Paint Prep Technician in Harper, Kansas at Harper Industries Inc

Position Title: Paint Prep Technician
Department: Paint
Reports to: Paint Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Paint Prep Technician is responsible for preparing parts and whole goods for paint application by ensuring surfaces, carts, and materials are properly cleaned, masked, and ready for finishing. This position supports the Paint Department by maintaining quality standards, efficiency, and safety throughout the preparation process. Depending on operational needs, this role may also perform abrasive blasting and other surface preparation activities to ensure proper coating adhesion and finish quality.

This role may also function as a Paint Lead when designated, providing day-to-day guidance, coordination, and support to team members within the Paint department.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

- Prepare parts and whole goods for paint application

- Blow off paint carts and parts prior to painting

- Wash carts and components in the wash bay

- Prep flatbeds for GatorHyde or other coating applications

- Mask, tape, and protect surfaces as required

- Assist with loading and unloading parts on paint carts

- Support paint kitchen responsibilities

- Assist with routine paint booth filter changes

- Maintain a clean and organized workspace

- Perform abrasive blasting operations on parts and components as assigned to prepare surfaces for coating applications

- Operate blasting equipment in accordance with company safety and quality standards

- Inspect blasted surfaces to verify cleanliness and readiness for paint application

- Assist with maintenance and housekeeping of blasting equipment and blasting areas

- Follow all company safety procedures and policies

- Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities When Designated as Paint Lead:

- Provide day-to-day direction and support to paint team members to ensure production goals are met

- Help coordinate workflow between prep, paint, and cure stages to maintain throughput

- Monitor prep quality to ensure surfaces are properly cleaned, masked, and ready for coating

- Identify and address issues that could impact paint quality (contamination, improper prep, missed masking, etc.)

- Assist in training and onboarding new team members on prep processes, equipment, and safety procedures

- Reinforce safety policies, including proper handling of chemicals and PPE usage

- Communicate regularly with the Paint Supervisor regarding production status, quality concerns, and team needs

- Support continuous improvement efforts related to paint prep, material flow, and efficiency

- Assist in coordinating rework and ensuring defects are corrected prior to paint application

- Lead by example in attendance, work ethic, quality, and adherence to company values

- Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

- Detail-oriented with the ability to process work orders accurately

- Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions

- Strong communication and organizational skills

- Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

- Basic mechanical aptitude preferred

- Ability to obtain forklift certification

- Embodies organizational core values (authentic, driven, humble, trustworthy)

Additional Qualifications for Paint Lead (when applicable):

- Demonstrated proficiency in paint prep processes and workflow

- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

- Ability to train, coach, and support team members effectively

- Understanding of paint process flow, including prep, coating, and curing stages

- Ability to identify quality risks and proactively address issues

Physical Requirements:

- Ability to stand for the majority of the workday

- Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, and pulling

- Repetitive motion throughout the shift

- Ability to lift 50+ pounds consistently

- Ability to use hands and fingers for handling tools, materials, and masking supplies

- Ability to work in blasting environments while wearing required respiratory and protective equipment

- Ability to perform physically demanding work involving blasting hoses, equipment, and materials

Work Environment:

- Exposure to paint preparation materials, dust, and cleaning solutions

- Industrial manufacturing environment with moderate noise levels

- Frequent movement throughout the paint department and wash bay

- Must wear required personal protective equipment in accordance with company safety policies, including company-provided safety glasses and employee-provided steel-toed footwear; additional PPE, including respirators, blast hoods, gloves, hearing protection, and protective clothing, may be required based on job duties

- Exposure to paint preparation materials, blasting media, dust, cleaning solutions, coatings, and industrial chemicals

- Occasional work in abrasive blasting areas when assigned

- Industrial manufacturing environment with moderate to high noise levels

- Frequent work in paint preparation, wash bay, and abrasive blasting areas

- Exposure to varying temperatures, airborne particles, and manufacturing equipment

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Employment with Harper Industries is contingent upon successfully passing:

- Pre-employment background check

- Pre-employment drug screening

Harper Industries, Inc. (HII) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The above statements describe the working conditions and physical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Employees must be able to perform these essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.