Paint Prep Technician

Paint Prep TechnicianThe Paint Prep Technician is responsible for preparing parts and whole goods for paint application by ensuring surfaces, carts, and materials are properly cleaned, masked, and ready for finishing. This position supports the Paint Department by maintaining quality standards, efficiency, and safety throughout the preparation process. Depending on operational needs, this role may also perform abrasive blasting and other surface preparation activities to ensure proper coating adhesion and finish quality.This role may also function as a Paint Lead when designated, providing day-to-day guidance, coordination, and support to team members within the Paint department.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:Prepare parts and whole goods for paint applicationBlow off paint carts and parts prior to paintingWash carts and components in the wash bayPrep flatbeds for GatorHyde or other coating applicationsMask, tape, and protect surfaces as requiredAssist with loading and unloading parts on paint cartsOperate a forklift to move parts, materials, and paint carts between work areas as neededSupport paint kitchen responsibilitiesAssist with routine paint booth filter changesMaintain a clean and organized workspacePerform abrasive blasting operations on parts and components as assigned to prepare surfaces for coating applicationsOperate blasting equipment in accordance with company safety and quality standardsInspect blasted surfaces to verify cleanliness and readiness for paint applicationAssist with maintenance and housekeeping of blasting equipment and blasting areasFollow all company safety procedures and policiesPerform other duties as assignedAdditional Responsibilities When Designated as Paint Lead:Provide day-to-day direction and support to paint team members to ensure production goals are metHelp coordinate workflow between prep, paint, and cure stages to maintain throughputMonitor prep quality to ensure surfaces are properly cleaned, masked, and ready for coatingIdentify and address issues that could impact paint quality (contamination, improper prep, missed masking, etc.)Assist in training and onboarding new team members on prep processes, equipment, and safety proceduresReinforce safety policies, including proper handling of chemicals and PPE usageCommunicate regularly with the Paint Supervisor regarding production status, quality concerns, and team needsSupport continuous improvement efforts related to paint prep, material flow, and efficiencyAssist in coordinating rework and ensuring defects are corrected prior to paint applicationLead by example in attendance, work ethic, quality, and adherence to company valuesPerform other duties as assignedQualifications:Detail-oriented with the ability to process work orders accuratelyAbility to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructionsStrong communication and organizational skillsAbility to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionBasic mechanical aptitude preferredAbility to obtain forklift certificationEmbodies organizational core values (authentic, driven, humble, trustworthy)Physical Requirements:Ability to stand for the majority of the workdayFrequent bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, and pullingRepetitive motion throughout the shiftSufficient visual acuity and depth perception to safely operate a forklift and other material-handling equipmentAbility to lift 50+ pounds consistentlyAbility to use hands and fingers for handling tools, materials, and masking suppliesAbility to work in blasting environments while wearing required respiratory and protective equipmentAbility to perform physically demanding work involving blasting hoses, equipment, and materialsWork Environment:Exposure to paint preparation materials, dust, and cleaning solutionsIndustrial manufacturing environment with moderate noise levelsFrequent movement throughout the paint department and wash bayMust wear required personal protective equipment in accordance with company safety policies, including company-provided safety glasses and employee-provided steel-toed footwear; additional PPE, including respirators, blast hoods, gloves, hearing protection, and protective clothing, may be required based on job dutiesExposure to paint preparation materials, blasting media, dust, cleaning solutions, coatings, and industrial chemicalsOccasional work in abrasive blasting areas when assignedIndustrial manufacturing environment with moderate to high noise levelsFrequent work in paint preparation, wash bay, and abrasive blasting areasExposure to varying temperatures, airborne particles, and manufacturing equipmentPre-Employment Requirements:Employment with Harper Industries is contingent upon successfully passing:Pre-employment background checkPre-employment drug screeningPre-employment physical examinationHarper Industries, Inc. (HII) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.The above statements describe the working conditions and physical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Employees must be able to perform these essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. Harper Industries