Industrial Liquid Coating & Paint Specialist

H. T. PROF Group; Duluth (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

H. T. PROF Group in Duluth, MN is hiring a direct-hire painter to work on large steel structures. You will perform surface prep, mix coatings, and apply liquid finishes in a modern shop with a strong focus on quality and durability.

Roles include 1st/2nd/3rd shifts with a starting rate up to $27/hr based on experience plus a $2/hr 3rd-shift differential and overtime opportunities. US citizenship or Green Card required; respirator clearance will be required.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of liquid spray painting experience in heavy equipment manufacturing or similar settings.
• Ability to pass medical clearance and wear a respirator for extended periods.
• Experience operating overhead bridge cranes and forklifts preferred or willingness to learn.
• Proven attendance and safety-focused tenure with past employers.
• Capable of precise surface prep and coating application with quality finish.

Responsibilities

• Surface Preparation: thorough prep including sanding, masking, and cleaning of large steel components.
• Mixing & Chemical Control: prepare coatings and primers with accurate ratios and pot life management.
• Spray Application: operate spray equipment to apply durable protective finishes without defects.
• Product Detailing & Graphics: apply decals and branding as required.
• Material Handling & Rigging: use cranes/forklifts to move large structures safely.
• Booth Maintenance: maintain spray booth with filters and consumables.

Skills

Spray painting experience

Attention to detail

Safety compliance

Equipment operation

Stable work history

Job description

Type Direct Hire

ID WI59-2757600

Posted Sep 1, 2026

• Compensation & Earnings: Up to $27.00/hr starting rate based on experience, plus shift differentials (+$2.00/hr for 3rd shift) and overtime opportunities.
• Work Environment & Culture: Direct-hire seat with a global heavy equipment manufacturer featuring a family-oriented culture, modern facilities, and clear internal advancement paths.
• Schedule Flexibility: Multiple shift options, including 1st shift (flexible 6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, or 8:00 AM starts), 2nd shift, and 3rd shift.
• Scope & Craftsmanship: Dynamic hands-on work applying durable protective coatings, mixing complex catalysts, and executing final decal detailing on large steel structures.
• Strict Requirements: U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (Green Card) required; 1+ years liquid spray experience and ability to pass medical respirator clearance.

If you are a detail-oriented painter who takes pride in top-tier craftsmanship, this direct-hire seat offers an exceptionally stable career home. Our client is a global leader in heavy equipment attachment manufacturing, serving essential construction, demolition, and scrap recycling sectors worldwide. Operating with a culture that celebrates quality work and long-term tenure, they provide a clean, modern shop floor where your surface prep and liquid coating skills directly drive the durability and aesthetic finish of massive industrial components.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Surface Preparation: Execute thorough surface prep, including professional sanding, masking, and chemical cleaning of large steel weldments and equipment components.
• Mixing & Chemical Control: Mix industrial liquid coatings, primers, and catalysts to precise specifications, managing flash times and pot life for corrosion protection.
• Spray Application: Operate wet spray equipment and precision touch-up tools to apply smooth, durable protective and aesthetic finishes without runs or sags.
• Product Detailing & Graphics: Perform final product detailing, including the precise placement and application of vinyl branding decals and graphic packages.
• Material Handling & Rigging: Operate overhead bridge cranes and forklifts to safely rig, transport, flip, and position large steel structures inside prep and paint booths.
• Booth Maintenance: Maintain paint booth equipment, managing filters, controlling consumables, and executing routine preventive maintenance.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• Verifiable Spray Experience: 1+ years of liquid spray painting experience in heavy equipment manufacturing, industrial coatings, or auto body paint environments.
• Precision & Quality Eye: Strong eye for finishing aesthetics, precise chemical mixing ratios, and thorough surface prep techniques.
• Physical & Safety Standards: Ability to pass standard medical clearance and wear a respirator comfortably for extended periods while maneuvering large equipment.
• Material Handling Readiness: Experience operating—or full willingness to learn—overhead bridge cranes and industrial forklifts.
• Dependable Work History: A stable employment record demonstrating strong attendance, safety habits, and solid tenure with past employers.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• Rigging Certification: Prior overhead crane rigging or forklift operator certification.
• Multi-Coat Systems: Experience applying multi-stage epoxy primers, polyurethane topcoats, or specialized rust-inhibiting industrial paints.
• Auto Body Refinishing: Background in automotive body prep, filler work, and high-finish paint blending.