Industrial CARC Painter

American Rheinmetall•Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Painter prepares, coats, and finishes metal, composite, and other components in accordance with military and defense manufacturing specifications, industry standards, and customer requirements. The role ensures that coatings meet the quality, durability, and performance standards required for military applications. Painters progress through three skill levels based on demonstrated ability, experience, and independence in performing essential functions. The position involves preparing surfaces; mixing, applying, and curing paints, primers, and protective coatings; operating painting equipment; inspecting finished work; documenting coating processes; and working with Quality Control to resolve deficiencies. The Painter follows safety, environmental, hazardous-material handling, OSHA, and housekeeping requirements, supports paint-supply inventory and continuous improvement, and uses MRP systems to coordinate production schedules and material requirements. Work takes place in an industrial manufacturing setting and may involve paint fumes, solvents, airborne particles, varying temperatures and humidity, and enclosed paint booth environments while wearing PPE. The role requires frequent lifting and carrying of materials up to 50 pounds, as well as standing, kneeling, bending, and manual dexterity for operating spray equipment and handling components.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least 3 years of industrial painting or manufacturing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to maintain good housekeeping and follow 5S principles.
Ability to read and comprehend work instructions and verbal directions.
Ability to load, tape, sand, and caulk parts for painting, and identify parts according to work instructions; supervision may vary by skill level.
Ability to complete required documentation, including check sheets and job logs.
Ability to paint using primer and topcoat, mix plural components to proper ratios, use spray guns, select appropriate gun setups, and apply paint to specification; supervision may vary by skill level.
Ability to operate paint booth start-up and shutdown procedures and perform instructed cleaning tasks.
Ability to break down and clean spray guns and equipment, with supervision where applicable.
Ability to identify basic paint defects, including runs, holidays, and failures.
Ability to read and interpret employee rules and regulations and company safety rules and regulations.
Ability to read and follow work instructions and verbal directions, including independently at the applicable skill level.
Ability to consistently produce work that meets company standards.
Strong attention to detail and ability to inspect work for quality.
Basic math skills for mixing and measuring coatings.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Knowledge of safety standards in industrial and manufacturing settings.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to wear PPE and work in regulated paint booth environments.
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, and controlled substance testing.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of materials, coatings, and defense industry-specific painting and finishing requirements.

Responsibilities

Prepare surfaces for coating by cleaning, sanding, masking, or blasting according to work instructions.
Mix, apply, and cure paints, primers, and protective coatings according to manufacturer specifications.
Operate spray guns, paint booths, ovens, and related painting and coating equipment safely and effectively.
Apply coatings to meet required film thickness, adhesion, and finish quality.
Maintain records of paint usage, batch numbers, and application processes for traceability.
Inspect completed work for compliance with quality requirements, including color match, surface finish, and defects.
Work with Quality Control to address and correct deficiencies.
Follow safety, environmental, and hazardous-material handling procedures.
Maintain a clean and organized work area in compliance with OSHA and facility housekeeping standards and 5S principles.
Assist with inventory management of paints, solvents, and supplies.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety.
Use MRP systems to manage production schedules and material requirements so supplies are available for painting and coating processes.
Perform other job-related duties and additional responsibilities as needed.
Load, tape, sand, and caulk parts for painting; load parts with proper identification and follow work instructions, with the level of supervision determined by skill level.
Complete required documentation, including check sheets and job logs.
Start up and shut down paint booths and perform cleaning tasks; break down and clean guns and equipment.
Identify basic paint defects such as runs, holidays, and failures.