Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knife Grinder Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Knife Grinder Assistant, you are a crucial part of our production and maintenance team. This role is a unique opportunity to develop a specialized, in-demand skill set from the ground up. You will work closely with senior Knife Grinders, learning to operate and maintain sophisticated grinding equipment to sharpen and recondition industrial blades and knives to exacting tolerances. This position is ideal for a mechanically inclined individual who takes pride in their work, enjoys a hands-on environment, and is committed to quality, safety, and precision. You are not just supporting the team; you are training to become a future expert in a critical trade.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Production Associate
Machine Operator Trainee

Advancement To:

Knife Grinder / Grinding Specialist
Lead Grinder / Team Lead
CNC Grinder Operator
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Machine Operator
Quality Control Inspector
Assembly Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior grinders in the setup, calibration, and operation of various grinding machines, including surface, cylindrical, and profile grinders.
Learn to interpret work orders, blueprints, and technical drawings to understand grinding specifications, tolerances, and material requirements.
Safely handle and transport industrial knives, blades, and other cutting tools to and from the grinding station.
Perform initial cleaning and inspection of incoming knives to identify defects, chips, or excessive wear prior to the grinding process.
Securely mount and position blades onto machine fixtures, ensuring proper alignment and stability for precise grinding.
Select appropriate grinding wheels, coolants, and machine settings under the guidance of experienced technicians.
Operate grinding equipment for basic sharpening and reconditioning tasks, progressively taking on more complex jobs as skills develop.
Continuously monitor the grinding process, making minor adjustments to feed rates and wheel pressure to achieve desired finishes and dimensions.
Utilize precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and protractors to verify that finished blades meet strict quality standards and specifications.
Conduct post-grinding deburring and polishing to ensure a clean, sharp, and safe cutting edge.
Apply protective coatings or oils to finished knives to prevent rust and corrosion during storage and transport.
Meticulously document all work performed, including machine settings, blade conditions, and final measurements, in maintenance logs or a computerized system.
Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on grinding machinery, such as lubricating moving parts and changing coolant filters.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by sweeping floors, wiping down equipment, and properly storing tools and supplies.
Assist in managing the inventory of grinding wheels, abrasives, coolants, and other essential consumables, notifying supervisors of low stock levels.
Follow all company safety protocols and procedures rigorously, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.
Learn to troubleshoot and identify common issues with grinding equipment or processes, reporting any malfunctions or quality concerns to the lead grinder or supervisor.
Package and label sharpened knives carefully for return to the production floor or for shipment to customers.
Support the production team by ensuring a steady supply of sharpened tools to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
Participate in ongoing training sessions to enhance knowledge of grinding techniques, new equipment, and evolving safety standards.
Collaborate effectively with other maintenance and production team members to coordinate workflow and address urgent needs.
Observe the "dressing" and "truing" of grinding wheels to maintain their cutting effectiveness and geometric accuracy, and begin to perform these tasks under supervision.

Secondary Functions

Assist in maintaining accurate inventory records for grinding wheels, spare parts, and other shop consumables.
Support general shop maintenance and housekeeping duties to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
Provide support to other departments, such as production or shipping, during periods of high demand or as needed.
Participate in team meetings, safety briefings, and continuous improvement initiatives within the maintenance department.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in using precision measuring tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges.
Basic mechanical aptitude and a fundamental understanding of machine operation.
Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, schematics, and technical instructions.
Experience operating hand and power tools in a safe and effective manner.
Foundational mathematical skills, including working with fractions and decimals for precise measurement and calculation.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, precise work.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically when faced with a mechanical or process challenge.
Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for handling tools and parts.
A proactive and eager-to-learn attitude, demonstrating a high level of coachability and a desire to master a trade.
An absolute commitment to following workplace safety protocols and procedures at all times.
Effective verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and supervisors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or coursework from a vocational or trade school in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Metalworking

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a relevant setting.

Preferred:

Prior experience working in a manufacturing, production, or machine shop environment is highly advantageous. Familiarity with the pace and safety requirements of an industrial setting is a significant plus.