Industrial Painter

Reports To: Finish Supervisor
Position Summary
The Industrial Painter is responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing steel tank components to meet company and customer specifications. This role ensures high-quality surface preparation and coating application using industrial spray systems while maintaining safety, efficiency, and consistent production standards in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Surface Preparation

• Prepare steel surfaces for coating using sanding, and cleaning methods and sometimes grinding
• Remove debris, rust, oil, and contaminants to ensure proper coating adhesion
• Verify surface readiness in accordance with quality and coating specifications

Coating Application

• Apply primers, epoxy, polyurethane, and other industrial coatings using airless and conventional spray systems
• Mix coatings accurately according to manufacturer specifications and required ratios
• Ensure even coverage, thickness, and finish quality across all parts

Quality & Inspection

• Inspect painted surfaces for defects, coverage, and compliance with specifications
• Use gauges and tools to verify coating thickness when required
• Identify and correct deficiencies (runs, dry spray, contamination, etc.)

Equipment & Work Area Maintenance

• Clean, maintain, and troubleshoot spray equipment and tools
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work area
• Ensure proper handling and storage of coatings and materials

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA guidelines
• Properly use PPE, including respirators, eye protection, and protective clothing
• Handle chemicals and coatings safely, including labeling and disposal requirements

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the production and fabrication teams to meet schedules
• Communicate issues impacting quality, efficiency, or safety
• Support continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications and Requirements
Education & Basic Skills

• High school diploma or GED required
• Basic math skills, including:
• Addition/subtraction
• Reading decimals
• Calculating and mixing ratios
• Ability to read and interpret:
• Work orders
• Blueprints or shop drawings
• Quality control charts

Experience

• 3+ years of industrial painting experience preferred (manufacturing or heavy equipment environment preferred)
• Experience with:
• Airless and conventional spray systems
• Epoxy and polyurethane coatings
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods (entire shift)
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs regularly
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
• Ability to:
• Climb, stoop, and bend
• Work at heights or in varying plant and outdoor conditions
• Sufficient visual acuity to inspect surfaces and ensure coating quality

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant and outdoor yard environment
• Exposure to:
• Paint fumes, dust, and industrial materials
• Noise, temperature changes, and weather conditions
• Use of PPE required at all times

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Qualifications

• Experience in tank, structural steel, or heavy fabrication painting
• Knowledge of surface prep standards (e.g., SSPC/NACE)
• Experience with coating thickness gauges or inspection tools