Industrial Painter: Precision Finishes & Surface Prep

Vermeer; Piedmont (SC); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Vermeer is seeking a Painter I in Piedmont, SC to transform raw iron into Vermeer yellow iron by applying primer, pre-finish, and finish coats to machines and parts. You will join a team dedicated to quality, safety, and continuous improvement, contributing to a legacy that drives our world forward.

The role requires entry-level painting experience and completion of a painting/coatings program, with training through Vermeer Paint Program.

Qualifications

• Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete Vermeer Paint Training Program.
• Ability to learn and perform hands‑on spray application using HVLP and/or electrostatic systems; set up and tune spray guns (nozzle/needle, fan, flow, atomization), and troubleshoot common defects such as runs, sags, and orange peel.
• Readiness to measure and document coating quality using WFT and DFT gauges (e.g., magnetic/eddy current), apply visual standards, repair defects, and complete required records.
• Strong habits in surface preparation, including cleaning/degreasing, mechanical scuffing, and precise masking/plugging per print and SOP to ensure adhesion and edge quality.

Responsibilities

• Apply primer and topcoat to treated metal parts, adjusting paints to meet Vermeer’s quality standards.
• Prepare surfaces for painting by cleaning, degreasing, mechanical scuffing, and precise masking/plugging per print and SOP.
• Operate and maintain paint-line equipment, including booths, spray guns, pumps, regulators, and high-pressure washers; perform routine preventive maintenance (PM/TPM) and safe changeovers.
• Mix and adjust coatings to specification by following ratios by weight/volume, checking viscosity (e.g., Zahn cup), accounting for temperature/humidity, and managing pot life.
• Measure and document coating quality using Wet Film Thickness (WFT) and Dry Film Thickness (DFT) gauges (magnetic/eddy current), apply visual standards, repair defects, and complete required quality records as applicable.
• Inspect parts throughout the painting process, repair paint defects, and communicate issues quickly to support cross-shift and cell partners.
• Perform tasks that require frequent standing, reaching, bending, squatting, and lifting; work in confined spaces as needed while following all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procedures.

Skills

Paint prep

HVLP spray

Electrostatic spray

Quality inspection

Education

Painting/coatings program certificate

Tools

HVLP spray equipment

Electrostatic spray systems

Paint line equipment

Job description

Vermeer is seeking a Painter I in Piedmont, SC to transform raw iron into Vermeer yellow iron by applying primer, pre-finish, and finish coats to machines and parts. You will join a team dedicated to quality, safety, and continuous improvement, contributing to a legacy that drives our world forward.

The role requires entry-level painting experience and completion of a painting/coatings program, with training through Vermeer Paint Program.