What You'll Do

  • Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
  • Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
  • Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
  • Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
  • Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
  • Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
  • Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
  • Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
  • Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5
Operation and Control 4.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 2.88/5
Monitoring 2.88/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.88/5
Troubleshooting 2.88/5
Active Listening 2.75/5
Speaking 2.75/5
Coordination 2.75/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cautiousness, Achievement Orientation, Integrity

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Control Precision 3.88/5
Near Vision 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Manual Dexterity 3.75/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.62/5
Reaction Time 3.62/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.5/5
Oral Comprehension 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD SAP software Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC Manufacturing reporting system Microsoft Office software Microsoft Windows Microsoft Excel

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.71/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.43/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.33/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 3.7/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 3.69/5)

Want to see how YOUR strengths align with this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Automatic Grinder Operator Bench Grinder Billet Grinder Bit Grinder Blade Grinder Brass Buffer Buffer Bufferer Buffing Line Set Up Worker Buffing Machine Operator Buffing Machine Tender Cell Operator Centerless Grinder Operator Centerless Grinder Setup Operator Cylinder Grinder Deburr Operator Deburr Technician (Deburr Tech) Deburrer Deburring Machine Operator Deburring Technician (Deburring Tech) Deburring and Tooling Machine Operator Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech) Disk Grinder Drill Grinder Emery Grinder External Grinder Fender Finisher Finish Grinder Finisher Flute Grinder Flute Polisher Gear Finisher Gear Grinder Gear Lapper Gear Lapping Machine Operator Gold Wheel Blocker and Polisher Gold-Nib Grinder Grinder Grinder Machine Operator Grinder Machine Setter Grinder Operator Grinder Set Up Operator Grinding Machine Operator Grinding Machine Tender Jig Grinder Setup Operator Knife Grinder Lapper Lapping Machine Operator Lapping Machine Setup Operator Machine Burrer Machine Finisher Machine Grinder Magnetic Grinder Operator Metal Buffer Metal Burnisher Metal Burrer Metal Finisher Metal Grinder Metal Polisher Polishing Machine Operator Process Equipment Operator Production Lapping Machine Operator Roll Grinder Roll Grinder Operator Satin Finisher Saw Grinder Scissors Grinder Scratch Brusher Scratch Finisher Shear Grinder Operator Shot Grinder Operator Silverware Buffing Machine Operator Tool Polishing Machine Operator Universal Grinder Operator

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.