Paint & Surface Prep Technician

Laborup; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Laborup is hiring Paint & Surface Prep Technicians to prepare metal parts for the painting process. This hands-on production role includes cleaning, sanding, masking, plugging, and inspecting parts to ensure they are paint-ready.

You'll move and hang parts using an overhead hoist, remove debris, and verify quality, with opportunities for overtime. This is full-time, 2nd shift, paid hourly at $19-$21 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Must be dependable and willing to learn.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Comfortable standing for long periods.
• Able to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Willingness to work overtime when needed.

Responsibilities

• Clean, sand, mask, and plug parts before painting.
• Inspect parts for defects and proper preparation.
• Remove excess water, dust, and debris.
• Hang and position parts using an overhead hoist.
• Check finished parts for basic quality standards.
• Help keep the work area clean and organized.
• Follow all safety and production procedures.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Tools

Overhead hoist

Forklift

Job description

We’re hiring Paint & Surface Prep Technicians to prepare metal parts and components before they move into the painting process.

This is a hands-on production role where you’ll clean, sand, mask, plug, and inspect parts to make sure they are ready for paint. You’ll also help move and hang parts, remove debris or excess water, and check finished pieces for quality.

Previous manufacturing experience is helpful, but not required. This can be a good fit for someone with experience in general labor, automotive work, body shop prep, warehouse work, painting, or another hands-on environment.

What makes this role great:

• Entry-Level Friendly: Previous paint or manufacturing experience is helpful, but not required
• Hands-On Work: Prepare real production parts using sanding, masking, cleaning, and inspection techniques
• Learn New Skills: Gain experience in industrial paint preparation and manufacturing
• Variety of Work: Prep, inspect, move, and organize parts throughout the paint process
• Long-Term Opportunity: Full-time, direct-hire position with room to grow

Job Details:

• Hiring for 2nd shift
• $19-21/hr based on experience
• Full time, direct hire.

What You’ll Do

• Clean, sand, mask, and plug parts before painting
• Inspect parts for defects and proper preparation
• Remove excess water, dust, and debris
• Hang and position parts using an overhead hoist
• Check finished parts for basic quality standardsHelp keep the work area clean and organized
• Follow all safety and production procedures

Qualifications

Required

• Dependable and willing to learn
• Comfortable working with your hands
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Comfortable standing for long periods
• Ability to lift up to approximately 35 lbs
• Willingness to work overtime when needed

Preferred

• Previous manufacturing or production experience
• Paint prep, body shop, sanding, or masking experience
• Forklift or material handling experience
• Experience using overhead hoists
• Previous quality inspection experience