Wet Paint & Powder Coat Apprentice

CH Thompson Finishing; City of Binghamton (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation/Sick Time

401(k) Match

Job summary

C.H. Thompson is seeking a detail-oriented Wet Paint & Powder Coat Apprentice to join our metal finishing team. This full-time, entry-level role offers hands-on training in both liquid spray coating and electrostatic powder coating.

Under supervisor guidance, the apprentice will learn to float between wet painting and powder coating lines based on production needs, while prioritizing safety and quality. ISO/NADCAP certifications underpin our operations and we service a wide range of industries.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented approach to work and accuracy in coating procedures.
• Willingness to learn multiple coating methods and trades.
• Strong attention to safety protocols and PPE requirements.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, hands-on shop environment.

Responsibilities

• Cross-train in both wet painting and electrostatic powder coating applications.
• Assist in surface preparation including cleaning, sanding, and degreasing.
• Masking and loading parts on racks for both painting and powder lines.
• Set up and mix coatings, primers, and powders as directed by leads.
• Unrack, inspect, and process parts after coatings and curing.
• Maintain spray equipment, booths, and filtration systems.
• Follow standard work procedures and quality controls to ensure finish integrity.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and environmental compliance.

Skills

Detail oriented

Strong work ethic

Safety-conscious

Willingness to learn

Effective communicator

Job description

C.H. Thompson is currently seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Wet Paint & Powder Coat Apprentice to join our metal finishing team. This is a full-time, entry-level position designed to provide hands‑on training and cross‑functional experience in both liquid spray coating and electrostatic powder coating operations.

The ideal candidate is a quick learner with a strong work ethic, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to safety. Under the direct supervision of experienced painters and coaters, the apprentice will learn both trades to effectively float between wet paint and powder coating lines based on production schedules and business needs.

About Us:

C.H. Thompson is a premier one-stop-shop for all of your finishing needs. Our continuous focus on improving quality and increasing productivity has made C.H. Thompson Finishing a leader in the industry.

We offer several services including anodizing, wet painting, powder coating, intricate masking, and silk screening, allowing us to provide multiple finishes on individual parts. We service a multitude of industries including aerospace, agricultural, automotive, computer, electronics, household, industrial, medical, and military. Our customer base ranges from small privately owned machine shops to top Fortune 500 companies such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and BAE Systems.

We are also proud to be ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and NADCAP certified!

Position Overview & Key Responsibilities:

• Dual-Trade Skill Development: Cross-train under experienced leads in both industrial liquid wet painting and electrostatic powder coating applications, developing the versatility to float between lines based on daily workflow and customer priority.
• Surface Preparation: Assist in preparing metal surfaces for coating through chemical cleaning, degreasing, sanding, power grinding, and sandblasting/media blasting.
• Part Racking & Masking: Read work orders and blue prints/specifications to properly mask adjacent surfaces and securely load or hang metal parts on racks, hooks, and conveyor lines for both paint spray and powder coating booths.
• Material & Equipment Setup: Mix and prepare wet paints, primers, and coatings according to precise manufacturer ratios, and assist in setting up powder coat hoppers, spray guns, and curing ovens.
• Unracking & Post-Processing: Carefully unrack, inspect, and handle processed parts following wet curing or heat-bake cycles.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance on liquid spray guns, powder coat guns, spray booths, recovery systems, filters, and lines.
• Quality & Inspection: Adhere to standard work procedures, training guides, and quality controls to catch material defect or coating inconsistencies before parts proceed to final assembly/shipping.
• Safety & Compliance: Strict adherence to company safety protocols, ventilation standards, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements (including respirators), and environmental compliance guidelines.
• Collaboration: Foster a positive work environment through effective teamwork with co-workers, supervisors, and department managers.
• Additional Duties: Perform other shop floor tasks and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates a strong willingness and aptitude to learn multiple technical skills and coating methods.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining quality standards.
• Comfortable with physical shop floor tasks including standing, lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and reaching throughout the shift.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with team members and management.
• Ability to multitask, adapt to shifting production priorities, and switch tasks efficiently.
• Willingness to work overtime as required by production demand.

Shift Hours:

• Hours: Monday - Thursday 6:30am - 3:30pm, Friday 6:30am - 12:30pm

Total Compensation Package:

• Wage: $17.50 - $18.00 per hour
• Starting wage depends on the selected candidate's experience.
• Benefits: We recognize the value of a comprehensive benefits package and work vigorously to ensure our package meets the needs of our employees and their families. Eligible employees can elect and participate in a variety of benefits including:
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation / Sick Time
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Insurance Options (Short/Long-Term Disability, Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Supplemental Life)
  • Free Fountain Soda Machine On-site!

C.H. Thompson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.