Engineering Technician IV – Painter

TCS GovCon; Bedford (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) Plan

12 paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Tri-County Steel LLC (TCS) in Bedford, Indiana, is seeking an experienced Painter to support military coating operations. The successful candidate will apply primers, topcoats, and specialty military finishes with minimal supervision in a safety-sensitive environment and must hold a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities include surface prep, mixing coatings per specs, operating and maintaining paint room equipment (HVLP sprayers, ventilation), reading technical drawings, and mentoring junior staff

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of hands-on painting experience in industrial, automotive, or military settings.
• Proficiency with HVLP spray systems in a booth environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions.
• Familiarity with calipers and mil-thickness gauges for quality checks.

Responsibilities

• Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty military coatings per project specifications.
• Prepare surfaces with cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming.
• Mix and prepare coatings according to manufacturer specs.
• Set up and maintain paint room equipment including HVLP sprayers and ventilation.
• Read technical drawings to ensure accurate execution.
• Inspect finished surfaces and perform rework as needed.

Skills

HVLP spraying

Coatings application

Reading technical drawings

Calipers/mil gauges

Equipment maintenance

Attention to detail

Tools

HVLP sprayers

Mil thickness gauges

Calipers

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Bedford, IN, US

10 days ago Requisition ID: 1158

**Company:**
Tri-County Steel LLC (TCS)

**Location:**
On-site at Bedford, IN

**Employment Type:**
Full-time

**Salary:**
Commensurate with experience. SCA Wage Determination applies.

**Clearance Level Required:**
Secret. US Citizenship required.

About Us:

Tri-County Steel LLC (TCS) is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business located in Bedford, Indiana. We have been a trusted defense contractor supporting our industry and government partners for over 16 years, offering a wide variety of logistics, programmatic, and engineering support services. We pride ourselves on a strong commitment to our clients and a focus on quality and reliability in everything we do. Additionally, we are dedicated to the growth and development of our employees, providing opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

Job Summary:

TCS is seeking an experienced Painter to support military coating operations at Bedford, IN. The successful candidate will apply a variety of coating systems — including primers, topcoats, and specialty military finishes — with demonstrated proficiency and minimal supervision. This is not a learn-on-the-job role; we are looking for an experienced professional who can contribute immediately and operate effectively within a safety-sensitive, compliance-driven environment. A Secret clearance is required for this position.

Essential Functions:

• Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty military coatings in accordance with project specifications, applicable standards, and quality control requirements.
• Perform surface preparation including cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming prior to coating application.
• Mix and prepare coatings per manufacturer specifications and project requirements.
• Set up, operate, adjust, and perform routine maintenance on paint room equipment including HVLP sprayers, mixers, and ventilation systems.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions to ensure accurate execution.
• Use precision measuring equipment (e.g., calipers, mil thickness gauges) to verify coating quality and compliance.
• Inspect finished surfaces for quality assurance; identify and troubleshoot application issues and perform rework as necessary.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work area at all times.
• Assist and mentor junior-level staff, providing hands‑on guidance to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Support ordnance‑related activities in accordance with explosive safety policies and site‑specific procedures.
• Assist in basic testing, data collection, and maintenance of documentation as required.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in industrial, automotive, or military‑grade painting applications; real‑world body shop or depot‑level experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with HVLP and other paint spraying systems in a booth environment.
• Proven ability to mix and apply coatings in accordance with manufacturer specifications and rework coating system standards.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and written work instructions.
• Familiarity with precision measuring equipment, including calipers and mil thickness gauges.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience maintaining paint room equipment.
• High attention to detail; neat, precise execution with consistent, verifiable results.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high‑safety, compliance‑driven environment.
• Experience assisting or mentoring junior staff in a production or technical environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Industry‑recognized certification in industrial coatings, painting systems, or similar (not required, but preferred).
• Prior experience in ordnance, depot, or military support environments.
• Familiarity with CARC coatings and military coating system specifications.

Physical Requirements:

• Must pass a pre‑employment drug screen and participate in a random drug testing program.
• Must be able to wear full PPE including respirators.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in paint booth environments for extended periods.

Travel:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including life, health, dental, vision, short‑term disability (STD), and long‑term disability (LTD) coverage for eligible employees and family members.
• 401(K) Plan with company match.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO).

Application Process: