Ceramic Blade Maker

Kadant Solutions, based in Auburn, Massachusetts, develops, manufactures, and markets doctoring, cleaning, filtration, and forming systems and related consumables used in process industries worldwide including construction roofing materials, food processing, metals processing, nonwovens, pulp and paper, textiles and fibers, and tissue.

About the role

This position will set up and operate a precision automatic ceramic grinding machine to produce items from various materials according to blueprints, sketches, and work instructions. The role includes performing all blade processing operations in ceramic and other blade departments. This position includes the opportunity to travel to Germany with other company employees to receive hands-on training from the original equipment manufacturer on newly purchased equipment. This company-paid trip will provide valuable experience and technical knowledge essential to the role.

Responsibilities

• Work independently in planning, layout, setting up, and operating the precision automatic ceramic blade grinder.
• Produce product with specification and applicable procedures/work instructions.
• Perform basic machine maintenance.
• Perform all processing operations in ceramic and other blade departments, including but not limited to beveling, honing, grinding, punching, cutoff, packaging, and assembly of product.
• Participate in development of processes to enable production of unique and undocumented processes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area.
• Fully responsible for the quality of their own work.
• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and practices.
• Must be a team player and participate in efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Work overtime as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of hands-on experience with the setup and operation of precision automatic ceramic face grinding machines.
• Experience with all blade-making processes a plus.
• Experience with devices to lift heavy irregular-shaped objects (e.g., cranes, power lifts, and methods of lifting).
• Knowledge of shop mathematics and technologies.
• Able to read basic blueprints.
• Understands order of operations and good manufacturing practices.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints.
• Able to correctly use and read measuring tools (e.g., tape measure, micrometers, Vernier calipers).
• Control the equipment to hold tolerances to .0005 consistently.
• Verbal and written communication skills to convey information within the organization.
• Ability to solve practical manufacturing problems with little guidance.
• Basic computer skills.
• Able to prioritize tasks.

Physical/Environmental Demands

• Possess manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items with fingers.
• Able to lift, carry, move, push, or pull up to 40 lbs without aid of a device.
• Work in shop conditions with moving equipment, noise, dust, and temperature swings.
• Periodically exposed to hazards of a serious nature requiring care in use of machinery and other equipment necessitating the use of personal protection equipment.

Pay

$21.97 - $32.49 hourly

Benefits

• All benefits are effective upon date of hire.
• Comprehensive Benefit Package includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with best-in-class premiums.
• 10 ½ paid holidays.
• 401k with match.
• Company-paid life insurance benefit.
• Disability insurance.
• Aflac insurance.
• Lifelock insurance.
• MetLaw legal assistance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible spending.
• Dependent care.
• Educational assistance.
• Employee stock purchase plan.