Painter

Mercedes Benz U.S. International; McAding (AL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International is seeking an Industrial Painter for on-site work in Alabama. Responsibilities include surface prep, coating application, and finishing of steel components, pipes, skids, and modular assemblies to meet quality and safety standards.

The position requires applying primers and coats with spray equipment, inspecting for defects, and ensuring proper film thickness. A 90-day on-site training period with a $500 per week per diem is provided, after which you continue

Qualifications

• Industrial painting experience in steel fabrication, modular construction, or heavy equipment.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of epoxy, urethane, and intumescent coatings is preferred.
• Familiarity with spray equipment and paint booth operations.
• Strong attention to detail and workmanship standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal surfaces by cleaning, sanding, grinding, or blasting.
• Mask areas not to be painted and protect surroundings.
• Inspect surfaces for defects, oil, rust, or contaminants.
• Apply primers and multiple coats using spray systems, rollers, or brushes.
• Maintain correct film thickness and mix coatings per product specs.
• Read and interpret paint specifications and work orders.
• Coordinate with QA/QC and other teams to meet schedules.
• Maintain paint booth organization and safe handling of materials.

Skills

Industrial painting

Reading drawings

Safety compliance

Attention to detail

NACE/SSPC coating

Tools

Spray equipment

Paint booth operations

Job description

Wage: $24-28 per hour based upon Experience.

The Industrial Painter is responsible for surface preparation, coating application, and finishing of structural steel, piping, equipment skids, and prefabricated modular assemblies produced within the OSC facility. This role ensures all painted products meet company quality standards, project specifications, and safety requirements while supporting production schedules.

This is a fully on-site position. The employee will complete a minimum 90-day on-site training period at Epsilon Industries’ Tuscaloosa, Alabama facility and will receive a per diem of $500 per week during the training period. Upon completion of training, the position will transfer to and remain fully on-site at Epsilon Industries’ Oxford, Alabama facility.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Clean, sand, grind, blast, or otherwise prepare metal and fabricated components for coating.
• Mask and protect areas not requiring paint.
• Inspect surfaces for defects, oil, rust, mill scale, and contaminants.
• Verify readiness prior to coating application.
• Apply primers, intermediate coats, and finish coats using spray systems, rollers, and brushes.
• Operate airless, conventional, and plural component spray equipment.
• Maintain proper film thickness per specifications (DFT/WFT).
• Mix coatings accurately according to manufacturer requirements.
• Read and interpret paint specifications, drawings, and work orders.
• Perform visual inspections and thickness measurements.
• Correct defects such as runs, orange peel, dry spray, and holidays.
• Coordinate with QA/QC when required.
• Work with fabrication, assembly, and logistics teams to meet delivery schedules.
• Stage finished assemblies for shipment.
• Maintain paint booth organization and material inventory.
• Follow all OSHA and plant safety procedures.
• Properly use PPE, including respirators, suits, gloves, and eye protection.
• Handle coatings, solvents, and hazardous materials safely.
• Maintain housekeeping to prevent fire and contamination risks.

Job Qualifications

• Industrial painting experience; steel fabrication, modular construction, manufacturing, or heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Knowledge of coating systems such as epoxy, urethane, and intumescent coatings.
• Experience with spray equipment and paint booth operations.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and workmanship standards.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and work on ladders or elevated platforms.
• NACE/SSPC coating experience.
• Experience painting mechanical/electrical skids or modular systems.
• Familiarity with forklifts or overhead cranes.
• Basic knowledge of surface preparation standards, such as SP-2 and SP-6.

Performance Expectations

• Meets production throughput targets.
• Maintains rework rates below the department threshold.
• Demonstrates consistent coating quality.
• Follows safety and housekeeping standards.
• Works collaboratively across OSC production teams.

Work Environment

• Indoor manufacturing facility.
• Exposure to paint fumes, noise, and industrial equipment.
• Use of paint booths and ventilation systems.
• Overtime as required to meet project deadlines.