Powder Coat Technician

Van-Am Tool & Engineering • St Joseph, MO

5d

About The Position

As a Powder Coat Technician at Van-Am, you will be an essential member of the production team, painting raw steel platforms, products, and equipment. The position involves conventional paint spraying, surface preparation, equipment maintenance, blasting, and commercial-grade cleaning of steel surfaces. You will follow safety protocols and use required PPE to support high-quality results and minimize defects.

The role also includes moving items with overhead cranes or forklifts, carrying out wet painting tasks, maintaining equipment, documenting inspections, and keeping paint usage records. You will apply paint using wet and dry film thickness gauges, identify and repair paint defects, and maintain a clean, organized work area. Occasional general labor and cleaning tasks may be required.

Van-Am Tool & Engineering describes its work environment as safe, productive, and collaborative. As a federal government contractor, the company requires a pre-employment drug test after a conditional offer, including testing for marijuana. Van-Am is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience in wet painting and surface preparation.
• Proficiency with conventional paint spraying systems.
• Knowledge of paint mixing techniques, including two-part Epoxy primer and Polyurethane paint.
• Experience using blasting equipment and applying commercial-grade blast cleaning to steel.
• Ability to use thickness gauges and identify and repair paint defects.
• Good understanding of hand and power tools.
• Ability to pass Respiratory Protection Physicals, Respirator Fit Tests, and Pulmonary Function Tests.
• Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including standing and walking for up to 8–10 hours daily and regularly lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to use mandatory face, eye, hand, and ear PPE.

Nice To Haves

• 3 to 5 years of experience in paint application, mixing, and chemical management.
• Experience operating forklifts.
• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints and manufacturing drawings.

Responsibilities

• Paint raw steel platforms, products, and equipment.
• Move items using overhead cranes or forklifts.
• Perform wet painting tasks safely and efficiently.
• Complete occasional general labor and cleaning tasks.
• Maintain equipment, document inspections, and manage paint usage records.
• Operate blasting equipment and perform commercial-grade cleaning on steel surfaces.
• Apply paint and verify thickness using wet and dry film thickness gauges.
• Identify and repair paint defects.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety protocols and PPE requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED