Sr Plate Refinisher

100 Wilsonart LLC; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Company-paid disability insurance

FSA and dependent care options

Vision benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Wilsonart is seeking a Buffing/Polishing Operator to operate finishing equipment and remove coatings from press plates using chemical stripping methods. You will wear full-face respirator when required and follow strict safety and environmental guidelines.

The role requires the ability to read procedures, measure materials, and work with hazardous chemicals in a manufacturing setting. We offer growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum six months of experience with press plates or stainless steel plate refinishing.
• Ability to follow written procedures and safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Operate gloss finishing equipment (buffer, grinder, bead) as directed.
• Inspect plates for damage and trim to production size.
• Maintain safety, MSDS references, and clean work area.
• Handle and dispose of chemicals per safety guidelines.
• Record process data and ensure paperwork accuracy.

Skills

Tape measure reading

Safety standards

Lift truck operation

Chemical handling

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Gloss finishing equipment

Chemical stripping equipment

Job description

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’ll 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.

At Wilsonart, we believe in the power of possibilities. Making surfaces that combine form and function. Flexibility and durability. Practicality and possibility. With our engineered surfaces, we can replicate the surfaces of nature. We can create new, inspired looks with more durable, sustainable materials. If it can be imagined, we can make it happen.

We manufacture and distribute High Pressure Laminate, Coordinated TFL and Edgeband, Quartz, Solid Surface, Epoxy, and other decorative engineered surfaces for use in the office, education, healthcare, residential, hospitality, and retail markets.