Tool & Cutter Grinder #1, 1st Shift

US-ME-Saco

Job ID: 2026-35729
Type: Full Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Manufacturing and Production
Saco, ME
Job Summary

**The hourly rate for this position is $34.05/ hour on 1st Shift**

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a premier provider of ordnance weapons and tactical systems to the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations, is seeking a Tool & Cutter Grinder #1 to join our Saco Operations team. We are about supporting the mission of the warfighter. Our products can be found with every U.S. Military branch with allies around the world. We are looking for motivated and creative individuals who want to help shape and support this organization.

The Tool & Cutter Grinder #1 will set up and operate grinding machines such as CNC, Surface and Universal, carbide, drill, and tool and cutter grinders. Sharpen cutting tools to specifications using blueprints, process sheets, and knowledge of abrasive and metal properties. Routinely work to gage-makers tolerances of +/- .0002. Follow established company directives, policies, military specifications, quality documents and manufacturing instructions.

Responsibilities

Review blueprints and process specifications and plan grinding sequence. Select appropriate grinding wheel of appropriate shape and grade. Position and secure cutting tool on machine table. Move controls to set cutting tool rotation speed, feed rate, and grinding wheel rotation speed. May set up adjustable index plate and rotate cutter by hand to individually sharpen each tooth on cutter.

Set up and perform grinding operations, on form both relieved and profile ground cutters. Ensure that specified clearance and rake angles are maintained according to cutter diameters and types of material being machined.

Perform grinding operations using a variety of machine attachments and accessories. Use oxygen and acetylene torch to remove and replace carbide inserts on cutting tools by brazing, silver soldering, etc. Specialized grinding equipment and attachments are used on some machines.

Verify conformance of finished cutters to specification using precision measuring equipment. Consult with machine operators and rig-up personnel on cutter application and gaging tolerances resulting from cutter grinding services.

Check wheel for cracks and proper RPM. Exercise caution to prevent personal injury to self due to high RPM of grinding wheels and hazards associated with grinding. Perform operator tasks according to the machine’s process maintenance checklist to ensure that the machine is in proper working order, and to record information as instructed. Practice safety and good housekeeping policies and procedures. Must be capable of lifting up to 35 pounds on a regular basis.

No supervision required as to the mechanics of the job. Must be capable of performing all tasks and duties of Tool and Cutter Grinder #2 and #3. All employees are expected to be in compliance with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

May be required to perform other duties as required by supervision and follow instructions as directed.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and/or Certifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required. Associates degree or technical college preferred.

Experience:

Required:

• Employee must have basic computer skills, and may be required to enter and verify information into written forms or database(s) as appropriate.
• Over four (4) years. Requires technical training equivalent to four (4) years high school plus apprenticeship or trade school background.

Required:

Knowledge:

• Must know the variables that contribute to premature cutter failure such as lack of rigidity in set-up, improper speeds and/or feeds, incorrect clearance angles, chip loads, coolant flow, etc.
• Must be knowledgeable of cutting tool alloys and mechanical properties such as abrasion resistance, toughness, and heat resistant capabilities of high speed steels and carbide alloys.

Skills:

• Proficient with machineability ratings of materials and capable of calculating speeds and feeds for various materials. Understands and applies cutting tool geometry and functions of the various angles such as radial and axial rake, chamfer and clearance angles, radii, etc.
• Must be aware of causes of cutting tool failures such as cratering of HSS and carbide cutters, abrasion, chipping, and breakage problems, etc.
• Adept with cutter nomenclature, styles of cutters, and cutter applications.

Mental Demands:

• The amount of expended mental effort is exceedingly high.

If you require assistance or an accommodation for a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please email staffing@gd-ots.com or call: 727-578-8295. Please note this contact information is for those requesting a reasonable accommodation while applying for a job, because of a covered disability. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans.