Manufacturing Paint Technician

Job Title: Manufacturing Paint Technician

Location: Cleveland, OH

Business Unit: Team Wendy – 17000 Saint Clair, Cleveland OH 44110

Purpose of Position

The Manufacturing Paint Technician is responsible for applying high-quality paint finishes to military grade helmets in strict accordance with ISO quality standards, customer specifications, and internal production requirements. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, consistency, and craftsmanship to ensure all products meet aesthetic, functional, and compliance expectations. The Paint Technician plays a critical role in delivering mission‑ready protective equipment while maintaining operational excellence and audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare ballistic helmet surfaces for paint application through cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming processes.
• Apply specialized military‑grade coatings and finishes using spray equipment in accordance with technical specifications and MIL‑STD requirements.
• Execute all painting activities in compliance with ISO 9001 requirements, internal quality procedures, and customer contractual specifications.
• Identify, document, and escalate quality issues or non‑conformances in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure consistent color, thickness, and texture across all painted helmets using appropriate tools and measurement equipment.
• Operate and maintain spray booths, ovens, curing stations, and ventilation systems in compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Inspect painted helmets for visual defects, coating integrity, and adherence to performance criteria.
• Maintain accurate documentation for batch tracking, paint logs, quality checks, and part traceability.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure conformance to DoD standards and customer‑specific requirements.
• Conduct minor equipment maintenance and troubleshoot spray gun and booth performance issues as needed.
• Adhere to all plant safety, PPE, and hazardous material handling protocols in accordance with OSHA, EPA, and internal policies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in paint application processes and throughput.
• Collaborate with the quality control team to resolve any coating defects or inconsistencies.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to support process improvements and new product introductions (NPI), as required.
• Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations.
• Perform regular maintenance and cleaning of paint equipment and tools to ensure reliability.
• Adhere to lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all plant safety, housekeeping, and operational policies and procedures.

Quality & Compliance Expectations

• Maintain a high standard of workmanship with minimal rework or defects.
• Adhere strictly to documented work instructions, control plans, and quality checkpoints.
• Support ISO audits, customer audits, and internal inspections by ensuring documentation accuracy and process compliance.
• Demonstrate accountability for product integrity and compliance with military and customer requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to quality and consistency.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and technical specifications precisely.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to perform detailed painting tasks.
• Ability to identify visual defects and deviations from quality standards.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with openness to feedback and process optimization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in industrial painting, preferably in ballistic equipment, automotive painting, or appliance painting environments.
• Prior experience painting contoured surfaces and applying coatings to composite or metal substrates is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with military specifications or experience painting tactical or high‑performance products is a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 10‑20 pounds, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in surface preparation, priming, masking, and application of wet spray coatings.
• Skilled in using HVLP spray guns, pressure pots, and related equipment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to achieve consistent texture, thickness, and color across irregular surfaces.
• Ability to read and follow technical documentation, work instructions, and paint specifications.
• Effective time management and organizational skills in a fast‑paced, quality‑focused production setting.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Commitment to safety, cleanliness, and proper handling of hazardous materials in compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations.

Benefits

• Flexible Schedule
• Generous paid time off
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Bonus Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401k Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Mentorship Program
• Supplemental plans
• Company‑paid life and AD&D
• Medical/Dental/Vision

EOE, Including Vet/Disability