Grinder Operator - 2nd Shift

Description

Job Title: Grinder Operator - 2nd Shift

Classification: Full-time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Location: Kymera - CASL Houston, TX Onsite

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Kymera International is a leading global producer of specialty metal powders, pastes, and granules, catering to industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and electronics. Our mission is to drive innovation while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, operational excellence, and ethical business practices. We are committed to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance on a global scale.

Kymera International - CASL Houston: CASL’s purpose is to continuously improve the performance of high value, mission critical parts through the application of wear resistant metallic or ceramic alloy coatings. How do we do that? We collaborate to determine your desired component performance and assess the operating environment, from there selecting the alloy, preparation process, application technology and finishing operation needed to achieve the expected result. Once we’ve defined the outcome, our focus shifts to getting your critical parts back on time and per specification. CASL’s unique combination of design collaboration, technical capability and vertically integrated, quick response manufacturing helps minimize owning and operating costs to get more performance out of your high value component parts.

Job Overview:

The Grinder Operator is responsible for setting up and operating grinding and honing machines to achieve precise surface finishes and dimensional tolerances on components. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to interpret blueprints, and proficiency in using precision measurement tools. This role supports the manufacturing and finishing of precision oil & gas components, requiring tight tolerance control, critical sealing surface finishes, and experience with carbide and HVOF-coated materials

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reading and interpreting work orders, job specifications, blueprints, and schematics.
• Frequent use of precision measurement tools.
• Hoisting, positioning, loading, and securing components into the Hone.
• Operating honing equipment to achieve required prep and finish dimensions on ID/OD surfaces, holding tolerances of ±0.0002”–±0.0005”, including control of roundness and cylindricity.
• Use of tools such as hand grinder, dot welder, die grinder and other hand tool safely and proficiently.
• Determine product specifications and calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and measuring instruments
• Measuring, examining, and testing completed units using precision instruments (micrometers, bore gauges, air gauges, and calipers) to verify dimensional tolerances, surface finish (Ra), and geometric requirements.
• Remove carbide and HVOF coatings using appropriate abrasives and processes while maintaining base material integrity and tight dimensional tolerances.
• Determine and monitor the feed and speed of machines as well as abrasive selection for honing
• Observe operating machines and equipment to prevent issues, and if needed, troubleshoot and diagnose machine malfunctions requiring maintenance, adjustments, or repair.
• Lifting, hoisting, and positioning workpieces as needed.
• Handling and transporting parts across the shop floor.
• Achieve and verify required surface finishes (e.g., 8–32 Ra) on sealing surfaces
• Set up and indicate parts to ensure concentricity between ID and OD features
• Hone/grind straight bores, tapers, and stepped diameters per blueprint requirements
• Monitor and adjust machine parameters (feed, speed, abrasive selection) based on material and coating type

Benefits Summary:

At Kymera International - we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and flexible PTO.
• Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work the hours of 2:00PM – 10:30PM, and later with overtime as needed.
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload and responsibilities.
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload responsibilities.
• Safety awareness and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
• Eligibility for employment in US.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, drug-screen, eye exam, hearing exam, and respirator test (health screenings required if applicable for job safety compliance purposes).

Required Experience and Education:

• Minimum 3 Years experience with OD or ID grinding equipment.
• Minimum 3 Years experience with Oil & gas components (mandrels, sleeves, pump housings)
• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in Machining, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with honing machine operations
• Experience with tungsten carbide and HVOF coatings (WC-Co, CRC)
• Ability to achieve fie surface finishes (2-32 Ra)
• Familiarity with GD&T (runout, concentricity, cylindricity)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods.
• Strength to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate machinery, tools, and equipment while maintaining focus on ergonomics and safety.
• Ability to work safely in environments with potential exposure to dust, fumes, and noise.
• Ability to wear and work comfortably in required personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to steel-toe boots, for prolonged periods.

When requested by employees, and when possible, reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform their essential job functions. Kymera is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encouraging diversity in the workplace. EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability.