What are the responsibilities and job description for the Thread Grinder Operator position at Helix Operating Company LLC?
Title: Thread Grinder Operator
Location: Beachwood OH. (clean, climate-controlled facility)
Shift: 7am - 3:30pm
Pay: $20-$26/hr (paid weekly overtime eligible)
About the Position
The Thread Grinding Operator operates CNC thread grinding machines to produce high-precision ball screws to exact specifications. This role primarily supports ball screw manufacturing using Drake CNC thread grinding equipment, a highly specialized and niche process.
Thread grinding at Helix is a critical operation that directly impacts product performance, accuracy, and reliability. While prior experience with Drake machines is ideal, we recognize the specialized nature of this work and expect to train the right candidate with strong adjacent experience.
This role is well suited for someone with a background in thread grinding, cylindrical OD grinding, and general CNC machining experience who is detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, and motivated to learn a highly specialized process.
Responsibilities
- Set up and operate CNC thread grinding machines (Drake) to grind ball screws to print specifications
- Grind precision threads to required form, pitch, lead, and surface finish
- Input part-specific data into menu-based CNC controls using engineering drawings
- Monitor grinding operations to maintain dimensional accuracy and surface quality
- Inspect parts using micrometers, indicators, and other precision measuring tools
- Verify thread accuracy and identify dimensional or surface defects
- Make offset adjustments as needed to maintain process control
- Follow quality standards, work instructions, and ISO 9001 and AS9100 procedures
- Accurately document inspection results and production output
- Safely move parts between operations using appropriate material-handling equipment
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
- Support continuous improvement and assist with other duties as assigned
Who You Are
- Detail-oriented and patient, with a strong respect for precision work
- Mechanically inclined and comfortable working with tight tolerances
- Confident reading and interpreting engineering drawings
- Comfortable working in a highly specialized, repeatable machining process
- Open to training and motivated to develop expertise in a niche manufacturing skill
- Dependable, safety-minded, and team-oriented
What You Bring:
- High school diploma or GED; technical school training preferred or equivalent experience
- Prior experience in CNC thread grinding (Drake experience strongly preferred) or Cylindrical OD grinding
- CNC machining in a precision manufacturing environment
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
- Proficiency using micrometers, indicators, and basic inspection tools
- Strong shop math skills
- Familiarity with CNC machine interfaces; no G-code programming required (menu-based input)
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working around grinding fluids and oils
- Experience with metals common to precision motion components; steel, stainless, aluminum
What Success Looks Like
- Precision: Ball screws consistently meet thread form, lead, pitch, and surface finish requirements
- Process Control: Stable grinding processes with minimal scrap and rework
- Inspection Discipline: Accurate measurement and early identification of issues
- Learning Curve: Demonstrates steady progression toward independent operation of Drake thread grinders
- Productivity: Maintains reliable throughput while upholding Helix quality standards
- Safety & Housekeeping: Operates equipment safely and maintains a clean workstation
About Helix Linear
Helix Linear Technologies designs and manufactures high-precision motion control systems for industries where performance matters most, including medical devices, industrial, aerospace & defense. Our products power mission-critical applications where reliability and precision down to ±0.0001 inches make all the difference.
Our vision is to engineer what's possible in motion, with precision, integrity, and purpose. We pursue that vision by designing, machining, grinding, and assembling critical motion components in-house, including precision ball screws and linear systems.
Our clean, climate-controlled facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing equipment including Citizen Swiss lathes, multi-axis CNC mills, precision grinders, and specialized assembly and test systems.
Helix is growing and investing in new equipment, advanced processes, the people and systems required to scale with discipline. As we expand, we're building a world-class precision manufacturing operation, which means higher standards for ownership, communication, urgency, and accountability across every role on the floor.
We offer competitive compensation, weekly pay, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, PTO, and major holidays.
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Helix Linear Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Due to U.S. export control laws, applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident)
Salary : $20 - $26