Steel Fabrication Stair and Rail - Paint and Grind Technician
Lavonia, Georgia•Full-time
$15 - $17 hourly
$15 - $17 hourly
About the Job
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.