Grinder Trainee - 1st Shift

Howmet Aerospace in Branford, CT is currently hiring highly motivated and energetic candidates to join their team. Howmet Aerospace is a leading provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries worldwide. The Branford facility is focused on producing jet engine components that are essential for mission-critical performance and efficiency in aerospace and defense applications. With over 50 years of experience in the Branford facility, we are proud to contribute to the development of more fuel-efficient, quieter aerospace engines, and sustainable ground transportation. For more information, please visit www.howmet.com.

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Job Summary

We are seeking a candidate to join our team as a CNC Grinder. This position is responsible for swing grinders and small wheel grinders to condition parts for defect removal. This role ensures parts meet required specifications by grinding and smoothing surfaces prior to finishing operations. All training necessary to successfully perform this job will be provided.

Job Responsibilities

• Inspect and evaluate workpieces by sight and touch to identify surface defects.

• Safely operate swing grinders and small wheel grinders in accordance with established procedures.

• Grind parts to required specifications, maintaining consistent radii and dimensions per operation instructions.

• Select and install appropriate grinding wheels or discs based on material type and job requirements.

• Replace worn grinding wheels or discs following all safety protocols.

• Perform fixture, grinding wheel, and diamond wheel changeovers; adjust equipment to meet alignment and dimensional requirements.

• Conduct dimensional checks after grinding and accurately record measurements.

• Polish surfaces using wheel brushes to achieve smooth, defect-free finishes.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area in compliance with company policies and procedures.

• Follow all safety requirements, including proper use of PPE, machine guarding, and lockout/tagout procedures.

• Adjust machine controls as needed to achieve required measurements and tolerances.

• Support cross-functional operations by assisting in other departments (e.g., Blast, Demask, Water Wash) to maintain workflow and labor efficiency.

• Perform other job duties as needed or directed by management.

Job Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

• Candidate must be able to read and write in English

• This position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 Years of manufacturing experience highly desired.

• Experience running manufacturing equipment, advanced math skills, and leadership qualities preferred.

Skills & Abilities:

Must be able to read, comprehend and follow simple work instructions, operations sheets, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence or documentation.

Basic understanding of measurement tools and able to make fixture and controls adjustments. (calipers, gauges, etc.).

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Good math skills with the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Good organizational skills in maintaining a variety of records and reports.

Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will usually work in a shop environment with exposure to loud noise, heat/fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and moving mechanical parts with a risk of electrical shock.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary $22.00

• External hires are eligible for a $1,000 sign on bonus.

• Benefits package includes, Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, and more - eligible from day one.

• Excellent benefits/401K vested from day one.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/howmet-aerospace) , Twitter (https://twitter.com/howmetaerospace) , Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/howmetaerospace/) , Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Howmetaerospace/) , and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/howmetaerospace) .

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [email protected]