Painter Associate

California Institute of Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, CA, seeks an experienced painter to apply finishes to machines, furniture, and surfaces across facilities and lab environments. The role covers preparing surfaces, applying latex, epoxy, and enamel coatings, and maintaining equipment.

The position requires careful attention to safety, compliance with policies, and the ability to lift up to 50 lb and work on ladders or scaffolds as needed. Join a team focused on quality and reliability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of industrial or residential painting experience.
• Proficient in furniture refinishing, including stripping and finish coats.
• Experience refinishing metal office furniture with lacquer, enamel, or epoxy.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to meet driving policy.
• Able to lift 50 lb, climb ladders, and use spray booths safely.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
• Prepare surfaces, sand, and apply finishes to furniture, buildings, and fixtures.
• Operate and maintain painting equipment including brushes, rollers, sprays, and sprayers.
• Erect scaffolding and ladders as required and protect surfaces during application.
• Respond to routine and emergency painting requests and maintain quality workmanship.

Skills

5+ years experience

Furniture refinishing

Cabinet refinishing

Follow instructions

Driver's license (CA)

Ladder/safety capable

Tools

Paint spray guns

Brush & roller

Scaffolding safety

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Paint Shop supervisor, will apply the skills of an experienced painter in buildings and equipment maintenance, laboratory equipment and furniture finishing and small construction projects.

Essential Job Duties

• Responsible for following all safety procedures and maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Must be able to maintain a clean work environment protecting all surface from damage during the application of materials.
• Using brush, roller, or spray gun, paint surfaces of machines, manufactured products, or working areas with protective or decorative materials, such as paint, enamel, lacquer, or plastic.
• Prepares, primes, sands, and patches and paints furniture buildings surfaces and fixtures utilizing all types of painting materials such as varnish, lacquer, enamel, latex and epoxy, waterproofing and heat-resistant finishes.
• Tapes, repairs, and applies texturing and acoustic layers on a variety of surfaces. Adjusts color when necessary; utilizes enhanced finishing skills when appropriate.
• Applies material to new construction, commercial and residential sites and alterations and remodeling.
• Graffiti removal using a variety of available products.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains all painting equipment, including brush, roll and sprayers, pumps, etc. Safely stores and labels all material.
• Erects scaffolding and ladders as necessary in a manner consistent with safety codes.
• Responds to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service.
• Be familiar with and use protective equipment such as filters, various facemask ratings, gloves, grounding straps, safety belt, etc.
• Conducts oneself in a manner that will always maintain courteous, cooperative, and professional relationships among all members of the community.
• Work closely with all shop personnel and other Facilities Shops.
• Perform all other assigned duties.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial or residential experience.
• Must be proficient in all areas of furniture refinishing, including stripping, stain matching and application of finish coats.
• Must have experience in refinishing new cabinets and all types of metal office furniture using lacquer, enamel, and epoxy finishes.
• Understand and follow basic verbal and written instructions.
• Must maintain a valid California driver's license throughout the course of employment.
• Must be able to adhere to the Institute driving policy.
• Must be able to lift 50lb and climb ladders and work with filter masks in spray booth.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year of work experience in a university or facilities setting is a plus.
• Proficiency with automated work order system and timekeeping application is a plus.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$33.00 - $38.75 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail].