Sr Plate Refinisher

About the role

At Wilsonart, you'll become part of 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.

Responsibilities

• Operates Buffing/Polishing Equipment under the direction of the Plate Plant Refinishing Management.
• Will require certification to wear a full face respirator.
• Wears a full face respirator/chemical suit when exposed to chemicals.
• Removes 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

• Learns 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.
• Processes control/operation of chemical removal of coating from press plates.
• Maintains raw chemical and waste storage for process to comply with safety and environmental.
• Aids environmental services with waste and empty drum removal from site.
• Schedules return of press plates to plate plant.
• Keeps 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.
• Knowledge of safety standards applicable to the work area and other pertinent rules and regulations governing work standards.
• Knowledge of quality standards.
• 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.
• Ability 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.

Education and Experience

• High School Graduate or GED.
• Minimum/No Experience.
• Six months of experience working with press plates or six months stainless steel plate refinishing experience and/or plant experience.

Physical Requirements

• Continuous physical exertion is required, such as walking/pushing/climbing and lifting material or equipment of heavy weight (>50 lbs).

Working Conditions

• 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability.
• FSA 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.

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.