The posting
Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.
We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class workforce. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.
For more information visit our website at www.kearfott.com
Polishing Manager
Position Summary
The Polishing Manager leads daily polishing operations and is accountable for safe, on-time production that meets quality and customer requirements. The manager develops employees, improves workflow and equipment utilization, coordinates resources across shifts, and works with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Program Management to support production demand.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily polishing activities to meet production schedules, quality standards, and department goals.
- Monitor workflow, output, scrap, rework, equipment utilization, and labor capacity; address constraints and communicate risks promptly.
- Set production priorities and coordinate work transfers with CNC machining and downstream operations to maintain a steady flow of product.
- Ensure employees follow approved work instructions, process requirements, inspection methods, and safety practices.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to resolve process issues, support new products and process changes, and move prototype work into stable production.
- Coordinate with Maintenance to keep polishing machines, tooling, and support equipment available; escalate downtime and recurring equipment issues.
- Work with Supply Chain to identify material, tooling, and outside-service risks early and support timely recovery plans.
- Develop employees through training, cross-training, coaching, and clear performance expectations; build coverage across shifts and key processes.
- Manage labor, overtime, and department resources responsibly while meeting production needs.
- Promote accountability, communication, and collaboration within the team and with support departments.
- Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions for production delays, quality issues, scrap, and recurring process problems.
- Maintain accurate production records and provide timely updates at daily production meetings and to management.
- Identify and implement practical improvements to throughput, safety, quality, ergonomics, and cost.
- Ensure employees report equipment and tooling issues and route them to Engineering or Maintenance as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience leading polishing or related manufacturing operations.
- Working knowledge of polishing methods, polishing tools and setups, and manufacturing quality practices.
- Experience with ceramic or glass polishing is highly desirable.
- Experience in a 24/7 manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to manage production priorities, staffing, and equipment constraints in a changing environment.
- Experience developing employees and building cross-trained teams across shifts.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Working knowledge of lean manufacturing and/or Six Sigma-based continuous improvement methods.
- Ability to work effectively with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments.
- Proficiency with production tracking systems and standard workplace software.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or relevant manufacturing experience preferred.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain or already hold a Department of Defense security clearance.
Measures of Success
- Production commitments are met, with risks and recovery actions communicated clearly.
- Polishing maintains a steady workflow and coordinates effectively with machining and downstream operations.
- Quality, scrap, and rework performance improve or meet established targets.
- Employees are trained and cross-trained to support staffing flexibility.
- Equipment downtime, material shortages, and process issues are addressed promptly.
- The department sustains a safe, accountable, and collaborative work environment.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $115,000 - $160,000 Annually. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.
Additionally, we offer medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrate our workplace culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
