Sr Plate Refinisher

Wilsonart; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Disability insurance (short- and long‑

FSAs and dependent care options

Vision and legal benefits

Gym discounts and wellness clinics

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Wilsonart is seeking a Buffing/Polishing Operator to work in the Plate Plant Refinishing area in Temple, TX. This role requires operating equipment and wearing a full-face respirator when handling chemicals.

You will remove coatings, inspect plates, and maintain documentation while following safety and environmental standards. The position involves routine maintenance and adherence to quality controls to support production.

Qualifications

• Read a tape measure and follow written procedures.
• Identify plate finishes and ensure quality standards.
• Operate equipment safely and use precision tools as needed.
• Possess basic computer use for databases and spreadsheets.
• Be able to work with chemicals and hazardous environments.
• Make sound independent decisions when management is unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Operate buffing/polishing equipment under supervision.
• Inspect plates for damage, dents, scratches and resin buildup.
• Trim plates to production size and manage waste safely.
• Support chemical removal of coating from press plates.
• Maintain safety, environmental, and paperwork records.
• Keep work area clean and follow maintenance procedures.

Skills

Tape measure

Procedures

Plate finishes

Safety standards

Quality standards

Computers / databases

Precision tools

Lift truck operation

Machinery safety

Independent decisions

Troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Lift truck

Job description

Position Type: Full time

Job Requesition ID: R-000230

Win at Wilsonart

At Wilsonart, we don't just make surfaces - we build careers. When you join our team, you become part of something bigger: a company driven by innovation, grounded in values, and powered by people who care.

You will be surrounded by teammates who take pride in their work and look out for one another. You'll have the chance to learn, grow and make a real impact. And you'll be part of a company that believes winning means helping you succeed at work and in life.

Here, you'll win with:

Support that keeps you well

• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability
• FSAs and dependent care options
• Vision and legal benefits
• Gym discounts and wellness clinics
• Tuition reimbursement—for you and your dependents

Opportunities to grow

• Clear paths to promotion and internal mobility
• Training, coaching, and mentorship
• Development programs to support your goals

Time for what matters

• Paid vacation and holidays in your first year
• A culture that respects work-life balance

Job Description:

Operates Buffing/Polishing Equipment under the direction of the Plate Plant Refinishing Management. Will require certification to wear a full face respirator. Operators will wear a full face respirator/chemical suit when exposed to chemicals. Operators will remove Hard Coating (Tib2) from press plates using chemical stripping method so plates can be repaired for production. Performs other tasks as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Learn to operate gloss finishing equipment including spindle buffer, spindle grinder, conventional buffer, conventional grinder and glass beaders
• Checks the steel plates for the amount of damage, including plate dents, creases, scratches, and resin build up
• Hammers and sands out defects in the material
• Knows the department location of the Material Safety Data Sheets
• Trims plates to the production size
• General knowledge of trouble shooting and preventive maintenance. Observant of any mechanical or electrical breakdown
• Process control/operation of chemical removal of coating from press plates
• Maintain raw chemical and waste storage for process to comply with safety and environmental
• Assist environmental services with waste and empty drum removal from site
• Schedules return of press plates to plate plant
• Keep accurate paperwork/records of process
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to read a tape measure
• Ability to follow written procedures and verbal directions
• Ability to identify plate finishes
• Knowledge of safety standards applicable to the work area and other pertinent rules and regulations governing work standards
• Knowledge of quality standards
• Knowledge of computers sufficient to utilize databases and spreadsheets
• Ability to use precision tools when working with metal
• Ability to operate a lift truck
• Ability to be comfortable and safety conscious when operating machinery
• Must be able to make sound decisions independently when management is not available
• General knowledge of trouble shooting and preventive maintenance
• Ability to work with highly concentrated/corrosive chemicals (strong acids and bases), these include but are not limited to 50% NaOH (caustic soda), 35%-50% Hydrogen Peroxide, 75%-85% Phosphoric Acid

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: High School Graduate or GED

EXPERIENCE: Minimum/No Experience

Six months of experience working with press plates or six months stainless steel plate refinishing experience and/ or plant experience

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Continuous physical exertion is required, such as walking/pushing/climbing and lifting material or equipment of heavy weight (>50 lbs) Examples: grounds staff and EMS

ENVIRONMENT: Located in an environment with regular exposure to fumes or odors, temperature extremes, or loud noises which cause noticeable discomfort or moderate risk of accident or illness. Examples: engineering, waste mgt, laundry workers and yards/grounds staff

We're looking for people who are ready to learn, ready to lead and ready to make a difference. If that sounds like you, you can win at Wilsonart.

Wilsonart is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.