Hone Operator

Hone Operator

Department: Plant

Reports To: Manager Plant Operations / Assistant Manager Plant Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Company Summary

EMJ is a leading supplier of Steel and Aluminum Bar, Tubing, and Plate to manufacturing companies in North America and around the world. Our broad network of facilities, superior inventories, extensive value-added processing capabilities, and world-class technology enables EMJ to provide unsurpassed service to our customers.

Job Summary

The Hone Operator is responsible for operating honing equipment to machine, finish, and refine the internal or external surfaces of metal products to meet required specifications, dimensions, and tolerances. This position reads and interprets work orders, sets up and operates honing machines, secures materials using appropriate equipment, inspects finished products, and performs minor machine adjustments and maintenance. The Hone Operator is expected to work safely, maintain production efficiency, follow supervisor instructions, and meet quality and productivity standards established through training and operational expectations.

Non-Union What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with affordable employee contribution rates.
• 401(k) plan with company match up to 4%.
• Life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including counseling, legal, and financial support.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Wellness incentives and access to LiveHealth Online.
• Employee discount program with over 30,000 deals.
• Community engagement and volunteer opportunities.

Essential Job Duties

Machine Operation & Production

• Set up and operate honing machines to finish metal products according to required specifications.

• Read and interpret work orders, job instructions, and supervisor directions to determine product requirements.

• Adjust machine settings, including feed rate, spindle speed, stroke length, and cut depth.

• Secure workpieces in fixtures manually or with the use of hoists, cranes, forklifts, or other material-handling equipment.

• Monitor machine operation to ensure proper performance, quality, and production flow.

• Produce parts in accordance with established productivity expectations and quality standards.

Quality Inspection & Measurement

• Measure and inspect finished workpieces using calipers, gauges, micrometers, ring gauges, and other measuring instruments.

• Verify that finished products meet required dimensions, tolerances, and customer specifications.

• Identify quality issues, machine irregularities, or product defects and notify supervision as needed.

• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail to reduce rework, scrap, and production delays.

Equipment Maintenance & Tooling

• Replace worn tooling and make minor machine adjustments as needed.

• Perform basic machine maintenance and housekeeping related to assigned equipment.

• Inspect tools, fixtures, and equipment for proper condition before and during use.

• Report equipment issues, safety concerns, or maintenance needs to supervision.

Material Handling & Safety

• Safely move, position, and handle steel, aluminum, and related materials.

• Operate or train to operate forklifts, overhead cranes, hoists, and related material-handling equipment as assigned.

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and required personal protective equipment requirements.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.

• Participate in required safety, equipment, and job-related training.

Non-Essential Job Duties

• Assist with general warehouse, production, or material-handling tasks as needed.

• Support cross-training efforts within the department.

• Participate in team meetings, safety meetings, and continuous improvement activities.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Warehouse/Field setting; minimal temperature environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience preferred.

• Previous machine operation, metals, manufacturing, warehouse, or production experience preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret work orders, job instructions, and basic production requirements.

• Ability to use or learn to use measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and ring gauges.

• Ability to use or learn to use forklifts, overhead cranes, hoists, and related material-handling equipment.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work within precise tolerances.

• Ability to follow safety procedures, supervisor instructions, and production standards.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and meet established productivity expectations.