Wet Paint & Powder Coat Apprentice

CH Thompson Finishing • Binghamton, NY

1d

About The Position

C.H. Thompson is seeking a detail-oriented, dependable apprentice for its metal finishing team. This full-time, entry-level position 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 the 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 states that it is ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and NADCAP certified.

The role involves preparing and coating metal parts, handling and inspecting finished parts, maintaining coating equipment, following quality and safety procedures, and collaborating with the production team. The position requires physical shop-floor work and a willingness to work overtime when production demands it. Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Friday, 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Wage: $17.50–$18.00 per hour, depending on the selected candidate’s experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated willingness and aptitude to learn multiple technical skills and coating methods.
• High attention to detail and commitment to 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 lines according to workflow and customer priorities.
• Assist with surface preparation, including chemical cleaning, degreasing, sanding, power grinding, and sandblasting or media blasting.
• Read work orders and blueprints or specifications to mask surfaces and load or hang metal parts on racks, hooks, and conveyor lines.
• Mix and prepare wet paints, primers, and coatings according to manufacturer ratios.
• 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 spray guns, powder coat guns, spray 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 co-workers, 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 insurance
• Dental insurance
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed