STRUCTURAL STEEL PAINTER

Position Summary The Structural Steel Painter is responsible for preparing, priming, painting, and applying protective coatings to structural steel components in accordance with company standards, customer specifications, and applicable coating requirements. This position plays an important role in maintaining the quality, appearance, and corrosion protection of fabricated steel products.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare structural steel surfaces for painting by removing rust, dirt, oil, grease, mill scale, and other contaminants.
• Perform surface preparation using grinders, wire wheels, sanders, power tools, and abrasive blasting equipment as required.
• Apply industrial primers, paints, and protective coatings using airless spray equipment, conventional spray guns, brushes, and rollers.
• Properly mix and prepare paints and coatings according to manufacturer instructions and project specifications.
• Verify that surfaces are properly prepared before applying coatings.
• Follow required coating procedures, including specified dry film thickness, coverage, and application requirements.
• Inspect finished products for coating defects, including runs, sags, missed areas, pinholes, and uneven coverage.
• Perform touch-up painting and coating repairs as necessary.
• Maintain painting equipment, spray guns, hoses, pumps, and other tools in proper working condition.
• Protect surrounding equipment, materials, and finished products from overspray and paint contamination.
• Coordinate with other production departments to ensure steel components are properly prepared and ready for coating.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized paint area.
• Follow production schedules and complete assigned work in a timely manner.
• Report equipment problems, material shortages, quality issues, and unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and instructions from management.

Required Qualifications

• Previous industrial or structural steel painting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial paints, primers, and protective coating systems.
• Ability to operate paint spray equipment and surface preparation tools.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work in various positions.
• Ability to work from ladders, lifts, and elevated platforms when properly trained and authorized.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respirators when required.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and OSHA requirements applicable to assigned work.
• Wear required personal protective equipment at all times.
• Follow proper procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of paints, solvents, and chemicals.
• Maintain awareness of forklift traffic, overhead cranes, welding operations, and other shop activities.
• Follow applicable respiratory protection and ventilation requirements.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, spills, and unsafe working conditions.
• Never operate equipment without proper training and authorization.

Performance Standards

Employees will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and consistency of finished coatings.
• Productivity and ability to meet production schedules.
• Proper preparation and application of coatings.
• Equipment care and maintenance.
• Compliance with company safety policies.
• Attendance, punctuality, and dependability.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other employees and departments.

General Responsibilities Employees may be assigned other duties related to production and shop operations as reasonably required by management. This job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities associated with the position.