Grinder Operator - 1st Shift

Connect Staffing is hiring a Grinder Operator for an aluminum forging manufacturer in Santa Ana, CA. This is a temp-to-hire position paying $18.00  on a Monday–Thursday early morning schedule with Fridays until 1:30 PM. In this role, you will use surface grinding tools to remove flash and excess material from aluminum forgings and inspect finished parts to blueprint specifications. This client offers an exceptional permanent benefits package — including a fully company-paid ESOP retirement plan and life insurance — making this a strong long-term opportunity.

Pay: $18.00

Schedule: Monday–Thursday 5:00 AM–3:30 PM; Friday 5:00 AM–1:30 PM; Saturdays as needed

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Job Type: Temp-to-Hire

Primary workplace language(s): English, Spanish

Work Environment: Manufacturing Plant / Factory — hot metal and machine shop environment

Overtime: Weekly OT required (~8 hrs/wk); Saturdays as needed

Responsibilities

• Use surface grinding tools to remove flash, burrs, and excess material from aluminum forgings following work order and forging process instructions.
• Inspect parts visually and by touch to confirm they meet blueprint specifications.
• Maintain accurate part counts and work order records for each job.
• Use material handling equipment to move forgings and heavier parts within the work area.
• Keep your workstation organized and follow lean manufacturing practices.
• Wear required PPE — including safety glasses, gloves, and steel toe boots — at all times in the work area.

Minimum Requirements

• 3 months of experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Basic math and measuring skills sufficient to read job travelers and verify part counts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience using angle grinders, die grinders, or surface grinding tools.
• Experience in aluminum, metal casting, forging, or machining environments.
• Familiarity with deburring, flash removal, or finishing manufactured metal parts.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment such as pallet jacks or hoists.
• Good depth perception — useful for identifying surface defects and finishing parts accurately.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing, production, or metal fabrication environment.
• Ability to read and follow work orders and basic blueprint or job traveler instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (reading, writing, and verbal).
• You may be a great fit if you've held any of these titles: Grinder Operator, Deburring Operator, Metal Finisher, Bench Grinder Operator, Machine Operator, Production Operator, Manufacturing Associate, Fabrication Technician, Metal Parts Finisher, General Laborer – Metal Fabrication.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must be able to work at a fast pace in a very hot metal and machine shop environment.
• Drug screen required.
• Background check required.
• E-Verify / work authorization required.
• ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance: must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person.
• Pre-employment physical / fit-for-duty exam at Concentra Clinic.
• Must communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to work at a fast pace.
• Steel toe boots required (employee-provided).

Benefits

• Weekly pay.
• Direct deposit / Paycard.
• Health and dental benefits available.
• Earn referral bonuses.
• CalSavers retirement program available.
• Additional benefits available upon permanent hire, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, vacation time, 9 paid holidays, holiday shutdown (Christmas through New Year's), sick time, annual bonus, 401(k) with 4% company match, ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) profit sharing, and tuition reimbursement.

After you apply, please check your email for a short screening questionnaire from us. Candidates who complete it promptly will be reviewed faster.

See all our current openings at jobs.connectstaffing.com

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