Shop Painter

Job Title: Shop Painter – Steel Manufacturing
Location: Paso Robles, California
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Reports To: Shop Supervisor
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM (4/10-hour shifts)
Pay Range: $38,000 – $50,000 annually, DOE

Job Summary

We are a locally owned steel tank manufacturing company in Paso Robles, CA, hiring 1–2 full-time Shop Painters to support fabrication operations. This position is responsible for the preparation and application of industrial coatings to large steel tanks and components. The ideal candidate is experienced in working in a steel shop environment and understands the importance of quality, safety, and efficiency in surface preparation and paint application.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Abrasive blast steel surfaces using grit blasting equipment to remove mill scale, rust, and old coatings per specifications.
• Clean and prepare metal surfaces for painting using solvents, power tools, and hand tools.
• Apply primers, epoxy coatings, and industrial topcoats using airless and conventional spray equipment.
• Mask and protect surfaces not requiring coating using proper taping and sheeting techniques.
• Ensure coatings are applied to the required mil thickness, adhesion, and finish standards.
• Inspect surfaces and finishes to ensure quality control and compliance with job specifications.
• Maintain and clean all painting equipment, spray guns, hoses, and PPE.
• Mix and thin paint/coatings according to technical data sheets and job requirements.
• Operate forklifts or overhead cranes to maneuver parts into paint area (as needed and trained).
• Properly label and dispose of hazardous waste materials in compliance with safety and environmental policies.
• Keep paint booth, blast area, and paint prep stations clean and organized.
• Participate in respirator fit testing and wear required PPE, including full-face respirators, Tyvek suits, and gloves.
• Follow all company safety protocols and contribute to a safe working environment.
• Perform additional tasks and support shop team as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities

• Experience in an industrial, steel fabrication, or heavy-duty manufacturing paint environment.
• Knowledge of surface prep and coating systems for steel products.
• Ability to read and follow technical data sheets and work orders.
• Strong attention to detail, safety-conscious, and reliable.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team under tight deadlines.

Education and Experience

• Prior industrial painting or blasting experience preferred.
• Experience using airless spray equipment highly desirable.
• Respirator fit test required upon hire and annually thereafter (employer-provided).
• Forklift or crane certification is a plus (training available if needed).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions.
• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and pass fit testing (clean-shaven requirement).
• Capable of working in hot, noisy, or dusty environments while wearing protective gear.
• Must be able to distinguish between colors and coating finishes.

Compensation and Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave and Holiday Pay
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to cover every duty or responsibility. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support the operations of the company.