Metal Finisher (Sander/grinder Operator)

Job Title: Metal Finisher (sander/grinder operator)

Shift: 5:30am-4:00pm Mon-Thurs (Overtime available on Fri/Sat)

Pay: $16.50-$17/hr (Based on skills/experience)

Location : Ocala, FL (34474)

Job Description

This role prepares large, custom, special-purpose vehicles and components for welding, assembly, and paint by sanding, grinding, repairing, and finishing surfaces to meet strict cosmetic and structural specifications. You will work from process sheets, shop orders, prints, and instructions to ensure each unit meets quality standards before moving to the next stage of production.

Responsibilities

• Sand and grind parts and bevel edges in preparation for welding, ensuring surfaces meet specified requirements.
• Feather, flute, flat and level grind surfaces, and remove severe corners to reduce surface stress areas that could lead to fatigue fractures.
• Remove sharp edges and burrs, and detect dents, holes, and substrate defects on cabs, bodies, and components.
• Work from process sheets, shop orders, prints, schedules, pick-lists, and written or verbal instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately.
• Blow off and wipe down components or units to remove grit, grease, and other foreign materials prior to further processing.
• Inspect cab, body, and component structures for obvious defects such as dents, rough weld beads, fractures, undulations, wavy surfaces, and similar conditions.
• Repair surface defects by applying fillers, filing, or sanding areas to achieve required surface finish and cosmetic standards.
• Apply primer over corrected areas and exposed aluminum as needed to prepare surfaces for subsequent operations.
• Wire brush welds to remove smoke and residue, and grind away excess weld beads to produce smooth, consistent surfaces.
• Remove residue from weld areas, apply compounds, and buff surfaces to meet cosmetic criteria and specifications.
• Recognize and call attention to weld defects such as fractures, voids, porosity, and distortion, and ensure they are corrected.
• Identify part surfaces that require smoothing, sand them appropriately, and apply polishing compounds and buff as required.
• Change grades of abrasives or compounds to match finishing requirements and achieve the desired surface quality.
• Finish surfaces of parts to prepare them for future processing or as a final process, including cleaning and buffing tread plate and removing scratches on non-painted surfaces.
• Remove doors or other components and place them on work stands or fixtures to perform finishing work safely and efficiently.
• Pull required hinges and backup bars and mount them in place according to instructions and specifications.
• Flat-surface sand specified pieces and vary pressure on the sander to obtain a symmetrical pattern across surfaces that meets cosmetic requirements.
• Use hand and power tools, including grinders, sanders, files, and other finishing tools, safely and effectively throughout the workday.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and shop orders to understand dimensions, tolerances, and finishing requirements.
• Measure components accurately using a tape measure, reading to 1/16 of an inch, to verify dimensions and alignment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, removing debris and ensuring tools and equipment are properly stored.
• Collaborate with team members, support others as needed, and contribute to a positive, productive team environment.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude to support production goals and quality standards.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new processes, tools, and finishing techniques to improve quality and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform sanding, grinding, and finishing operations on metal components and vehicle structures.
• Proficiency using hand and power tools such as grinders, sanders, files, and other finishing equipment.
• Ability to operate spraying equipment, including basic primer application on corrected and exposed surfaces.
• Experience using forklifts, fixtures, and material-handling equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, shop orders, process sheets, and prints.
• Ability to use a tape measure accurately and read measurements down to 1/16 of an inch.
• Familiarity with using squares and other measuring tools to verify alignment and dimensions.
• Strong attention to detail in detecting dents, holes, weld defects, and surface irregularities.
• Capability to recognize weld defects such as fractures, voids, porosity, and distortion and escalate them appropriately.
• Ability to adjust pressure and select appropriate abrasives or compounds to achieve required surface finishes.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality to support production schedules.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated and self-sufficient, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and willingly assist others.
• Willingness and ability to learn new techniques, tools, and processes.
• Basic paint preparation and finishing skills, including cleaning, buffing, and polishing surfaces.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an open-air or similar manufacturing facility.
• Comfort using a variety of hand and powered tools, including sanders, grinders, spraying equipment, tape measures, squares, and files.
• Prior experience with paint preparation, finishing, and cosmetic surface work on vehicles or metal structures.
• Familiarity with reading and following production schedules, pick-lists, and detailed work instructions.
• Ability to handle repetitive tasks while maintaining high quality and consistency.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with team members and supervisors.
• Flexibility to work additional hours when voluntary overtime is available.
• Interest in long-term growth and development through a structured, multi-level progression program.

Why Work Here?

You will join a growth-focused organization that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan to support your long-term financial goals. The company provides a structured advancement path from Level 1 through Level 3 to a Master level role, with pay increases at each step, giving you clear opportunities to build your career. You receive a yearly voucher for steel or composite safety shoes, free coffee, and access to a breakroom with a market area to make your workday more comfortable. The organization supports work-life balance with a four-day workweek as the standard schedule and voluntary overtime opportunities for those who want to earn more. With multiple facilities in the same area, you benefit from additional internal mobility and advancement options, all within a culture that values strong work ethic, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Work Environment

The role is based in an open-air manufacturing facility where temperatures vary significantly, being hot during the summer and cold during the winter. You will work primarily on a first-shift schedule, typically from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, aligning with a four-day workweek. Voluntary overtime is usually available, most often on Fridays and/or Saturdays from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and there may be opportunities to stay late during the week when additional hours are offered. The environment involves regular use of hand and powered tools such as grinders, sanders, spraying equipment, tape measures, squares, files, and forklifts, as well as fixtures for mounting and supporting components. You will work around large, custom, special-purpose vehicles and metal structures, with frequent handling of abrasives, compounds, and primers as part of the finishing and preparation process.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ocala, FL.

The pay range for this position is $16.50 - $21.50/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Ocala,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.