Operator - Roll Grinding Machine at Safal Group

Key responsibilities:

Operations & Process Control

• Operate and monitor the Roll Grinding Machine to achieve production requirements and ensure roll quality.
• Verify roll identification, grinding requirements, dimensions and condition before processing.
• Safely mount, align, balance and position rolls on the grinding machine.
• Select and install appropriate grinding wheels and tooling for the required operation.
• Set and monitor grinding parameters including speed, feed, traverse and material removal.
• Inspect and adjust the grinding process to achieve required roll diameter, profile, crown, taper and surface finish.
• Maintain accurate grinding records and support Autonomous Maintenance and planned maintenance activities.

Quality Management

• Ensure ground rolls meet specified dimensional, geometrical and surface finish requirements.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections before and after grinding.
• Correctly use calibrated measuring instruments and report defective instruments.
• Maintain roll identification and traceability throughout the grinding process.
• Identify defects such as chatter marks, burns, scratches, incorrect profiles and uneven grinding.
• Prevent roll damage during handling, mounting, grinding and removal.
• Participate in RCA, CAPA and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Safety, Health, Environment & Housekeeping

• Comply with all HSE policies, procedures, SOPs, LOTOTO and Permit-to-Work requirements.
• Conduct pre-start inspections of the grinder, guards, emergency stops and safety devices.
• Safely handle, inspect, mount and store grinding wheels in accordance with approved procedures.
• Use required PPE and follow safe operating procedures for rotating machinery and grinding operations.
• Safely handle rolls using approved lifting equipment and material-handling procedures.
• Identify and report hazards, near misses, equipment defects, spills and unsafe conditions.
• Maintain good housekeeping and 6S standards around the grinding area.

Equipment Reliability & Autonomous Maintenance

• Conduct routine inspections of the roll grinder and associated equipment.
• Perform assigned Autonomous Maintenance activities including cleaning, inspection and lubrication.
• Monitor hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, lubrication and coolant systems for abnormalities.
• Report equipment abnormalities and breakdowns promptly to the responsible supervisor.
• Support preventive and breakdown maintenance activities within authorized limits.
• Verify equipment condition after maintenance before returning it to production.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in TPM, Kaizen and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Support achievement of productivity, quality, yield, cost and equipment reliability targets.
• Identify opportunities to reduce roll grinding cycle time.
• Contribute ideas to optimize grinding parameters and grinding wheel consumption.
• Support initiatives to reduce roll rejection, rework and excessive material removal.
• Participate in RCA of machine failures and recurring grinding defects.
• Contribute ideas that improve safety, quality, efficiency and machine reliability.

Reporting & Communication

• Maintain accurate production, roll identification, inspection and grinding records.
• Report machine defects, quality deviations and abnormal grinding conditions immediately.
• Communicate roll status and outstanding work during shift handovers.
• Provide accurate information on roll condition and grinding progress.
• Escalate conditions that may affect safety, production, quality or roll availability.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• KCSE Certificate.
• Grade Test II or Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience operating roll grinding machines, lathe machines, or similar machining equipment within a manufacturing environment. Based on the role experience requirements.

Added Advantage

• Training in machining, grinding operations, or engineering workshop practice.
• Knowledge of engineering drawing interpretation.
• Knowledge of 6S and Autonomous Maintenance.
• Experience in a steel manufacturing environment.