Structural Steel Protective Coatings Specialist

Process Equipment and Controls; Covington (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Process Equipment and Controls in Covington, GA is seeking an experienced industrial painter to prepare surfaces, apply coatings, and ensure durability of steel components. This role involves outdoor/indoor work, strict safety practices, and collaboration with teammates to meet project specifications.

You will operate spray equipment, mix coatings, perform quality checks, and maintain tools while complying with environmental regulations.

Qualifications

• Hands-on painting experience in structural steel or industrial environments.
• Knowledge of primers, paints, thinners, and application methods.
• Proficiency with spray guns, brushes, and rollers.
• Strong attention to detail and safety-conscious in hazardous environments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Ready steel for coating by cleaning, grinding, sanding, and wiping down.
• Apply primers, paints, and protective systems tailored to each component.
• Operate spray guns, brushes, and rollers for even coverage.
• Inspect surfaces for contaminants, rust, and defects.
• Mix primers and paints to specification.
• Ensure coatings meet industry standards and project specs.
• Work safely, wearing PPE and following protocols.
• Handle, store, and dispose of paints and solvents per regulations.
• Maintain and clean spray equipment.
• Assist with quality checks and coordinate with team to meet schedules.

Skills

Paint application

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Spray guns

Brushes

Rollers

Job description

Picture 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.

Qualifications

• High 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 Demands

• Work 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).