R&D Grinding Technician II

About the role

We are seeking a R&D Grinding Technician II to join our team. This position involves preparing, machining, and harvesting ceramic and related material samples for laboratory testing and R&D evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ceramic and related material samples for testing according to customer requirements, approved work instructions, quality expectations, and safety standards.
• Operate various sample preparation and machining equipment, including Blanchard grinders, reciprocating surface grinders, table saws, and geological saws.
• Harvest samples from ceramic parts, coupons, billets, tiles, and other submitted materials to create basic shapes or test specimens for downstream analysis.
• Perform grinding, sectioning, and shaping operations to support mechanical, thermal, electrical, microscopy, chemistry, and other laboratory testing needs.
• Interpret work instructions, sample drawings, customer requests, and dimensional requirements to determine appropriate machining and preparation approach.
• Use measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and other basic inspection tools to verify sample dimensions and workmanship.
• Document sample preparation steps, equipment used, relevant observations, and deviations from standard processing requirements.
• Identify and communicate sample condition concerns, machining limitations, dimensional issues, cracking, chipping, contamination risks, or other preparation-related problems to laboratory leadership or internal customers.
• Perform basic troubleshooting on sample preparation equipment and resolve routine operational issues within area of responsibility.
• Clean equipment and work areas, perform routine preventative maintenance, and support safe, reliable operation of sample preparation equipment.
• Assist with data gathering, record keeping, and basic technical reporting related to sample preparation, equipment condition, rework, scrap, or process observations.
• Work independently on assigned sample preparation tasks and support continuous improvement by identifying practical improvements to workflow, fixturing, equipment use, safety, or sample quality.
• Collaborate with analysts, engineers, technicians, and internal customers to ensure samples are prepared in a way that supports valid testing and minimizes rework.
• Cross-train on related laboratory equipment and sample preparation processes as needed to support department priorities.
• Comply with customer specifications, quality requirements, laboratory procedures, and safety standards.

Requirements

• 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 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.

Qualifications

• Intermediate math and writing skills required.
• Able to read and follow work instructions, sample preparation requests, basic drawings, and dimensional requirements.
• Able to use basic measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
• Able to generate basic technical notes, sample preparation records, and equipment-related documentation.
• Understands 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.
• Able to use computer systems for basic departmental functions, including data entry, work tracking, and documentation.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, safety-focused, and able to manage multiple sample preparation priorities.
• Able to work with a diverse variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Exhibits effective cooperation and communication skills to work within a team environment and support internal customers.

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.