Paint Prep Laborer

Job Title: Masker
Job Description
The Masker prepares aerospace and defense metal parts for painting by carefully masking and protecting designated areas. This role involves using razor blades, tape, plugs, and small hand tools to ensure coatings are applied only where intended. The Masker sets up parts for the painter, performs detailed prep work, and may remove items from the line and flip them to allow painting on all required surfaces. This position focuses on precise, hands-on production work without forklift operation.
Responsibilities

• Mask aerospace and defense metal parts using tape, plugs, razor blades, and other masking materials to protect specific areas from coating.
• Perform detailed paint prep work to ensure parts are properly prepared for the next steps in the coating and painting process.
• Set up parts for painters, including arranging, positioning, and preparing components so they are ready for painting.
• Remove items from the production line as needed and flip or reposition them to allow painting on different sides and surfaces.
• Work with parts ranging in size from very small components (approximately 12 inches) to large structures (up to 20 feet long), adapting masking techniques accordingly.
• Use small hand tools safely and accurately while working with small parts and intricate masking requirements.
• Work independently for most tasks, managing workload and maintaining consistent quality and productivity.
• Collaborate with another masker when handling larger parts, coordinating efforts to complete masking efficiently and accurately.
• Maintain high attention to detail to ensure all required areas are properly covered and protected before painting.
• Follow shop procedures and production guidelines to meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Keep the work area organized and contribute to a well-structured, multi-department shop environment.
• Adhere to all safety practices related to working with sharp tools, masking materials, and production equipment.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of manufacturing experience.
• At least 6 months of experience working with small tools or small objects, such as in medical assembly or similar environments.
• Strong attention to detail when working with small and large parts.
• Comfort and proficiency using razor blades, tape, plugs, and other masking materials.
• Ability to use small hand tools safely and accurately.
• Capability to work independently for extended periods while maintaining quality and productivity.
• Willingness to work with parts of varying sizes, from approximately 12 inches up to 20 feet long.
• Solid work history with demonstrated longevity in previous roles.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in production, general production, or general labor environments.
• Experience in paint preparation or similar surface preparation tasks.
• Experience in a shop-like or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers when masking larger parts.
• Comfort working in a non-climate-controlled environment.

Why Work Here?
Employees join a close-knit, small company environment where their contributions are visible and valued. The organization emphasizes internal promotion, offering opportunities to grow into new roles and responsibilities over time. Team members benefit from a well-organized shop with multiple departments, providing exposure to different areas of production and a clear path for development.
Work Environment
This role is based in a shop-like production environment that is well organized and includes multiple departments. The workday runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., providing a consistent daytime schedule. The facility is not climate controlled, so conditions may vary with the seasons. The dress code is casual, with employees wearing a t-shirt appropriate for a hands-on production setting. Work is performed around metal parts and masking materials, using small hand tools and razor blades, without any forklift operation.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Saint Paul,MN.

About Aerotek

Aerotek\u00AE 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.