Painter

American Rheinmetall

Lansing (MI)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 60,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A defense and aerospace manufacturer in Lansing, MI is seeking a Painter responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing metal and composite components. Ideal candidates will have experience in industrial painting, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This role offers full-time employment with defined skill levels from entry to intermediate, following strict quality standards for military applications.

Qualifications

At least 1 year industrial painting or manufacturing experience.
Minimum of 2 years’ painting experience for Level 2.
Knowledge of materials and coatings preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare surfaces for coating by cleaning and sanding.
Mix and apply protective coatings according to specifications.
Inspect completed work for compliance with quality requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Basic math skills

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

Job description

Job Summary

The Painter is responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing metal, composite, or other components in accordance with military and defense manufacturing specifications, industry standards, and customer requirements. This role ensures all coatings meet strict quality, durability, and performance standards essential for military applications. Painters progress through three skill levels based on demonstrated ability, experience, and independence in performing the essential functions of the role.

Essential Functions – All Levels

Prepare surfaces for coating by cleaning, sanding, masking, or blasting per work instructions.
Mix, apply, and cure paints, primers, and other protective coatings according to manufacturer specifications.
Operate spray guns, booths, ovens, and other related painting/coating equipment safely and effectively.
Apply coatings to achieve required film thickness, adhesion, and finish quality.
Maintain proper records of paint usage, batch numbers, and application processes for traceability.
Inspect completed work for compliance with quality requirements, including color match, surface finish, and defect-free application.
Work closely with Quality Control to address and correct any deficiencies.
Follow all safety, environmental, and hazardous material handling procedures.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring compliance with OSHA and facility housekeeping standards.
Assist with inventory management of paints, solvents, and supplies.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and safety.
Utilize MRP systems to manage production schedules, and material requirements to ensure timely availability of materials for painting and coating processes.
Perform all job-related duties, including but not limited to the responsibilities outlined above, and any additional responsibilities as needed.

Painter Levels

Level 1 – Entry-Level Painter

Maintain good housekeeping and follow 5S principles.
Read and comprehend work instructions and verbal direction with supervision.
Load parts for paint including taping, sanding, and caulking under supervision.
Load parts with proper identification following work instructions with supervision.
Able to paint using basic primer and topcoat.
Complete required documentation (checksheets, job logs) with guidance.
Mix plural components to proper ratios under supervision.
Operate paint booth start-up/shutdown and perform cleaning tasks as instructed.
Break down and clean guns and equipment with supervision.
Identify basic paint defects such as runs, holidays, and failures.

Level 2 – Intermediate Painter

Perform all Level 1 duties independently and without supervision.
Load, tape, sand, and caulk parts for paint without supervision.
Load parts with proper identification following work instructions without supervision.
Able to paint using all types of paint with minimal defects.
Read and follow all work instructions and verbal directions without assistance.
Consistently produce quality work that meets company standards.

Minimum Requirements – Level 1

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
At least 1 year industrial painting or manufacturing experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Minimum Requirements – Level 2

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Minimum of 2 years’ painting experience, preferably in defense, aerospace, or heavy manufacturing.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of materials, coatings, and defense industry-specific requirements for painting and finishing preferred.
Strong attention to detail and ability to inspect work for quality.
Basic math skills for mixing and measuring coatings.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Knowledge of safety standards in industrial/manufacturing settings.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to wear PPE and work in regulated paint booth environments.

Background Prerequisites

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

Frequently lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, kneel and bend for extended periods.
Manual dexterity for operating spray equipment and handling small components.
Tolerance for working in enclosed paint booth environments with PPE.
Industrial manufacturing setting with exposure to paint fumes, solvents, and airborne particles.
Work may involve varying temperatures and humidity levels in controlled paint booth areas.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Seniority level