Lead Prefinish Technician - Wood Finishing Specialist

Schwieters Co; Hugo (MN); On-site; USD 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental – premiums paid

Paid Time Off

Holiday pay

401(k) with 3% company match

Paid weekly

Early wage access program

Life, Accident, Vision insurance

Job summary

Schwieters Companies, a family-owned millwork and cabinetry specialist in Minnesota, seeks a Prefinish Lead Technician to oversee finishing operations, manage a small team, and ensure high-quality coatings. You will program and run automated finishing lines, monitor curing, and coordinate with the Warehouse Manager to meet production goals.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of experience with automated finishing equipment, color-matching skills, and a safety-conscious mindset.

Qualifications

• Lead/supervisor experience is required.
• 1–3 years operating automated finishing equipment in wood/ cabinetry environments.
• Understanding of liquid coatings, fluid delivery systems, and curing technologies.
• Ability to consistently match colors and identify minor surface imperfections under production lighting.
• Experience with longline/flatline brands preferred (Superfici, Cefla, Giardina).
• 5S and lean manufacturing knowledge a plus.
• Comfortable using a forklift (preferred).
• Candidate must have a good work history; self-motivated team player.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fewer than 15 team members and lead processes toward production goals under the Warehouse Manager.
• Set up, program, and operate automated shortline & longline machines, sanding units, and UV/IR curing ovens.
• Mix, thin, and monitor finishes to correct viscosities using standard tools.
• Inspect incoming raw materials and finished parts for defects like runs, sags, dust inclusions, or uneven coating thickness.
• Operate, set up, and maintain industrial spray equipment and ensure coatings per work orders.
• Identify and resolve finish-quality issues quickly (e.g., adjusting gun pressure, line speed, or temperature settings).
• Order paint and stain supplies while maintaining inventory levels.
• Lead warehouse order fulfillment and collaborate with team to maximize efficiency and on-time delivery.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Lead supervisor

Finishing equipment

Color matching

5S lean

Forklift

Work history

Self-motivated

Team player

Overtime flexibility

Quality awareness

Education

Tools

Superfici

Cefla

Giardina

Job description

Schwieters Companies, a family-owned millwork and cabinetry specialist in Minnesota, seeks a Prefinish Lead Technician to oversee finishing operations, manage a small team, and ensure high-quality coatings. You will program and run automated finishing lines, monitor curing, and coordinate with the Warehouse Manager to meet production goals.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years of experience with automated finishing equipment, color-matching skills, and a safety-conscious mindset.