Painter Trainee

The Painter Trainee participates in a structured training program to learn industrial spray painting and related production processes. This role involves preparing and painting parts to meet quality standards, operating an overhead crane, and working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The trainee follows detailed work instructions, including reading blueprints, and develops the skills required to pass the Painter Qualification test and advance to a full-time painter role on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Complete the Painter Qualification test with a passing score and recertify skills as required by program guidelines.
• Operate an overhead crane safely to maneuver parts into position for painting and production processes.
• Train and work in various production areas to support changing production demands.
• Follow verbal and written work instructions accurately, including the ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Perform industrial spray painting and paint preparation tasks according to established procedures and quality standards.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and mechanical assembly methods to support painting and production activities.
• Measure and verify dimensions using a tape measure to ensure parts meet specifications.
• Maintain high attention to detail to adhere to all quality requirements and inspection criteria.
• Keep the work area safe and clean by following all safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team to meet production goals.
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance to support consistent production operations.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities related to painting, preparation, and production as assigned.

• Ability to pass the Painter Qualification test and maintain required recertifications.
• Experience or strong aptitude in mechanical or manufacturing environments.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn and perform mechanical assembly tasks.
• Ability to operate an overhead crane safely after training.
• Ability to read and follow verbal and written work instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Attention to detail to maintain quality standards in painting and production.
• Ability to use a tape measure accurately for measurement and verification.
• Comfort using hand tools and power tools in a manufacturing setting.
• Capability to work in a hot environment and remain comfortable working in the elements.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Reliable, regular attendance and commitment to a designated shift (2nd or 3rd).

• Prior manufacturing experience.
• Mechanical experience or training in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Any professional, educational, or hobbyist experience with painting.
• Interest in learning industrial spray painting in a structured training environment.
• Willingness to complete 7–10 weeks of training on 1st shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).
• Flexibility to work on 2nd shift (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) or 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.) after training.
• Comfort working with production schedules and adapting to changing production demands.

You join a structured training program that pays you while you learn valuable industrial spray painting skills and prepares you for a stable, full-time production role. The workplace offers clear progression from trainee to full-time painter, including the opportunity to increase your pay rate after successfully completing training and passing the paint test. A sign-on bonus is available for full-time employees, with incremental payouts over the first year of employment. Additional shift differential pay is provided for working 2nd or 3rd shift, and there are extra earning opportunities for those who work Sundays. The culture supports both independent work and collaboration, giving you the chance to grow your skills in a supportive, production-focused environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a busy manufacturing facility with a strong focus on meeting production targets on 2nd and 3rd shifts. The environment is hot, and you must be comfortable working in the elements and around industrial equipment, including overhead cranes, spray painting systems, and various hand and power tools. The training period lasts approximately 7–10 weeks on 1st shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After training and successful completion of the paint test, you transition to the production floor on either 2nd shift (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) or 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.), with the primary staffing focus on 2nd shift. A shift differential applies for 2nd and 3rd shift schedules. The culture encourages both independent work and collaboration with others. The dress code requires jeans, steel-toe footwear, and a clean work shirt to support safety and professionalism on the production floor.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mc Connellsburg, PA.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $22.75/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Mc Connellsburg,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026.

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.