Industrial Paint Process Technician

Valknut Inc; Missouri; On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Valknut Inc. is seeking an Industrial Paint Process Technician to support the powder coat paint line, pretreatment systems, and wastewater treatment processes. You will troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, manage chemical dosing, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires hands-on maintenance, reading schematics, data logging, and collaboration with Maintenance, Engineering, and Environmental teams to keep operations safe, efficient, and compliant.

Qualifications

• Wastewater treatment certification within 12 months of start.
• Hazardous Waste Training Level 1; DOT Hazmat Training.
• Licensed forklift operator.
• Confined space training.
• Spill Team member.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and troubleshoot automated powder coating equipment (pumps, feeding systems, valves, spray guns, conveyors, powder recovery/filtration systems, ovens, burners, robots) for mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic issues.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, blueprints, mechanical prints, customer paint specs, and gauges/pressure/temperature controls.
• Manage chemical levels in tanks using titration, conductivity, and pH readings; maintain accurate records of pH, conductivity, chemical usage, and any unusual findings.
• Ensure compliance with EPA, MoDNR, OSHA, city wastewater codes, and ISO-14001 Environmental Management System requirements.
• Perform sampling, testing, and quantitative/qualitative analysis for water pollution levels; support governmental/agency sampling projects as needed.
• Perform preventive maintenance, minor equipment repairs, and cleaning of paint and pretreatment systems; maintain spare parts and department inventory.
• Operate forklift, high lift, and other maintenance equipment.
• Start up and monitor the paint line to meet production, safety, quality, and housekeeping goals across cleaning, pretreatment, paint, cure, and wastewater systems.
• Perform lab, visual, and physical inspections of process and product for paint systems; calibrate and verify equipment.
• Train and assist in training other paint technicians; develop and update written operating procedures and inspection standards.
• Document work in CMMS (Funnel Cloud) and complete related reports/correspondence.
• Communicate with maintenance manager, shift leaders, and other plant personnel on maintenance, quality, and safety concerns; attend pre-shift meetings and conduct shift turnover.
• Control chemical and paint inventory/ordering to balance productivity, quality, safety, and cost.
• Support continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and Business Operating System initiatives.
• Promote safety and 5S housekeeping practices; wear required PPE and follow all plant safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned; may be required to adjust shifts as necessary.

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate's degree in a Skilled Trades field

Tools

Pumps and fluid handling systems

Chemical dosing equipment

Forklift operation

CMMS (Funnel Cloud)

Job description

Industrial Paint Process Technician

Schedule:

Continental Schedule 2-2-3 (no rotation). A Shift: 5:15 AM - 5:15 PM

Summary:

The Industrial Paint Process Technician supports the operation, maintenance, and optimization of the plant's powder coat paint line, pretreatment systems, and wastewater treatment systems. This hands-on role requires mechanical troubleshooting skills, knowledge of industrial coating processes, and experience with pumps, piping, chemical dosing equipment, and fluid handling systems. The technician works closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Production, and Environmental teams to keep paint and pretreatment systems running safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and troubleshoot automated powder coating equipment (pumps, feeding systems, valves, spray guns, conveyors, powder recovery/filtration systems, ovens, burners, robots) for mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic issues.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals, schematics, blueprints, mechanical prints, customer paint specs, and gauges/pressure/temperature controls.
• Manage chemical levels in tanks using titration, conductivity, and pH readings; maintain accurate records of pH, conductivity, chemical usage, and any unusual findings.
• Ensure compliance with EPA, MoDNR, OSHA, city wastewater codes, and ISO-14001 Environmental Management System requirements.
• Perform sampling, testing, and quantitative/qualitative analysis for water pollution levels; support governmental/agency sampling projects as needed.
• Perform preventive maintenance, minor equipment repairs, and cleaning of paint and pretreatment systems; maintain spare parts and department inventory.
• Operate forklift, high lift, and other maintenance equipment.
• Start up and monitor the paint line to meet production, safety, quality, and housekeeping goals across cleaning, pretreatment, paint, cure, and wastewater systems.
• Perform lab, visual, and physical inspections of process and product for paint systems; calibrate and verify equipment.
• Train and assist in training other paint technicians; develop and update written operating procedures and inspection standards.
• Document work in CMMS (Funnel Cloud) and complete related reports/correspondence.
• Communicate with maintenance manager, shift leaders, and other plant personnel on maintenance, quality, and safety concerns; attend pre-shift meetings and conduct shift turnover.
• Control chemical and paint inventory/ordering to balance productivity, quality, safety, and cost.
• Support continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and Business Operating System initiatives.
• Promote safety and 5S housekeeping practices; wear required PPE and follow all plant safety rules.
• Perform other duties as assigned; may be required to adjust shifts as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Wastewater treatment certification (within 12 months of start)
• Hazardous Waste Training Level 1; DOT Hazmat Training
• Licensed forklift operator
• Confined space training
• Spill Team member

Education & Experience:

• High School diploma/GED required; Associate's degree in a Skilled Trades field preferred
• Experience with industrial mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
• Competence with gas, arc, MIG, and TIG welding
• Thorough knowledge of spray equipment, processes, and chemicals (via job experience or vendor/supplier training, e.g., zinc phosphate, electro/powder coat)
• Experience with cathodic electrodeposition coatings and related wastewater treatment preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specs, and testing/measuring instruments; basic math (percentages, proportions)
• Proficient with computers, software, and testing equipment (pH/conductivity meters)
• Basic understanding of chemical properties; comfortable working with liquid, granular, and powder chemicals
• Knowledge of safety and hazardous materials protocols
• Proficiency with hand and power tools
• Strong communication skills; able to work well with others and maintain confidentiality
• Able to manage multiple priorities, work flexible hours/overtime, and respond to emergencies
• Able to work a full shift in hot and/or cold industrial environments

Physical Demands: