Heavy Equipment Surface Prep Spray Painter

Sterling St James LLC; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 33,062,000 - 39,950,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in the Duluth, MN area is seeking a Liquid Spray Painter to apply industrial coatings on large heavy equipment. You will prepare surfaces, mix coatings, and spray finishes with attention to durability and aesthetics.

The role requires crane/forklift duties and adherence to safety protocols in a modern shop environment. Starting compensation is up to $27.00/hour with a $2.00/hr shift differential for 3rd shift and potential overtime.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of verifiable liquid spray painting experience in heavy equipment or automotive environments.
• Detail-driven approach to surface prep, coating ratios, and finish quality.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and pass medical clearance; US citizen or Green Card holder.

Responsibilities

• Execute thorough surface preparation including sanding, masking, and chemical cleaning of large steel weldments and equipment components.
• Mix industrial liquid coatings, primers, and catalysts to precise specifications with proper flash times.
• Operate spray equipment and touch-up tools to apply smooth, durable finishes without runs or sags.
• Perform final detailing including decal placement and graphic packages.
• Operate overhead cranes and forklifts to move and position large structures safely.
• Maintain spray booth equipment and perform routine preventive maintenance.

Skills

Liquid spray painting

Attention to detail

Safety consciousness

Tools

Overhead cranes

Industrial forklifts

Job description

Liquid Spray Painter - Heavy Equipment & Surface Prep

Up to $27.00/Hour + Shift Premiums Duluth, MN / Superior, WI Area Direct-Hire

• COMPENSATION: Up to $27.00/Hour Starting Rate (commensurate with technical coating experience) + Shift Differential (+$2.00/hr for 3rd shift) + Overtime Eligibility
• SCHEDULE: 1st Shift (Flexible 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM starts) | 2nd & 3rd Shift options available
• EXPERIENCE: 1+ years of liquid spray painting experience (industrial machinery, heavy equipment, or auto body paint background)
• COATING MASTERY: Proficiency in surface prep, measuring mixing ratios/catalysts, wet spray gun application, and graphic decal detailing
• REQUIREMENTS: US Citizen or Green Card holder; ability to pass standard medical clearance for respirator wear and comfortable using/learning overhead cranes/forklifts

If you are a detail-oriented painter who takes pride in top-tier craftsmanship, this direct-hire seat offers an exceptionally stable career home. The employer is a global leader in heavy equipment attachment manufacturing - serving essential construction, demolition, and scrap recycling sectors worldwide. Operating with a family-oriented culture that celebrates quality work, they provide clear internal advancement paths and a local reputation for employee longevity.

In this role, your surface preparation and liquid coating skills directly drive the durability and aesthetic finish of massive industrial components. Operating in a modern, well-equipped facility with flexible shift starts, you will work alongside supportive fabrication teams where your skill set is valued, respected, and rewarded.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Execute thorough surface preparation, including professional sanding, masking, and chemical cleaning of large steel weldments and equipment components.
• Mix industrial liquid coatings, primers, and catalysts to precise specifications, managing flash times and pot life for long-term corrosion protection.
• Operate liquid spray equipment and precision touch-up tools to apply smooth, durable protective and aesthetic finishes without runs or sags.
• Perform final product detailing, including the precise placement and application of vinyl branding decals and graphic packages.
• Operate overhead bridge cranes and forklifts to safely rig, transport, flip, and position large steel structures inside prep and paint booths.
• Maintain paint booth equipment, managing filters, managing consumables, and executing routine preventive maintenance.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• 1+ years of verifiable liquid spray experience, whether in heavy equipment manufacturing, industrial liquid coatings, or auto body spray environments.
• Detail-Driven Quality: A strong eye for finishing aesthetics, precise mixing ratios, and proper surface prep techniques.
• Physical Capability: Ability to wear a respirator comfortably for extended periods and maneuver around large industrial fabrications.
• Material Handling: Experience operating (or full willingness to learn) overhead bridge cranes and industrial forklifts.
• Reliable Work History: A stable, dependable employment record demonstrating strong attendance and tenure with past employers.
• Local Proximity: Residing within a comfortable daily commute of the Greater Duluth, MN / Superior, WI area.