Paint Prep Technician

Job Title: Paint Prep Technician - 2nd shift

*3 month contract/temporary position*
Shift: 3:30pm - 2:00am Mon-Thurs (Overtime available on Fri/Sat)
Pay: $17/hr + $2 shift differential
Location: Ocala, Fl (34474)
Job Description
The Paint Prep Technician prepares surfaces and materials for industrial painting and coating processes on 2nd shift. You ensure all components are thoroughly cleaned, sanded, masked, and primed to meet quality standards and achieve optimal paint adhesion and finish in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities

• Prepare a variety of metal and other components for painting by sanding, grinding, and cleaning surfaces to remove rust, debris, grease, and other contaminants.
• Use hand tools and power tools to perform detailed surface preparation, including grinding and sanding to specified tolerances.
• Mask, tape, and cover areas that must not be painted, ensuring clean lines and protection of critical surfaces.
• Perform sandblasting or chemical cleaning when required to achieve proper surface profile and cleanliness.
• Apply primers and preparatory coatings as directed, following written instructions and verbal guidance.
• Set up, operate, and maintain paint preparation equipment, including sanders, grinders, fixtures, and spraying-related tools used for prep work.
• Measure and verify parts using tape measures, squares, and other measuring tools to ensure correct preparation and coverage areas.
• Handle and move parts using forklifts and material-handling equipment, following safety procedures.
• Inspect prepared surfaces for defects, contamination, or incomplete prep and correct issues before painting.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area by removing dust, debris, and used masking materials regularly.
• Follow all safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment while using tools, chemicals, and equipment.
• Collaborate with painters and other team members to meet production schedules and quality requirements.
• Document work as required and communicate any issues with materials, equipment, or quality to supervision.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with paint preparation processes, including sanding, grinding, cleaning, and masking.
• Proficiency using hand tools and powered tools commonly used in paint prep, such as sanders, grinders, files, and related equipment.
• Ability to perform taping and masking with precision to protect non-painted areas and achieve clean paint lines.
• Experience with sandblasting or chemical cleaning methods, or the ability to learn and follow procedures safely.
• Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures and squares to verify dimensions and coverage areas.
• Basic familiarity with spraying equipment and paint prep support tools.
• Capability to operate or learn to operate forklifts and material-handling equipment safely.
• Ability to read and follow instructions, work orders, and basic production documentation.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift and move components, and work in an industrial environment.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure surfaces are properly prepared for optimal paint adhesion and finish.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an industrial or manufacturing setting, particularly in paint, coating, or fabrication operations.
• Comfort using fixtures and other setups to hold parts during sanding, grinding, or masking.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and familiarity with shop practices.
• Willingness to work 2nd shift and occasional overtime when available.
• Interest in growing into higher skill levels, including advanced prep or related roles.

Why Work Here?
You join a company that invests in your long-term growth and well-being through benefits, training, and clear advancement paths. You can progress from Level 1 through Level 2 and Level 3 to a Master-level role, with pay increases at each stage based on your skills and performance. The organization offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k) plan, and a one-time annual voucher for steel or composite safety shoes. You also enjoy amenities such as free coffee and a breakroom with a market area, along with a shift differential for 2nd shift. With multiple facilities in the local area, you have opportunities to advance your career within the organization while maintaining work-life balance through a four-day workweek and voluntary overtime options.
Work Environment
This role is based in an open-air manufacturing facility, where temperatures vary with the seasons and can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter. You work on 2nd shift, typically from 3:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, supporting a four-day workweek structure. Overtime is voluntary but often available, usually on Fridays and/or Saturdays, and occasionally by staying late during the week. You use industrial tools and equipment such as sanders, grinders, hand tools, powered tools, fixtures, spraying-related prep equipment, forklifts, tape measures, squares, and files. The environment is production-oriented, with a focus on safety, proper use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to shop practices while working around machinery, moving equipment, and paint-related processes.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ocala, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $16.50 - $18.50/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Ocala,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.