Structural Steel Protective Coatings Specialist

Process Equipment & Controls; Covington (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Process Equipment & Controls in Covington, GA seeks a Structural Steel Protective Coatings Specialist to prep, coat, and inspect steel components for durability and finish.

You will mix primers and paints, apply with spray guns, brushes, and rollers, and perform quality checks while adhering to safety standards and environmental rules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; hands-on painting in steel environments preferred.
• Experience with primers, paints, thinners, and coating methods.
• Attention to detail and strict safety practices for hazardous materials.

Responsibilities

• Prepare steel by cleaning, grinding, sanding, and wiping with thinners to achieve the required profile and cleanliness.
• Apply primers, paints, and protective systems tailored to each component.
• Use spray guns, brushes, and rollers for even coverage with professional precision.
• Inspect surfaces for contaminants, rust, and defects to ensure adhesion and finish.
• Mix primers and paints accurately to specification and conduct quality checks.
• Follow safety protocols, wear PPE, and maintain spray equipment and tools.

Skills

Surface prep

Paint application

Spray equipment

Quality control

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Spray guns

Brushes

Rollers

Job description

Structural Steel Protective Coatings SpecialistPicture your day beginning with a review of project specs and a quick equipment check. You stage the work area, confirm safety measures, and move straight into transforming raw steel into long‑lasting, field‑ready structures. From meticulous surface prep to the final pass of a perfectly even topcoat, you own the protection and appearance of every steel component you touch.What You’ll Do (Day-in-the-Life)Ready steel for coating by cleaning, grinding, sanding, and wiping down with thinners to achieve the required profile and cleanliness.Apply a full range of coatings—primers, paints, and specialized protective systems—tailored to each steel component.Use spray guns, brushes, and rollers to deliver smooth, uniform coverage with professional precision.Inspect all surfaces for contaminants, rust, and defects prior to coating to ensure proper adhesion and finish.Mix primers, paints, and related materials precisely to specification.Execute all coatings in alignment with industry standards, project specs, and quality requirements.Work safely at all times, consistently wearing appropriate PPE and following established protocols.Handle, store, and dispose of paints, thinners, chemicals, and tools in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.Maintain and clean spray equipment and tools to keep them in peak operating condition.Perform quality control checks on finished work to verify correct application and coating durability.Coordinate with teammates and supervisors to keep schedules on track and deliver to specification.QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED.Hands-on painting experience in structural steel or industrial environments.Working knowledge of primers, paints, thinners, and their application methods.Proficiency with spray guns, brushes, and rollers for coating applications.Exceptional attention to detail and a quality-first mindset.Strict adherence to safety practices when working with hazardous materials.Comfort working independently and collaborating as part of a team.Working Environment & Physical DemandsWork outdoors and indoors in all seasons and weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.Wear PPE such as safety glasses, face shield, gloves, and a respirator when required.Perform repetitive motions with arms, hands, and fingers.Availability for 8-hour days, 40-hour weeks, with overtime and night shifts as required.Capable of bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, balancing, pushing, pulling, and reaching overhead.Demonstrate solid stamina and strength; able to lift 51 pounds.Stay on your feet and moving throughout the shift.Have good vision (normal or corrected).