Paint Line Operator

Job Title: Paint Line Operator
Job Description
The Paint Line Operator sets up, operates, and maintains powder coating equipment on a production paint line to ensure high-quality finishes on workpieces. This role focuses on safe operation, accurate color application, consistent production rates, and adherence to quality specifications in a high-heat manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities

• Perform all work duties in a safe manner and in accordance with company policies, including consistently wearing required personal protective equipment, following safe work habits, and completing appropriate housekeeping tasks.
• Clean and prepare surfaces of workpieces prior to coating to ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.
• Apply powder coatings using powder coat applicator guns in a paint booth or on a paint line, following job orders and specifications.
• Match and detect differences between colors, including shades and brightness, to ensure coatings meet required standards.
• Set up, clean, maintain, and adjust powder coating and paint line equipment to ensure proper operation and consistent results.
• Identify and troubleshoot problems with powder coating equipment in batch operations or at the paint line to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Maintain required production rates while meeting established quality standards.
• Confirm job orders, verify material selections, and ensure correct powders and settings are used for each run.
• Maintain accurate part counts and record information on routers and/or in the production control system.
• Inspect spray guns and related components, checking and identifying worn parts to ensure proper application and finish quality.
• Load coated workpieces into ovens and monitor cure times to ensure finishes are dried and cured according to specifications.
• Examine finished surfaces to verify conformance to specifications and promptly report any defects or nonconformities.
• Report all scrap and nonconforming product to the department lead or designated contact.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining the spray booth, ovens, equipment, and preparation areas to keep them in a clean, safe, and efficient operating condition.
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to discuss work procedures, training needs, and process improvements.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working on a paint line or as a paint line operator.
• Hands-on experience with powder coating, industrial painting, or powder coat painting.
• Ability to set up, operate, clean, maintain, and adjust powder coating equipment, paint guns, and paint booths.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot issues with powder coating equipment in batch operations or on a paint line.
• Ability to distinguish and match colors, including subtle differences in shades and brightness.
• Basic computer skills for recording production data and using production control systems.
• Effective verbal communication skills to discuss work procedures, training, and directions with co-workers and leadership.
• Strong reliability and the ability to maintain excellent attendance.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment.
• Ability to work safely and consistently follow safety policies and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience using paint sprayers, paint guns, and operating in a paint booth.
• Experience in paint manufacturing or related industrial painting processes.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions, job orders, and quality specifications.
• Strong attention to detail when inspecting finished surfaces and verifying conformance.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Why Work Here?
You will join a production team that values safety, reliability, and collaboration, and supports employees with clear procedures and training. The role offers steady, full-time hours with opportunities for overtime, allowing you to develop specialized skills in powder coating and paint line operations. You will work in an environment that provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, reflecting a commitment to inclusion and support.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, second-shift position. Training typically occurs Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. After training, the regular schedule runs Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with overtime as needed. The work takes place in a manufacturing facility where noise levels range from moderate to loud depending on the work location. The role requires constant work in a high-heat environment, particularly around ovens and active paint lines. Employees regularly use powder coat applicator guns, paint booths, ovens, and related production equipment, and are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment as part of the standard dress and safety protocol.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $17.00/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 Rockford,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.


Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.