.

• Supports the department team and continuous improvement concepts by suggesting changes/ improvements of setups and processes.  Assists in documentation and control of these processes in accordance with established policies/procedures.

• Seeks and recommends ways to eliminate potential quality problems, to improve procedure and methods, and to increase department or division productivity utilizing TQC problems solving techniques.

Supports the ITW/Smith principles and philosophies:

• Use of the principles and philosophies: simplify, focus, flow, empower and trust
• Set goals and targets that support the company, department and assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• No allergies to oils, solvents or solutions.
• Physical ability to lift, carry and maneuver 50 pounds.
• Physical ability to stand all day.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cooperative and team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal/written) effectively with customers, suppliers and other employees.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret all applicable blueprints, schematics and diagrams.

Company Description

• Located in Watertown, SD, Smith Equipment sets the industry standard in oxy-fuel equipment. Smith was founded in 1916 by Elmer Smith.  Our commitment to crafting excellence has yearned us a reputation for manufacturing high-quality equipment that welders and professional trust.

• Smith offers a comprehensive range of gas equipment and gas control products. From torches to regulators, our lineup meets the highest standards. Our equipment is meticulously designed for user safety without compromising on performance. We understand the diverse needs of oxy-fuel applications, providing solutions that empower professionals to achieve superior results with equipment they can rely on.

• Smith Equipment is a Miller Electric Company.

• Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

• The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Additional Information

• ITW Welding is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why ITW Welding?

Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want:

• Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future.
• Paid Time Off – 11 paid holidays, 5 sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters.
• Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind.
• Family-Friendly Benefits – 4 weeks of paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey.
• Education Assistance – tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development.

At ITW Welding, we’re not just a place to work – we’re a community that empowers you to grow and make a real impact. Join us and build a career that makes a difference!”

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.