Finish Painter

Aerotek
Lexington, TN

Job Title: Industrial Finish Painter

Job Description

The Industrial Finish Painter applies high‑quality industrial paint finishes in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on precise surface preparation, accurate mixing and application of coatings, and careful inspection of finished parts to ensure they meet strict quality standards. It is well‑suited for someone with at least 1–2 years of industrial or auto body painting experience or formal training in industrial painting, coatings, or a related field, who takes pride in craftsmanship, safety, and consistency.

Responsibilities

  • Perform thorough surface preparation on parts and components, including sanding, grinding, masking, taping, and cleaning to ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.
  • Apply primers, topcoats, epoxies, urethanes, and other industrial coatings according to specifications and work instructions.
  • Operate HVLP, airless, and pressure‑pot spray systems to achieve consistent coverage and finish.
  • Set up, adjust, and maintain spray equipment, paint booths, sanding equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Mix and prepare coatings, including two‑component and two‑part coatings, following technical data sheets and specified ratios.
  • Use DFT gauges, viscosity cups, and mixing equipment to verify coating thickness, viscosity, and proper mixing before application.
  • Inspect parts before and after painting for proper coverage, defects, and overall finish quality, identifying issues such as runs, sags, orange peel, and coverage gaps.
  • Perform touch‑ups and rework as needed to correct coating defects and meet quality and cosmetic standards.
  • Read and follow work orders, specifications, production schedules, and coating instructions to complete jobs accurately and on time.
  • Follow established work instructions, safety procedures, OSHA guidelines, and 5S practices throughout all tasks.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area, including proper storage and handling of paints, coatings, and equipment.
  • Work under immediate supervision while communicating progress, issues, and equipment concerns clearly and promptly.
  • Support production goals by completing assigned tasks efficiently, accurately, and in alignment with quality standards.
  • Collaborate with team members and other departments as needed to keep production flowing smoothly and meet deadlines.

Essential Skills

  • 1–2 years of experience as an Industrial Painter, Finish Painter, or Spray Painter in an industrial or auto body environment.
  • Strong knowledge of epoxy, urethane, and two‑part coatings and their proper application.
  • Proficiency in industrial painting, including paint preparation, masking, sanding, and defect identification.
  • Hands‑on experience operating spray guns and sprayers, including HVLP, airless, and pressure‑pot systems.
  • Ability to read and follow work orders, specifications, and coating instructions accurately.
  • Experience using DFT gauges, viscosity cups, and mixing equipment to verify coating properties.
  • Understanding of paint booth operation, proper ventilation, and appropriate use of PPE.
  • Ability to identify and correct coating defects such as runs, sags, orange peel, and coverage issues.
  • Strong attention to detail and a clear commitment to quality workmanship.
  • Reliable, safety‑focused work habits and the ability to work independently once trained.
  • High school diploma or equivalent education.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Apprenticeship or formal training in industrial painting, coatings, auto body, or a related field.
  • Expertise in auto body paint, industrial paint, or powder coating environments.
  • Experience with sandblasting or sandblast preparation in an industrial setting.
  • Familiarity with 5S practices and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
  • Comfort working with various industrial finishes and coatings across different materials.
  • Ability to adapt to changing production priorities and work in a fast‑paced setting.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package that supports both their professional and personal well‑being. Available benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, and paid time off to support work‑life balance. Team members also have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education, and employee discounts. Additional offerings can include life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and access to fitness facilities, creating a supportive and well‑rounded work experience.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, non‑temperature‑controlled manufacturing plant with expansive production areas, including over 20 CNC workstations and more than 40 welding bays, with continued expansion planned. The facility can become hot during summer months; to help maintain comfort, there are large fans at each workstation and cold refreshments available. Plans are in place to fully air‑condition the plant within the next year. The position offers multiple shift options: a first shift from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and a third shift from 10:30 pm to 7:00 am, Monday through Friday. Team members must be comfortable working 8–10 hours per day and up to 6 days per week as production needs require. New hires complete approximately 4–8 weeks of training on the day shift, depending on how quickly they learn the machinery and processes. Work attire includes jeans or work pants with short‑ or long‑sleeve shirts, with steel‑toe footwear required for safety. Hearing and eye protection are required in all manufacturing departments. The environment is production‑oriented, safety‑focused, and designed to support efficient, high‑quality manufacturing operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lexington, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46446.00 - $51901.00/yr.

medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan with employer matching, and paid time off, along with perks like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts. Additional benefits can include life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and access to fitness facilities

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lexington,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 20, 2026.

About Aerotek:

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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