Industrial Painter

Crane 1 Services; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Crane 1 Services in Milwaukee is seeking an experienced Industrial Painter / Fabricator to prepare and finish equipment for material-handling operations.

You will apply coatings, operate spray equipment, perform basic fabrication, and work closely with fabrication and service teams to meet production schedules.

This role requires safety focus, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and hands-on experience with painting and fabrication tools.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of industrial painting, manufacturing, or fabrication experience.
• Hands-on experience with industrial painting equipment.
• Experience with air-assisted airless spray guns is a plus.
• Knowledge of surface preparation and coating techniques.
• Basic fabrication experience and tooling familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces and components for painting and coating.
• Apply industrial coatings using spray guns, brushes, and rollers.
• Operate paint booth equipment and maintain a clean work area.
• Perform basic fabrication and modification of steel and aluminum.
• Follow safety procedures and coordinate with teams to meet production schedules.

Skills

Industrial painting

Surface preparation

Quality inspections

Basic fabrication

Safety compliance

Tools

Band saw

Drill press

Punch press

Grinders

Magnetic drills

Hand and power tools

Job description

If you're an experienced industrial painter or fabricator—or a mechanically inclined professional looking to build your skills,we'd like to hear from you.

Industrial Painter / Fabricator Responsibilities

At Crane 1 Services, our people are the foundation of everything we do. As an Industrial Painter / Fabricator, you will play an important role in preparing and finishing the equipment and components that ultimately support our customers' material-handling operations.

Industrial Painting & Surface Preparation

• Prepare steel, aluminum, equipment, and other components for painting and coating.
• Clean, degrease, wash, sand, grind, and otherwise prepare surfaces to ensure proper coating adhesion and a quality finished product.
• Apply industrial coatings using spray guns, brushes, rollers, and other approved painting equipment.
• Operate air-assisted airless spray equipment and other industrial paint tools.
• Properly mix paints and coatings according to manufacturer specifications, including correct ratios and application requirements.
• Apply appropriate masking and tape to protect surfaces and areas that should not be painted.
• Perform basic color, coating, and finish inspections to ensure work meets quality expectations.
• Operate and maintain paint booth equipment and maintain a clean, organized painting area.
• Minimize paint and material waste through proper preparation, mixing, application, and cleanup techniques.

Fabrication & Shop Support

• Perform basic fabrication and modification of steel, aluminum, and other materials as assigned.
• Assist with basic rigging, material handling, and movement of components and equipment.
• Operate fabrication and shop equipment when qualified, including:
  • Band saw
  • Drill press
  • Punch press
  • Grinders
  • Magnetic drills
  • Other hand and power tools
• Perform general shop maintenance and housekeeping to maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
• Inspect tools and equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns to appropriate leadership.
• Follow established work instructions, safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Work collaboratively with fabrication, production, and service team members to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required / Preferred Experience

• 1+ year of industrial painting, manufacturing, fabrication, or related shop experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience using industrial painting equipment preferred.
• Experience with air-assisted airless spray guns preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial paint application, surface preparation, and coating techniques.
• Familiarity with abrasive surface treatments such as media blasting, chemical etching, degreasing, sanding, and grinding.
• Basic fabrication experience is a plus.
• Experience operating shop equipment such as band saws, drill presses, punch presses, grinders, or magnetic drills is a plus.
• Ability to safely use common hand and power tools.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and maintain consistent attention to detail.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and work in various positions for extended periods.
• Lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Safely operate or work around shop, fabrication, and painting equipment.
• Work in a manufacturing/fabrication environment where exposure to noise, dust, fumes, paint, coatings, and industrial equipment may occur.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform repetitive tasks while maintaining attention to quality and safety.
• Occasionally work overtime or weekends based on production and business requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Crane 1 Services is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where every employee is valued and given the opportunity to succeed.