Surface Preparation Technician (Blasting)

Longroad Energy; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merit-based salary increases

401(k) plan and matching

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

18 vacation days in the first year

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Longroad Energy is seeking a Production Technician at their Cedar Rapids facility to refurbish wind turbine components. The role requires a strong work ethic, teamwork, and safety awareness. This position involves operating machinery, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Preferred candidates have at least 3 years of manufacturing experience. Benefits include merit-based salary increases, 401(k) matching, and comprehensive insurance. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely operate forklifts, jib cranes, and overhead cranes.
• Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• 3 years experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate pallet jack, forklift and overhead crane.
• Clean and prepare steel and cast components for surface coating.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Team collaboration

Quality control practices

Safe work techniques

Effective communication

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklifts

Battery-powered tools

Pneumatic tools

Job description

Job Purpose

The Production Technician – Surface Finish is responsible for refurbishing wind turbine and renewable energy production components. This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to safely and effectively work in a manufacturing environment, while upholding a strong culture of safety and adherence to all protocols and procedures. The technician plays a critical role in maintaining high quality standards while upholding a strong culture of safety and adherence to all protocols and procedures. This role is based in Cedar Rapids, IA at the Clipper Windpower manufacturing facility, a company owned by Longroad Energy.

Responsibilities

General Knowledge and Abilities Required

• Work effectively in a team environment to achieve high standards of productivity and quality
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, quality control practices, and safe work techniques to support production and distribution
• Maintain working knowledge of tools, including their design, uses, repair and maintenance
• Communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and interpersonally
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, job travelers, work orders, reports and procedures
• Perform precise hand and finger movements to grasp, manipulate, and/or assemble objects
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely

Surface Finish Technician - Specific Tasks and Duties

• Safely operate pallet jack, forklift and overhead crane to support departmental workflow
• Properly sling, rig and manipulate work pieces weighing approximately 2,000 - 40,000 pounds to facilitate cleaning, blasting or coating
• Clean and prepare steel and cast components for surface coating
• Operate Wash Booth and Blast Booth equipment to support surface preparation of castings or steel components
• Follow proper usage, storage and hygiene procedures for specialized Blast Booth PPE
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Familiarity with pneumatic and battery-powered tools
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, jib cranes, and overhead cranes
• Working knowledge of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work safely in a manufacturing shop environment

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment

Characteristics Necessary for Success

• Team-oriented with a commitment to high-quality work and continuous improvement
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated with a solid work ethic and attention to detail
• Willingness to follow safety guidelines and contribute to a culture of workplace safety
• Comfortable working hands-on with numerous types of hand tools in a dynamic production setting

Work Schedule

• Typical shift is 7:00 am to 3:30 pm with a meal break

Physical Requirements & Pre-Employment Medical Examination

This position requires the ability to safely perform essential job functions in a manufacturing environment, including lifting, standing for extended periods, climbing, bending, reaching, and working around industrial equipment. As a condition of employment, candidates may be required to successfully complete a post‑offer, pre‑employment medical examination to determine fitness for duty and the ability to safely perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, according to the OSHA and CalOSHA respiratory safety standards set forth in 29 CFR 1910.134 and 8 CCR 5144, respectively.

Other

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. The company does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Benefits of Working at Longroad Energy

We are dedicated to providing our employees with the support and resources they need to stay healthy, secure their future, and be successful in their careers. Benefits at Longroad include the opportunity for merit‑based salary increases, incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan and matching, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Our robust time‑off policy includes accrual of 18 vacation days in your first year, paid holidays, and paid volunteer time. We offer paid parental leave to help support employees as they transition into parenthood.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion matter - at Longroad, in our industry, in our communities, and in society at large. We embrace our responsibility to build and promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working experience and drive change where we live and operate. We work to actively promote and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster a supportive space that empowers everyone at Longroad to learn about, discuss and ask questions related to embracing and honoring identity. We collaborate with our community, colleagues, and industry in the ongoing pursuit of evolving and growing an inclusive and diverse environment.

Longroad Energy Values

At Longroad, we SHINE. We aim to be the most trusted renewable energy company on the long road to a green future. We are an experienced team of problem solvers and promise‑keepers who develop sustainable solutions that meet today’s challenges and make a lasting impact on people and our planet. Longroad Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (“EOE”). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other legally protected status. Longroad Energy prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodations are made for disabled employees. Longroad Energy is firmly committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities in all employment practices and personnel actions, including advertising, recruitment, testing, screening, hiring, selection for training, upgrading, transfer, demotion, layoff, discipline, termination, rates of pay, and other forms of compensation.