Wet Paint & Powder Coat Apprentice
About The Position
C.H. Thompson is seeking a detail-oriented, dependable Wet Paint & Powder Coat Apprentice for its metal finishing team. This full-time, entry-level role provides hands-on training and cross-functional experience in liquid spray coating and electrostatic powder coating. Under the direct supervision of experienced painters and coaters, the apprentice will learn both trades and move between wet paint and powder coating lines according to production schedules and business needs. C.H. Thompson provides finishing services including anodizing, wet painting, powder coating, intricate masking, and silk screening to customers across a range of industries. The company is ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and NADCAP certified. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The wage is $17.50–$18.00 per hour, with the starting wage dependent on the selected candidate’s experience. Eligible employees may elect from a range of benefits.
Requirements
- Strong willingness and aptitude to learn multiple technical skills and coating methods.
- High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality standards.
- Comfort with physical shop-floor tasks, including standing, lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and reaching throughout the shift.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, adapt to changing production priorities, and switch tasks efficiently.
- Willingness to work overtime as required by production demand.
Responsibilities
- Cross-train in industrial liquid wet painting and electrostatic powder coating, and move between production lines based on workflow and customer priorities.
- Assist with preparing metal surfaces through chemical cleaning, degreasing, sanding, power grinding, and sandblasting or media blasting.
- Read work orders, blueprints, and specifications; mask adjacent surfaces and load or hang parts on racks, hooks, and conveyor lines.
- Mix and prepare wet paints, primers, and coatings according to manufacturer ratios, and assist with setting up powder coat hoppers, spray guns, and curing ovens.
- Unrack, inspect, and handle parts after wet curing or heat-bake cycles.
- Clean and perform preventative maintenance on liquid and powder spray guns, booths, recovery systems, filters, and lines.
- Follow standard work procedures, training guides, and quality controls to identify material defects or coating inconsistencies.
- Follow safety protocols, ventilation standards, PPE requirements including respirators, and environmental compliance guidelines.
- Work collaboratively with coworkers, supervisors, and department managers.
- Perform other shop-floor tasks and duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation and sick time
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Company-paid life insurance
- Voluntary insurance options, including short- and long-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and supplemental life insurance
- Free on-site fountain soda machine
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
