Metal Finishing Associate

Job description

Position Summary: The Metal Finishing Associate is responsible for performing a variety of metal finishing processes to ensure manufactured parts meet required specifications and quality standards. This role performs tasks such as deburring, grinding, cut-off operations, polishing, buffing, and straightening metal components using a variety of hand tools and finishing equipment. Using tools such as sanders, grinders, calipers, deburring equipment, polishing wheels, drills, and vibratory finishing machines, the Finishing Associate removes sharp edges, smooths surfaces, and prepares parts for downstream processes including powder coating, plating, and assembly. This role plays a critical part in ensuring finished components meet blueprint specifications, quality standards, and safe handling requirements within the manufacturing process. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Perform metal finishing operations including deburring, grinding, polishing, buffing, cut-off operations, and straightening of metal parts. Utilize tools such as sanders, grinders, calipers, hammers, polishing wheels, deburring machines, drills, and hand tools. Operate finishing equipment including Time Saver machines and vibratory tumbling machines used to break sharp edges and polish metal components. Finish metal products according to manufacturing specifications and production requirements. Interpret blueprints, production orders, and process control sheets to determine part specifications, quantities, and finishing requirements. Follow written instructions, diagrams, and work orders to ensure proper finishing procedures are performed. Inspect finished parts to verify conformance with specifications. Use precision measuring tools such as gauges, micrometers, calipers, and templates. Identify imperfections and perform corrective finishing processes as required. Track and record completed parts in the ERP system to ensure accurate production records. Report safety, quality, equipment, or process concerns to the Production Supervisor. Follow all safety policies and procedures while performing job duties. Ensure proper use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintain a clean and organized work area. Ensure tools and equipment are properly maintained and stored. Required Skills and Abilities: Ability to follow written safety procedures, quality standards, and work instructions. Ability to read and interpret diagrams, blueprints, and work instructions in English. Basic math skills required for measurements and calculations. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy when finishing parts. Ability to assess machine performance and adjust processes based on specifications. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and production team members. Ability to safely operate hand tools, grinders, sanders, and finishing equipment. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to follow safety procedures, work instructions, and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members. Ability to read and understand safety procedures, machine operating instructions, and quality documentation written in English. Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required. Minimum 2 years of experience in metal finishing, fabrication, or manufacturing preferred. Experience working with metal parts and finishing equipment is preferred. Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to stand for extended periods of time while operating equipment. Frequently pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying materials and metal components. Ability to grasp and manipulate small parts with finger dexterity. Ability to bend, reach, and move throughout the production area as required to perform job duties. Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and metal materials. Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory.