Paint Prepper

Paint Prepper

The Paint Prepper prepares metal parts for industrial painting by hanging, taping, masking, sanding, and otherwise readying components for the paint process in a busy shop environment. This role is highly manual, requires strong attention to detail, and involves working in a paint area that can become very warm due to oven operations.

Responsibilities

• Hang materials and parts on racks in preparation for painting, ensuring proper spacing and secure placement.
• Perform paint preparation tasks such as taping, masking, and sanding to achieve clean, high-quality finishes.
• Sandblast parts as needed to remove contaminants and create appropriate surface profiles.
• Prepare tank cars and other large components for painting, following established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Load and unload parts from racks, paint lines, and work areas, handling components safely and efficiently.
• Inspect parts before and after prep work to ensure they meet quality and cleanliness standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area in the paint and prep zones.
• Follow all safety procedures while working around paint equipment, ovens, and industrial machinery.
• Perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Collaborate with team members and communicate any issues with parts, equipment, or processes to supervisors.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of paint prep experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with taping, masking, sanding, hanging parts, and general paint preparation.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including bending, twisting, kneeling, and reaching throughout the shift.
• Capability to perform repetitive manual work for more than 8 hours per day.
• Ability to handle and lift parts weighing 50 pounds or more safely and consistently.
• Experience with sandblasting processes and equipment.
• Familiarity with preparing tank cars or similar large industrial components.
• Ability to safely load and unload parts and materials in a shop environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Reliability in following instructions, procedures, and safety guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience in an industrial paint shop or metal fabrication environment.
• Comfort working around industrial ovens and in warm, non-climate-controlled areas.
• Ability to work effectively on a small team where clear communication is important.
• Willingness to cross-train and assist in related prep or shop tasks as needed.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a supportive, close-knit shop culture where team members know each other by name and work together to get the job done. The company offers reimbursement for tuition, gym memberships, safety glasses, and boots, supporting both professional development and personal well-being. The environment values safety, quality, and teamwork, providing stability and opportunities to grow skills in industrial and paint preparation work.

Work Environment

This role is based in a clean, smaller machine and metal shop with approximately 40 people on shift, including office personnel. The paint area is not climate controlled and can become very warm due to the operation of industrial ovens, so comfort working in higher temperatures is important. The work is highly manual and physically demanding, involving frequent bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching, and lifting parts weighing 50 pounds or more. The shop operates two primary shifts: a first shift running Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and a second shift running Monday through Thursday from 2:45 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. Dress typically aligns with an industrial shop setting, where appropriate workwear and personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and boots, are required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Little Chute, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Little Chute, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 2026.