Topcoat Painter III

RAMI•Grand Haven, MI

36d•Onsite

About The Position

The Topcoat Painter III is responsible for performing all stages of the coating process, including surface preparation, paint mixing, base coat application, final surface inspection, and high quality topcoat finishing on manufactured components. This role prepares parts through cleaning, sanding, masking, and repair work; mixes materials according to established SOPs; and applies coatings using manual spray methods with close attention to film thickness, color consistency, and final appearance standards. The Painter/Finisher operates and maintains spray booths, ovens, conveyors, and spray equipment while conducting routine checks and troubleshooting issues to ensure reliable performance. This role is accountable for meeting internal quality requirements, preventing finish defects, maintaining accurate documentation, and adhering to all safety, environmental, and housekeeping standards to ensure a clean, efficient, and compliant painting process.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Minimum 1 year of professional experience in paint application
Ability to gain knowledge, understand, and abide by company: o Safety Rules and Procedures o Quality Processes and Procedures o Assembly Processes, Procedures, and Work Instructions o Core Values
Capable of working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Excellent communication skills
Highly dependable, motivated, and self-driven with excellent attendance and punctuality.
Lift up to 25 pounds with no restrictions
Healthy wrist-arm motion – will be using hand tools
Able to work with acetones, thinners, epoxies, solders and sealants and other manufacturing materials without allergic reactions
Good hand/eye coordination
Ability to read process sheets and follow directions
Approved by an MD for general respirator use; respirator must be worn during spraying.
Prolong periods of standing and painting.

Responsibilities

Clean parts using solvents, degreasers, or air blow offs
Sand, scuff, or abrade surfaces to ensure proper adhesion
Mask or tape components to protect areas not being painted
Inspect parts for dents, scratches, or contamination prior to painting
Mix base coat materials in accordance with SOP’s
Adjust viscosity, color, or additives as required
Set up and maintain spray guns and pressure pots
Properly document process in Paint Mix Log
Apply primer touchups if necessary
Spray base coats using manual spray methods
Ensure even coverage, correct film thickness, and consistent color
Follow process specifications, paint thickness targets, and SOP requirements
Conduct detailed inspections of the base coat for dirt, nibs, orange peel, or texture issues
Perform sanding or de-nibbing to achieve a smooth base surface
Verify parts are within flash time and ready for topcoat
Apply high quality topcoats with uniform finish, gloss, depth, and smoothness
Manage spray overlap, gun distance, and fan pattern for final finish quality
Prevent common defects like runs, sags, orange peel, tiger striping, or dry spray
Maintain extremely tight tolerances on finish thickness
Operate spray booths, curing ovens, and conveyors
Conduct daily equipment checks (filters, spray gun cleaning, booth airflow)
Troubleshoot equipment issues such as clogged fluid nozzles, air caps, or inconsistent spray patterns
Fine tune spray gun settings (atomization, pattern, fluid flow) for final finish
Perform preventive maintenance actions as required
Inspect painted parts for coverage, defects, and uniformity
Follow quality internal QC guidelines
Provide guidance and training to the paint team to enhance their technical skills and overall development
Use PPE such as respirators, gloves, and paint suits
Properly dispose of hazardous waste (filters, rags, containers)
Maintain clean spray booth and paint-area housekeeping