Sandblasting Operator

The Sandblasting Operator prepares metal surfaces for coating or repair by safely removing rust, paint, grease, and corrosion using high-pressure abrasive blasting equipment. This role involves working with heavy machinery, setting up and maintaining sandblasting systems and portable air compressors, and handling various abrasive materials to achieve the required surface finish. The position also supports general labor, basic assembly, and related tasks in an automotive or aerospace manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal surfaces for coating or repair by removing rust, paint, grease, and corrosion using high-pressure abrasive blasting equipment.
• Set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain sandblasting equipment and portable air compressors in a safe and efficient manner.
• Load, unload, handle, and properly dispose of abrasive materials such as sand, glass beads, and steel shot according to the required finish and safety procedures.
• Operate heavy machinery and related equipment associated with sandblasting and surface preparation tasks.
• Follow basic drawings, blueprints, or work instructions with support to ensure correct preparation and finishing of parts.
• Assist with general labor tasks including basic assembly, painting preparation, and use of hand tools and basic power tools as needed.
• Apply basic MIG welding and fitting skills where required for repair or fabrication tasks, following guidance and work instructions.
• Inspect prepared surfaces to verify cleanliness, profile, and quality before subsequent coating or assembly operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including proper storage and labeling of materials and equipment.
• Use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures related to noise, fumes, particulates, and moving equipment.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate workflow, report issues, and support continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, follow directions carefully, and maintain a strong focus on safety throughout all tasks.

• 1–3 years of hands-on sandblasting experience.
• Experience working in automotive or aerospace environments, including handling large items such as bus frames or similarly sized structures.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with a willingness to learn assembly processes and related production tasks.
• Ability to safely use hand tools and basic power tools with instruction.
• Ability to read and follow basic drawings, blueprints, or work instructions with support.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow directions accurately.
• Reliable attendance and a strong focus on safety in all work activities.
• Ability to set up, operate, and maintain sandblasting equipment and portable air compressors.
• Capability to work with heavy machinery in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Hand-eye coordination suitable for precise welding, fitting, and surface preparation operations.
• Good visual acuity, including color and depth perception, for inspecting surfaces, welds, and reading drawings.
• Ability to hear alarms, signals, and communicate effectively in a noisy environment.
• Physical ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 40 lbs, with occasional heavier lifting using assistance.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and squat for extended periods during a shift.

• Experience in automotive manufacturing, automotive assembly, or automotive repair environments.
• Exposure to MIG welding and the ability to perform basic MIG welding tasks under guidance.
• Experience reading and working from blueprints in a production setting.
• Background in general labor, assembly, painting preparation, or related industrial work.
• Comfort working with welding-related fumes, dust, and airborne particles while using appropriate PPE.
• Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, tasks, and production needs, including occasional weekend work.

This opportunity offers a clear path from contract to hire, providing stability and long-term career potential for individuals who demonstrate strong performance and reliability. You will work in a structured environment that emphasizes safety, teamwork, and skill development, with the chance to expand your experience in automotive or aerospace manufacturing. The consistent schedule supports work-life balance while still offering flexibility for additional hours when available. You will gain hands-on exposure to industrial equipment and processes, helping you build valuable, transferable skills for your future career.

Work Environment

This role follows a Monday through Friday schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the expectation of flexibility to work additional hours, including potential Saturday shifts, based on production needs. The work involves frequent use of hands and regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of materials and equipment up to 40 lbs, with occasional heavier lifting using assistance. You will spend most of the shift standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting, often on uneven, metal, or grating surfaces, and may need to climb ladders or work at elevated positions. The environment includes moderate to high noise levels, making hearing protection necessary at times, and exposure to hot and cold temperatures depending on the production area and season. You will work around welding fumes, dust, and airborne particles, with proper respiratory protection and ventilation provided. Tasks are performed in well-lit areas with supplemental task lighting as needed. Personal protective equipment such as face protection, gloves, protective clothing, and other safety gear is required to manage exposure to dust and other hazards, reflecting a safety-focused industrial setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Riverside, CA.

The pay range for this position is $21.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Riverside,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

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.