Job Title: Paint Prepper
Job Description
The Paint Prepper prepares and finishes metal surfaces for high-quality industrial painting and powder coating in a clean, well-organized fabrication shop. This role focuses on surface preparation, paint mixing, and application using hand-held spray guns and portable powder coat equipment, while following detailed work instructions, blueprints, and paint specifications. The position offers day shift work with flexible start times and the option to move to second shift with a shift premium.
Responsibilities
Clean and prepare metal and other surfaces for painting, including sanding, polishing, and metal prep.
Prepare paint and coatings for application according to work instructions, specifications, and blueprints.
Operate hand-held spray guns to apply various types of industrial paint in a paint booth environment.
Operate portable powder coat equipment to apply powder coatings per required specifications.
Apply primer and other coatings in accordance with paint specifications and blueprint requirements, ensuring correct areas receive the appropriate primer or color.
Read and interpret blueprints, paint specifications, and work instructions to determine paint types, coverage areas, and application methods.
Disassemble and reassemble paint equipment, including guns and bells, for cleaning and maintenance.
Clean and maintain all painting equipment and tools, ensuring they are in proper working condition.
Perform surface filling and repair work such as using bondo or similar materials when needed for paint prep.
Follow and fully support the company's quality system, ensuring all work meets established quality standards.
Perform all duties in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with company policies and OSHA guidelines.
Wear proper protective equipment as required and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Lift and move materials and equipment up to 50 lbs., including frequent bending, stooping, twisting, and climbing ladders as needed for job tasks.
Essential Skills
Experience with industrial painting processes, including cleaning surfaces and preparing paint for application.
Ability to operate hand-held spray guns and portable powder coat equipment safely and effectively.
Proficiency in sanding, polishing, and metal prep for high-quality paint finishes.
Ability to read and understand blueprints, paint specifications, and work instructions to determine correct primer and paint colors and coverage areas.
Capability to disassemble and reassemble paint equipment, including guns and bells, for cleaning and maintenance.
Knowledge of primer application techniques and proper coating procedures.
Understanding of and adherence to OSHA safety guidelines and company safety policies.
Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment.
Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform frequent bending, stooping, twisting, and ladder climbing.
Preferred two (2) years of experience as an industrial painter or similar role.
Preferred knowledge of painting methods used in industrial and fabrication environments.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with autobody painting or related fields, with experience maintaining spray guns and associated equipment.
Familiarity with bondo or similar materials for surface repair and preparation prior to painting.
Ability to follow detailed work instructions and quality procedures as part of an established quality system.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing consistent, high-quality paint finishes.
Comfort working in a paint booth and fabrication shop environment.
Willingness to train on day shift and maintain flexibility within the 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. window.
Interest in working second shift (approximately 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., potentially to 1:30/2:30 a.m.) to receive a shift premium, if desired.
Why Work Here?
Employees join a team that takes pride in contributing to high-profile, technically demanding projects, such as specialized control rooms and custom vehicle components. The culture emphasizes hands-on training and mentorship, with forepersons and leadership spending time on the shop floor to help each person become highly skilled in their role and to support learning in areas that employees are genuinely interested in. The company offers 100% paid health insurance for employees and their families, providing strong support for overall well-being. The shop is clean, well organized, and focused on safety and quality, creating a professional environment where employees can grow their technical abilities and build a long-term career.
Work Environment
The work takes place in a clean, well-organized fabrication shop and paint booth environment. Employees use hand-held spray guns, portable powder coat equipment, and related painting tools and materials while following established work instructions and quality system procedures. Work is performed on day shift with training and flexible hours between 5:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and there is an available second shift from approximately 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with occasional extension to 1:30 or 2:30 a.m., which includes a shift premium. The role requires frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, stooping, twisting, and climbing ladders. Proper protective equipment is required and provided, and safety practices follow OSHA guidelines within a tidy, structured shop setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bay City, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $19.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Bay City,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a con
