Powder Coat Technician

Van-Am Tool & Engineering LLC; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Van-Am Tool & Engineering LLC is seeking a Powder Coat Technician to join our production team. You will coat raw steel platforms and products using conventional spray systems, performing surface prep and routine equipment maintenance.

You will follow strict safety protocols, monitor paint usage, and document inspections. The role requires experience with epoxy/polyurethane finishes, thickness gauges, and grit-cleaning protocols to ensure high-quality results.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma with 2 years wet painting and surface prep experience.
• Proficiency with conventional paint spraying systems and paint mixing techniques (epoxy primer and polyurethane).
• Experience using blasting equipment and commercial-grade blast cleaning of steel.
• Ability to use thickness gauges and identify/repair paint defects.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools.
• Must pass Respiratory Protection Physicals and related tests.

Responsibilities

• Paint raw steel platforms and products; move items using overhead cranes or forklifts; perform wet painting tasks safely.
• Occasionally perform general labor and cleaning tasks.
• Maintain equipment; document inspections; track paint usage.
• Operate blasting equipment and perform commercial-grade surface cleaning.
• Ensure proper paint application using wet and dry film thickness gauges; identify and repair defects.
• Keep work area clean, organized and compliant with safety PPE protocols.

Skills

Wet painting

Surface preparation

Paint spraying systems

Paint mixing techniques

Thickness gauges

Hand & power tools

Respiratory protection testing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Blasting equipment

Forklifts

Job description

Job Overview

As a Powder Coat Technician at Van-Am, you will be an essential member of our production team, responsible for painting raw steel platforms, products, and equipment. This position involves using conventional paint spraying systems, performing surface preparation, and maintaining equipment. You will follow strict safety protocols to ensure high-quality results and minimal defects.

Key Responsibilities

• You will paint raw steel platforms and products, move items using overhead cranes or forklifts, and perform wet painting tasks safely and efficiently.


• Occasionally, you may be required to complete general labor and cleaning tasks.


• Regular maintenance of equipment, documenting inspections, and managing paint usage records will be part of your duties.


• You will also operate blasting equipment and perform commercial-grade cleaning on steel surfaces.


• Ensuring the proper application of paint using wet and dry film thickness gauges is required, as is identifying and repairing paint defects.


• You will maintain a clean, organized work area and adhere to safety protocols and PPE usage.

Required Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in wet painting and surface preparation.


• Proficiency with conventional paint spraying systems, as well as knowledge of paint mixing techniques (e.g., two-part Epoxy primer and Polyurethane paint), is required.


• You should be experienced in using blasting equipment and applying commercial-grade blast cleaning to steel.


• The ability to use thickness gauges and identify and repair paint defects is necessary, as well as a good understanding of hand and power tools.


• You must be able to pass Respiratory Protection Physicals, Respirator Fit Tests, and Pulmonary Function Tests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience in paint application, mixing, and chemical management.


• Experience operating forklifts and reading and interpreting blueprints and manufacturing drawings is also desirable.

Physical Demands

The position requires standing and walking for up to 8-10 hours daily on concrete floors and lifting up to 50 lbs. regularly. You will also perform physical activities such as bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching. Strong vision abilities, including close, distance, and peripheral vision, are required. Exposure to noise, lubricants, and solvents will occur, and the use of PPE for face, eyes, hands, and ears is mandatory.

Van-Am Tool & Engineering is committed to fostering a safe, productive, and collaborative work environment. If you are detail-oriented, self-motivated, and committed to high-quality work, we encourage you to apply for the Painter position.

As a federal government contractor, Van-Am Tool & Engineering is required to maintain a drug-free workplace under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. As part of the hiring process, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must undergo a pre-employment drug test, which includes testing for marijuana, regardless of state legalization.Testing is conducted after a job offer is extended, and results are kept confidential. A positive result may impact the final offer of employment. Van-Am complies with all applicable Federal, State (including Missouri and Iowa), and DOT regulations, where relevant. Van-Am is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.