Sandblasting Specialist

PFI; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k with employer match

Profit sharing

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Years of Service awards

Job summary

PFI in San Antonio, TX is seeking a skilled Sandblasting Specialist for our stainless-steel manufacturing facility. You will operate abrasive blasting equipment to clean, deburr, finish, and condition components and vessels, using non-ferrous media to protect corrosion resistance.

The role requires reading blueprints, applying masking, inspecting surfaces, and maintaining safety and 5S, OSHA compliance. Valid driver’s license preferred; experienced with stainless steel a plus.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years sandblasting experience with stainless steel preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools.
• Ability to read fabrication blueprints, shop drawings, and finish specifications.
• Solid understanding of stainless steel characteristics, abrasive grit sequences, and grain matching.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Responsibilities

• Blast-clean and finish stainless steel fabrications and components.
• Enforce nonferrous media contamination controls on stainless surfaces.
• Set up, adjust, and operate blasting equipment including booths and automated systems.
• Read blueprints to identify tolerances and masking requirements.
• Apply masking materials to protect fine-machined surfaces and fittings.
• Inspect blasted surfaces for conformance with specs.
• Maintain safety and 5S standards in the work area.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Blueprint reading

Stainless steel knowledge

Attention to detail

Tools

Walk-in blast booths

Automated blasting systems

Pressure-pot nozzles

Surface profile gauges

Gloss meters

Job description

Where to Buy In the News 515-295-7265

JOIN OUR TEAM

HELP US FEED THE GROWING WORLD

At PFI, we design, manufacture, and support sanitary food processing conveying and handling equipment. We’re artisans that build the best machines available. We’re committed to our customers and work hard until a project is complete. And we hope you join us.

View current job openings

The PFI Company Advantage

I am proud of the work I do at PFI. We’re making a difference, there’s positive momentum, and employees get along well.

Employee Benefits

We offer a robust benefits package, including

• Competitive wages
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Profit sharing

• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Flexible working for certain roles
• Professional development
• Years of Service awards

Locations

We have two manufacturing facilities in the U.S. – Algona, Iowa and San Antonio, Texas. Other corporate locations include headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and manufacturing facilities in Iowa and Idaho. Our companies also have an international presence in the UK, Europe, and India.

Current Openings

We’re constantly growing, so check back for more open positions.

Position: Sandblasting Specialist Location: San Antonio, TX Job Id: 189 # of Openings: 1 Job Description Job Title: Sandblasting Specialist Division: PFI FLSA: Non-Exempt Grade: NA Job Status: Full Time Travel Required: 0-10% Revision Date: 10/19/2026 Reports To: Production Manager

PURPOSE OF POSITION

We are seeking a skilled and quality-focused Sandblaster to join our stainless-steel manufacturing facility. In this specialized role, you will operate abrasive blasting equipment to clean, deburr, finish, and condition stainless steel components, fabrications, and chemical-grade vessels. Because stainless steel requires strict contamination controls, you will be responsible for utilizing dedicated non-ferrous abrasive media to achieve precise surface profiles and cosmetic finishes without compromising the corrosion resistance of the metal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Blast-clean and finish stainless steel fabrications, weldments, tanks, and structural components to remove weld discoloration, scale, and surface imperfections.
• Enforce strict cross-contamination protocols by ensuring only approved, nonferrous media (such as clean glass bead, aluminum oxide, or ceramic bead) are used on stainless steel surfaces.
• Set up, adjust, and operate specialized blasting equipment, including walk-in blast booths, automated systems, and pressure-pot nozzles.
• Read and interpret manufacturing blueprints, welding maps, and engineering routing sheets to identify critical tolerances, sealing faces, and machined threads that require masking.
• Apply high-performance masking materials to safeguard fine-machined surfaces, interior threads, and sanitary fittings from abrasive impact.
• Inspect blasted surfaces using surface profile gauges, gloss meters, and visual standards to ensure compliance with architectural, food-grade, or pharmaceutical finishing specifications.
• Coordinate with the chemical pickling and passivation department to ensure proper workflow and optimal surface adhesion for any post-blast treatments.
• Conduct daily safety and maintenance checks on blast nozzles, containment seals, grounding wires, and dust collection systems.
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and strictly follow OSHA guidelines, plant safety protocols, and 5S principles.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace while adhering to all OSHA guidelines and PPE protocols.
• Plan and execute given tasks in a timely manner and within deadlines.
• Continually participate in additional training related to the job.
• Perform extra assignments in other areas and related task assignments in the work area.
• Demonstrate regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform housekeeping in the area including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, and cleaning tools and machines.
• Communicate positively with managers, peers, and customers, both internal and external.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A minimum of 1–3 years of experience in sandblasting experience working with stainless steel is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools including angle grinders, orbital sanders, buffers, and straight-line sanders.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication blueprints, shop drawings, and finish specifications.
• Solid understanding of stainless steel characteristics, abrasive grit sequences, and grain matching.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

TRAINING – CERTIFICATIONS – LICENSES

• Valid Driver’s license required.

COMPETENCIES

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Uses equipment properly.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves issues in a timely manner.
• Communication Skills – Speaks clearly, listens, seeks clarification, respond to questions.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction, and takes responsibility.
• Quality Assurance - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Ethics/Professionalism - Treats people with respect; Works ethically and with integrity.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to frequently stoop/bend.
• Must be able to regularly use hands and arms.
• Must be able to regularly stand and walk.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds of equipment with assist available.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Specific hearing abilities required by this job include the ability to hear alarms of equipment, hear customers, and to hear instructions from others.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather), work near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, fume or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, worldwide outdoor weather conditions, extreme cold (non-weather), extreme heat (non-weather), risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is MODERATE. Safety glasses, steel toe shoes and ear plugs in production areas or at customer facilities. Other PPE required in some customer facilities.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with PFI.