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Senior Metal Polishing Operator

Standard

ESP Services

Des Plaines, IL

1 Innovation Dr

Job Type

Full_Time

Salary

25USD - 28USD per hour

Posted Date

July 15, 2025

Job Description

Senior Stainless Steel Polishing Operator (Level 3)

Location: Des Plaines, IL
Department: Grinding
Reports To: Department Lead
Employment Type: Full-Time
Start Date: Immediate

About the Role

Our company is seeking a Level 3 Senior Stainless Steel Polishing Operator who has demonstrated career progression from Level 1 through Level 3 stainless steel polishing expertise. This senior-level position is critical to our specialized stainless steel fabrication operations, requiring mastery of advanced stainless steel finishing techniques and the ability to mentor developing technicians.

The ideal candidate will have worked their way up through the polishing ranks, gaining comprehensive experience at each level and developing the technical expertise that only comes from years of hands-on stainless steel finishing work.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Technical Operations

Execute complex stainless steel polishing operations achieving mirror-finish quality standards
Develop and implement advanced polishing techniques to enhance efficiency and product quality
Troubleshoot challenging polishing issues and implement effective corrective actions
Optimize grit progression sequences for various stainless steel grades and applications
Operate and maintain sophisticated pneumatic polishing equipment, including Dynabrade systems

Equipment Mastery & Maintenance

Demonstrate expert-level proficiency with a wide variety of polishing equipment and tooling
Conduct preventive maintenance and coordinate repairs to ensure optimal equipment performance
Select appropriate abrasives, compounds, and tooling for specific polishing applications
Maintain equipment to precise specifications and performance standards

Leadership & Mentorship

Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Level 1 and Level 2 operators
Share expertise gained through career progression to develop junior team members
Lead by example in demonstrating best practices and safety protocols
Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize part designs for polishing and finishing processes

Quality & Process Excellence

Ensure all finished products meet or exceed customer specifications and quality standards
Perform detailed process analysis and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Read and interpret complex technical drawings, specifications, and quality requirements
Maintain detailed documentation of processes, techniques, and quality outcomes

Safety & Compliance

Ensure strict compliance with all safety regulations, OSHA standards, and company policies
Promote safety awareness and proper procedures among team members
Stay current on industry techniques, safety standards, and metal finishing technologies

Required Qualifications

Experience & Career Progression

Demonstrated career advancement from Level 1 to Level 3 stainless steel polisher
Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in stainless steel polishing within fabrication environments
Proven track record of quality improvement and technical skill development
Experience mentoring and training junior-level polishing operators

Technical Expertise

Expert-level proficiency with Dynabrade pneumatic polishing systems and similar equipment
Master-level understanding of grit progression, surface texture standards, and polishing methodologies
Advanced knowledge of stainless steel grades, properties, and finishing requirements
Ability to achieve consistent mirror-finish quality on complex geometries and challenging parts

Professional Skills

High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or certifications in metal finishing preferred
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and visual specifications
Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring capabilities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
Commitment to safety, quality excellence, and continuous improvement

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Vision: 20/20 vision (with or without correction) required for precision work
Manual Dexterity: Continuous use of hands and fine motor skills (100% of time)
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, bend, stoop, twist, and turn throughout shift
Lifting: Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs
Work Environment: Manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, noise, and polishing compounds
Safety Equipment: Must consistently wear required PPE and follow safety protocols

Assessment Process

Skills Demonstration Required: All candidates will complete a hands-on stainless steel polishing skills test during the initial in-person interview to demonstrate Level 3 proficiency. This practical assessment will evaluate:

Technical polishing skills and quality standards
Equipment operation and safety practices
Problem-solving approach and attention to detail

Company Description

ESP Enterprises, Inc. has over 20 years of concentrated experience in the installation, system upgrade, maintenance, and staffing for public transit projects. ESP’s work with industry leading vendors has enabled us to acquire in-depth knowledge and distinctive experience. With an approach of being the project solution for our customers, ESP has distinguished itself as the go to source for the transit industry in the United States.

ESP Culture Statement

Your ability to work with in our culture is critical for your success.

If you can commit to and live with the following principles, you’re the type of person that will be successful and help our company thrive. If you feel this level of engagement is not right for you or you’re not willing to participate with us at this level, then we’re not a good fit for you.

Our expectation is that you’ll take the steps necessary to do what you say you’re going to do and be accountable for your actions. In other words, “live above the line.”

We know not everyone is ready for this level of performance and we appreciate the honesty for anyone that decides this is not right for them.

On the other hand, you would make an ideal candidate to join our company if you’re willing to follow the “above the line” principles.

Accountability: See it, own it, solve it, do it. Become part of the solution. Respect others and their feelings. Act now.
Ask the question “what else can I do?”
Asked the question “what coaching do you have for me?”
What can I do better?
Personal ownership and pride
Reject average
Show others that you care
Hold each other accountable

Steve Phelan
President, ESP Enterprises, Inc.

Company Description

ESP Enterprises, Inc. has over 20 years of concentrated experience in the installation, system upgrade, maintenance, and staffing for public transit projects. ESP’s work with industry leading vendors has enabled us to acquire in-depth knowledge and distinctive experience. With an approach of being the project solution for our customers, ESP has distinguished itself as the go to source for the transit industry in the United States.\r\n\r\nESP Culture Statement \r\n\r\nYour ability to work with in our culture is critical for your success. \r\n\r\nIf you can commit to and live with the following principles, you’re the type of person that will be successful and help our company thrive. If you feel this level of engagement is not right for you or you’re not willing to participate with us at this level, then we’re not a good fit for you. \r\n\r\nOur expectation is that you’ll take the steps necessary to do what you say you’re going to do and be accountable for your actions. In other words, “live above the line.” \r\n\r\nWe know not everyone is ready for this level of performance and we appreciate the honesty for anyone that decides this is not right for them. \r\n\r\nOn the other hand, you would make an ideal candidate to join our company if you’re willing to follow the “above the line” principles. \r\n\r\nAccountability: See it, own it, solve it, do it. Become part of the solution. Respect others and their feelings. Act now. \r\nAsk the question “what else can I do?”\r\nAsked the question “what coaching do you have for me?”\r\nWhat can I do better?\r\nPersonal ownership and pride\r\nReject average\r\nShow others that you care\r\nHold each other accountable \r\n\r\nSteve Phelan\r\nPresident, ESP Enterprises, Inc.