Prefinish Lead Technician

Schwieters Companies, Inc.; Hugo (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental insurance

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401(k) with 3% match

Weekly pay

Early wage access

Life/Accident/Vision insurance

Job summary

Schwieters Companies is seeking a detail-oriented Prefinish Lead Technician in Hugo, MN to prepare materials and operate our automated paintline finishing systems. You will monitor curing and ensure a high-quality finish on all products, while prioritizing safety and efficiency on a small team.

The ideal candidate has experience with automated finishing equipment, a strong eye for quality, and a commitment to maintaining safety standards to support our family-owned, growth-focused culture.

Qualifications

• Lead/supervisor experience.
• 1–3 years operating automated finishing equipment.
• Understanding of liquid coatings and curing technologies.
• Ability to match colors under production lighting.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fewer than 15 team members and set production goals.
• Set up, program, and operate automated lines, sanding units, and UV/IR ovens.
• Mix, thin, and monitor finishes to correct viscosities.
• Inspect incoming raw materials and finished parts for defects.
• Operate and maintain spray equipment and ensure correct coatings.
• Identify and resolve finish-quality issues quickly.
• Order paint and stain supplies and maintain inventory.
• Lead warehouse fulfillment and maximize efficiency.

Skills

Lead supervisor experience

Finishing equipment operation

Liquid coatings knowledge

Color matching under light

Forklift experience

Tools

Forklift

UV/IR curing ovens

HVLP coating concepts

Job description

Schwieters Companies is a family-owned and oriented company specializing in millwork, doors, cabinets, and hardware. Our team offers a turnkey solution for these interior finishes including procurement, pre-fabrication, delivery, and installation. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, we have built and maintained strong customer relationships for over 40 years.

Our team and operations are fundamentally rooted in our 4 keys: relationships, impression, safety, and efficiency.

Here at Schwieters, communication is at the heart of our business model which is why we aim to make sure that every employee is heard and feels valued. Relationship building is paramount in what we do every day for both our team and our customers.

Schwieters Companies is seeking a detail-orientated Prefinish Lead Technician for our prefinish department. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing materials, operating our automated paintline finishing systems and spray guns, monitoring the curing process, and ensuring a high-quality finish on all products. The ideal candidate has experience with automated paint/coating machinery, a strong eye for quality, and a commitment to maintaining safety standards.

If you are looking for an opportunity to advance with a growing company and enjoy seeing the beauty of craftsmanship come to life, this is the company for you.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee fewer than 15 team members, lead processes, provide direction and production goals under the direction of the Warehouse Manager
• Set up, program, and operate automated shortline & longline machines, sanding units, and UV/IR curing ovens
• Mix, thin, and monitor finishes (paints, stains, sealers, topcoats) to correct viscosities using standard measuring tools
• Inspect incoming raw materials and finished parts for defects like runs, sags, dust inclusions, or uneven coating thickness
• Operate, set up, and maintain industrial spray equipment, ensuring correct paint or stain formulas and coatings are applied according to work orders
• Identify and resolve mechanical or finish-quality issues quickly (e.g., adjusting gun pressure, line speed, or temperature settings)
• Order paint and stain supplies while maintaining inventory levels
• Maintenance of paint guns and pump
• Match stain samples
• Pick material using a stand/sit forklift
• Use a scan gun to check inventory and properly adjust where material is at
• Have constant communication with Warehouse Manager on progress with work orders
• Lead warehouse order fulfillment while collaborating with team members to maximize efficiency and achieve 100% on-time and in full delivery
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical/Dental – Monthly premiums are paid by the company
• Paid Time off
• Holiday pay
• 401(k) with a 3% company match
• Paid weekly
• Early wage access program
• Life, Accident, and Vision insurance

Qualifications

• Lead/supervisor experience
• 1–3 years of experience operating automated finishing equipment or working in an industrial paint environment (woodworking, cabinetry, or automotive manufacturing preferred)
• Understanding of liquid coatings, fluid delivery systems (HVLP, airless, air-assisted), and curing technologies
• Ability to consistently match colors and identify minor surface imperfections under production lighting
• Experience with specific longline/flatline brands preferred (ie: Superfici, Cefla, Giardina)
• 5S and lean manufacturing knowledge a plus
• Comfortable using a forklift (previous forklift experience preferred)
• Candidate must have a good work history
• Self-motivated and self-directed team player and team builder
• Capable of standing for extended periods of time and lifting 50+ pounds
• Flexible in working overtime when necessary

WORK SCHEDULE

• Monday-Friday, 6am-4pm, overtime as needed

PAY

• $28-$32/hr. (determined by experience)

About Us

Schwieters Companies was founded in 1982 by Joel Schwieters, who trimmed 40 homes during his first year in business. Since then, we have grown to become the premier turnkey solution to interior finishes, expanding our portfolio to include both residential and commercial projects of all sizes, and successfully completing over 80,000 units nationwide.

Schwieters Companies is built on the premise of doing the job right the first time. We set ourselves apart by hiring the right people, setting high-quality standards, and making innovation a priority. Throughout our facilities, we take pride in having a family-orientated atmosphere, a clean work environment, and placing an emphasis on safety in all we do. We are invested in our communities and encourage active engagement.

Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen (this is a safety-sensitive position)

Salary: $28 - $32 per hour