Discovering the job of Machine Operator at ADR

How does the Grinding workshop operates?

The Grinding workshop at ADR is divided into three teams. We have two day-teams working in eight-hour shifts and a night team. We have a total of thirty-eight members of staff in our workshop. Our teams are mixed, we have men and women of various ages and with different background and work experiences. We count a total of thirty-eight machines including fifteen with numeric control.

What are the objectives of your workshop?

Our main objective is to produce the parts in required time and up to the demanded quality. We also train our new recruits to the job of Machine Operator here at ADR.

How long does training last?

Training time varies according to the parts being produced and their complexity. For standard parts, training can last between six months and a year, while for more complex parts it can take up to one and a half, or even two years. New recruits are supported by a tutor during their training who validates their learning progress.

The missions of a Machine Operator

The Grinding workshop’s mission is to set up a production, i.e adjust the machine before production begins so that the parts comply with the specifications. This can be a time-consuming process depending on the complexity of the part. Once the part is manufactured, we carry out a geometric and dimensionsal checkup on each part to ensure its conformity.

What are the required skills and qualities for this job?

The required skills are first of all mechanical knowledge as well as proficiency in reading manufacturing plans. The qualities necessary for this job are patience and attention to detail. Patience is essential because sometimes you don’t get the desired result the first time around, and setting up the machine to achieve the final result can take several hours. Attention to detail because at ADR, the margin of error is very thin since we work to the micron.

Florian, what do you like the most in your job?

What I like about my job is that I can work independently on my machine whilst also being very well supported by my team leader and workshop manager if needed. The problem-solving aspect is one of the things I enjoy the most because it allows me to think outside the box, especially when producing new parts which are complicated to implement.