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Precision Surface Grinder

Flex · Buffalo Grove, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the tightest tolerance part you've ground. How did you hit it?

What they are checking: Whether their precision claims hold up when they explain the specifics.

What would you do

A part is coming out with a taper you didn't expect. What do you check?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot systematically, looking at setup, magnet, heat and wheel, before scrapping more parts.

You get an engineering order that conflicts with the drawing. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and clarify instead of picking one and hoping it is right.

About the work

Tell me about your experience on Okamoto or similar surface grinders. What kind of parts did you run?

What they are checking: Whether their grinding background matches the small, precise parts this tool room produces.

Walk me through setting up a surface grinding job, including speeds, feeds and depth of cut.

What they are checking: Whether they can set up independently from a print instead of relying on someone else's settings.

How do you dress a wheel, and how do you know when it needs it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand wheel condition as a main driver of finish and accuracy.

What is your experience with ID and OD grinding, and with CNC grinding?

What they are checking: Whether they can cover the other grinding work the posting lists, beyond flat surface grinding.

How do you keep heat from distorting thin or small parts while grinding?

What they are checking: Whether they know the practical tricks that hold tight tolerances on delicate work.

What measuring tools do you use to check your parts, and how often do you check during a run?

What they are checking: Whether they verify their own work as they go instead of finding problems only at the end.

How do you stay safe around grinding wheels, and what do you check before starting one up?

What they are checking: Whether they respect the real hazards of grinding, like wheel breakage and guarding.

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The full job description

As published by Flex.

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Precision Surface Grinder located in Buffalo Grove IL. 1st shift – from 6 am to 2.30 pm (Monday - Friday) What a typical day looks like : • Operates various conventional machine shop equipment such as grinders, Okamoto water grinders to produce and detail a variety of small parts, ranging form simple to complex, which are within prescribed tolerances. • Performs machine set-ups, adjusting speeds, feeds, and depth of cut, to machined parts to specifications set forth in blueprints, drawings, engineering orders, etc. • Checks machined parts for conformance to prescribed tolerances. • May be required to operate numerical control machines. • CNC Grinding and ID/OD Grinding The experience we’re looking to add to our team: • Associate’s Degree in related field, military technical training or equivalent education and training. • 2+ years experience in CNC is required • Grinding experience with small details • Manuel machine experience is preferrable • Machine shop experience is preferable • Accuracy and attention to details is critically important • CNC Grinding and ID/OD Grinding What you'll receive for the great work you provide: • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans • Life Insurance • Short-term and Long-term Disability • Matching 401(k) Contributions • Vacation and Paid Sick Time • Tuition Reimbursement 
 Application Deadline: Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume. Job Posting Start Date 08-27-2026 Job Posting End Date

 The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity. $34.40 USD - $47.30 USD Hourly Job Category Operations Relocation: Not eligible Is Sponsorship Available? No Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

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