Paint Prep Technician

Title: Paint Prep Technician


Pay Rate: $18.25/hour to start, increasing to $22.00/hour upon successful completion of training and certification

Employment Type: Contract-to-Direct

Schedule: Full-time, 1st Shift (Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM)

Overtime: Optional weekday overtime available

Location: Bath, NY 14810 (100% Onsite)


Tekberry is seeking detail-oriented and motivated Paint Prep Technicians to support rail vehicle finishing operations within a manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for preparing rail vehicle bodies and components for liquid paint application through surface preparation, body filling, sanding, masking, and quality inspections.


The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with industrial or automotive paint preparation and a strong commitment to quality, safety, and craftsmanship.


As a W2 employee, you will have access to health benefits.

Responsibilities

Surface Preparation

• Perform body filling, smoothing, and shaping using appropriate fillers and repair materials
• Sand, grind, and feather-edge surfaces to achieve required smoothness and contour
• Clean, degrease, and prepare metal and composite surfaces to ensure proper paint adhesion
• Inspect surfaces for defects, corrosion, and imperfections and correct issues prior to painting

Pre-Paint Preparation

• Mask, cover, or remove components to protect non-painted areas
• Prepare work areas, tools, and materials to ensure cleanliness and readiness before painting activities begin
• Verify all surfaces meet quality standards prior to paint application

Quality & Documentation

• Follow all technical specifications, work instructions, and quality standards
• Conduct visual and tactile inspections to verify preparation quality
• Document completed work and communicate defects, discrepancies, or concerns to supervisors

Tools & Equipment

• Safely and effectively use sanding blocks, grinders, DA sanders, and other bodywork tools
• Mix and apply body filler, putty, and compounds according to manufacturer specifications
• Maintain tools and equipment and report maintenance concerns as needed

Safety

• Adhere to all PPE, ventilation, and materials handling requirements
• Follow OSHA, environmental, and company safety policies
• Participate in safety training and maintain a clean and organized work area

Must-Have Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with at least 6 months of experience in automotive or industrial paint preparation

OR

• Trade School Diploma in automotive painting, industrial painting, auto body repair, or a related field
• Experience with sanding, masking, body filler application, or surface preparation
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, drawings, and safety procedures
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade school diploma in a painting-related field
• Experience in industrial, rail, or automotive paint preparation involving large parts or assemblies
• Experience with body filling, sanding, masking, and surface preparation on transportation equipment
• Certification in industrial coatings or auto body repair
• Experience working in manufacturing or industrial environments

Please Note: Residential or commercial painting experience alone will not be considered.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment requiring adherence to all safety procedures
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting throughout the shift
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Required use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Ability to obtain and maintain respirator certification through the company

We need hard-working, reliable employees. Tekberry offers a $100 payment for referrals!


Tekberry Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.


Tekberry, Inc. is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).


By submitting your resume, you are explicitly consenting to receive communications from our organization via text message. Rest assured all our texts are sent by real people and we look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity!


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