Steel Fabrication Stair and Rail - Paint and Grind Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Paint & Grind Technician is responsible for preparing steel stair, handrail, guardrail, and miscellaneous metal components for finishing by grinding, cleaning, and painting fabricated products. This position plays a critical role in ensuring finished products meet company quality standards, customer specifications, and project schedules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Grinding & Surface Preparation:

• Grind welds, sharp edges, and surface imperfections on fabricated steel components.
• Use hand grinders, sanders, wire wheels, and other surface preparation tools safely and effectively.
• Prepare steel surfaces for painting by removing rust, mill scale, weld spatter, oil, and contaminants.
• Inspect fabricated parts for quality issues and communicate deficiencies to supervisors.
• Ensure all products meet appearance and finish requirements before painting.

Painting & Finishing:

• Apply primers, industrial coatings, and finish paints to fabricated steel products.
• Mix paints and coatings according to manufacturer specifications.
• Maintain proper paint thickness and finish quality standards.
• Mask, protect, and stage materials for painting operations.
• Monitor drying and curing processes to ensure quality results.
• Perform touch-up painting and repairs as needed.

General Shop Responsibilities:

• Read and interpret shop drawings, work orders, and finishing requirements.
• Safely move materials using forklifts, overhead cranes, and material handling equipment.
• Maintain paint equipment, spray guns, grinders, and related tools.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards.
• Assist fabrication and production teams as needed to support production schedules.
• Follow all company safety procedures, environmental requirements, and PPE standards.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in industrial painting, metal finishing, or steel fabrication preferred.
• Experience using grinders, sanders, and hand tools.
• Knowledge of industrial coatings, primers, and paint application techniques preferred.
• Ability to read a tape measure and basic fabrication drawings.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality finished products.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Stand, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Work in a fabrication shop environment with exposure to dust, paint fumes, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to wear required PPE including respirators, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and steel-toed boots.