Polisher

About the Role

IMI plc is a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions in fluid and motion control applications across five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science, and Transport. As a Polisher / Honing Technician, you will be responsible for polishing, honing, lapping, and finishing precision components to required surface finish and dimensional specifications. This role operates within a manufacturing environment and supports continuous improvement initiatives while progressing through Class C, B, and A skill levels.

Work Environment

Manufacturing and production environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, polishing compounds, coolants, and cleaning materials. Required use of safety equipment including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other PPE as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Core Responsibilities (Class C):
  • Operate buffing wheels, hand tools, automatic polishing machines, and other basic polishing equipment.
  • Use profilometers and other measuring devices to verify surface finish requirements.
  • Monitor and operate air filtration systems associated with polishing operations.
  • Perform hand lapping and simple polishing work as required.
  • Clean and prepare components for polishing and finishing operations.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area, including daily housekeeping and 5S activities.
  • Support snow and ice removal activities when required.
  • Meet established standards for productivity, utilization, quality, scrap reduction, and rework prevention.
  • Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and quality requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervision or management.
• Advanced Responsibilities (Class B):
  • Operate lapping machines to lap ball components while managing multiple work assignments.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and manufacturing specifications.
  • Radius ports and V-slots on components as required.
  • Operate engine lathes to polish and finish components.
  • Perform complex polishing and finishing operations, achieving surface finish requirements of 5 RA or better.
  • Set up and operate honing equipment for basic component processing.
  • Grind basic drills and tooling as needed.
  • Operate the Electro Polish production line, including:
    • Filling and monitoring chemical tanks.
    • Performing routine maintenance.
    • Maintaining process controls and documentation.
  • Assist in training and mentoring entry-level polishing employees.
• Expert Responsibilities (Class A):
  • Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain honing machines.
  • Modify, adjust, and optimize honing tooling for specific applications.
  • Utilize specialized measuring equipment associated with honing operations.
  • Determine tooling requirements and communicate needs to management and purchasing personnel.
  • Assist in ordering and managing honing tooling inventory.
  • Train and mentor Class B employees.
  • Serve as a technical resource for polishing and honing processes.

Performance Expectations

• Meet or exceed quality, productivity, and utilization goals.
• Minimize scrap and rework.
• Follow all safety and quality procedures.
• Demonstrate continuous improvement in technical skills and cross-training capabilities.
• Progress through Class C, B, and A skill levels through demonstrated competency and consistent performance.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for polishing, measuring, and machine operation.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and shop conditions.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous manufacturing, polishing, machining, or honing experience preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to work with precision components.

Pay

Pay range: $18 - $24/hr. Within this range, individual pay is determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications relative to the job requirements. Base pay information is aligned with market location and may be subject to prevailing wage laws, if applicable.

Benefits

• Multiple health plans to choose from: HMO, PPO, and High Deductible Health Plans with a low-cost share.
• Best-in-class 401K plan with zero vesting and up to 6% contribution matching.
• 14-week maternity leave at full pay (Adoption benefits are equivalent).
• 4-week paternity leave at full pay (Adoption benefits are equivalent).
• Employee Resource Groups offering community and support (e.g., Pride Network, Network of Women).
• Paid time off (PTO), encompassing inclusive holidays.
• Career Development opportunities (IMI’s ‘Catalyst’ Program).
• Employer contribution for Health Savings Account, free virtual telemedicine, and teletherapy.
• Mental Health and wellness programs to support you and your family.
• Full suite of voluntary benefits, including critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity, legal insurance, identity theft protection, and pet insurance or home & auto insurance through a discount advantage platform.
• Short & long-term disability as well as basic life insurance at 2x your basic salary at no cost to the employee.
• Free financial advisors, webinars, and classes through Charles Schwab.
• Annual Employee Stock Purchase Plan with option to purchase IMI shares at a reduced employee-only price.

Benefits plans change year over year, but guiding principles ensure employees have the tools and resources available to stay connected and up to date.