Prefinish Lead Technician

Schwieters Companies Inc.•Lino Lakes, MN

8d•$28 - $32

About The Position

Schwieters Companies is hiring a detail-oriented Prefinish Lead Technician for its prefinish department. The role prepares materials, operates automated paintline finishing systems and spray equipment, monitors curing processes, and ensures products meet quality standards. The technician leads fewer than 15 team members and production processes under the direction of the Warehouse Manager, while coordinating warehouse order fulfillment and maintaining safety and efficiency. Candidates should have experience with automated finishing equipment or industrial painting, strong quality awareness, and a commitment to safe work practices. This safety-sensitive position requires passing a pre-employment background check and drug screen. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with overtime as needed. Pay is $28–$32 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

Lead or supervisory experience.
One to three years of experience operating automated finishing equipment or working in an industrial paint environment.
Understanding of liquid coatings, fluid delivery systems such as HVLP, airless, and air-assisted systems, and curing technologies.
Ability to consistently match colors and identify minor surface imperfections under production lighting.
Good work history.
Self-motivated, self-directed team player and team builder.
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift more than 50 pounds.
Flexibility to work overtime when necessary.
Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Experience in woodworking, cabinetry, or automotive manufacturing.
Experience with longline or flatline brands such as Superfici, Cefla, or Giardina.
Knowledge of 5S and lean manufacturing.
Previous forklift experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee fewer than 15 team members, lead processes, and provide direction and production goals under the direction of the Warehouse Manager.
Set up, program, and operate automated shortline and longline machines, sanding units, and UV/IR curing ovens.
Mix, thin, and monitor paints, stains, sealers, and topcoats to achieve the correct viscosities using standard measuring tools.
Inspect incoming raw materials and finished parts for defects such as runs, sags, dust inclusions, or uneven coating thickness.
Set up, operate, and maintain industrial spray equipment, applying the correct paint or stain formulas and coatings according to work orders.
Identify and resolve mechanical or finish-quality issues, including adjusting gun pressure, line speed, or temperature settings.
Order paint and stain supplies and maintain inventory levels.
Maintain paint guns and pumps.
Match stain samples.
Pick material using a stand-up or sit-down forklift.
Use a scan gun to check inventory and properly adjust material locations.
Communicate regularly with the Warehouse Manager about work-order progress.
Lead warehouse order fulfillment and collaborate with team members to maximize efficiency and achieve 100% on-time, in-full delivery.
Perform other duties as assigned.