Material Prep Technician

APX; Mercersburg (Franklin County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental insurance

401K

Vacation and holiday pay

Job summary

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician to prepare aluminum and steel parts for powder coating. The role emphasizes grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure adhesion and a high-quality finish.

You will collaborate with fabrication, paint, and quality teams, maintain equipment, and uphold safety standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with grinders, sanders, and hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Able to follow instructions and communicate with team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare aluminum and mild steel parts for powder coating.
• Inspect surfaces for defects and correct as needed.
• Clean parts using air hoses, wash bays, tools, and solvents.
• Coordinate with fabrication, paint, and QA teams to meet prep standards.
• Maintain and clean grinding equipment and tools.
• Follow safety procedures and wear PPE at all times.
• Assist with material handling and staging for painting.
• Keep work area organized per 5S standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team communication

Ability to follow instructions

Willingness to learn surface prep for

Tools

Grinders

Sanders

Hand tools

Job description

APX is an industry leader in metal manufacturing of enclosures, custom fabrication, machining and industrial coatings. We are recognized for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team of professionals, we are poised for growth and seeking individuals that want to be a part of telling our story.

JOB DESCRIPTION

APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for powder coating. This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion and a professional finish. The position is critical in maintaining APX’s high standards for product quality and appearance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use handheld grinders, sanders, and other tools to smooth welds, remove sharp edges, and prep surfaces on aluminum and mild steel parts.
• Inspect materials for surface imperfections, burrs, or contaminants and correct as needed.
• Clean parts using air hoses, wash bays, cloths, and solvents to remove dust, oil, or debris.
• Communicate with fabrication, paint, and quality control teams to ensure proper prep standards are met.
• Maintain and clean grinding equipment and tools regularly.
• Adhere to company safety procedures and wear proper PPE at all times.
• Assist with general material handling and staging of parts for painting or further processing.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience or comfort using grinders, sanders, and hand tools.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with team members.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn proper surface prep techniques for powder coating.
• Physical capability to handle, lift, and clean parts safely.
• Commitment to workplace safety and proper use of PPE.

BENEFIT OFFERINGS

• Competitive Compensation Package including healthcare, dental and supplementary insurance, 401K, vacation and holiday pay.