Industrial Painter/Sandblaster (Paint Booth & Blast Booth Operator)

Industrial Painter/Sandblaster (Paint Booth & Blast Booth Operator) Company: R-Tech Tool & Machine Location: Wamego, KS (onsite) Reports To: Plant Management FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Schedule: Full-Time, Day Shift (Mon–Fri, 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), overtime as needed Compensation: $20.00–$25.00 per hour (based on experience) Work Setting: Manufacturing/production shop; not remote Why Join R-Tech R-Tech Tool & Machine is a family-owned manufacturer known for precision, quality, and on-time delivery. As an Industrial Painter/Sandblaster, your craftsmanship is the last, critical step before our products ship to customers. You’ll work in a safety-first, team-oriented environment with steady hours, competitive pay, and room to grow. Summary/Objective Prepare, blast, and paint fabricated steel components to meet quality, safety, and production standards. This role ensures high-quality finishes, accurate documentation, and reliable throughput so orders meet ship dates. What You’ll Do (Day-to-Day)

• Surface prep & blasting: Clean, mask, and sandblast steel parts to specification; remove scale, rust, and prior coatings.
• Coating application: Mix, prime, and paint parts per prints/specs; verify coverage, adhesion, and finish.
• Equipment operation: Safely run paint booth and blast booth; use hoists/forklifts to stage and move parts.
• Quality & documentation: Perform in-process inspections; complete quality sheets and maintain paint/blast records.
• Production tracking: Log job starts/completions in the MRP/ERP system to support scheduling and ship dates.
• Care & upkeep: Clean spray guns, pots, blast equipment, and work areas; replenish media and materials.
• Safety & PPE: Wear respirator and required PPE; follow LOTO and shop safety procedures.
• Maintenance support: Report malfunctions promptly; assist with basic preventative maintenance.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications (Apply only if you meet these)

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of experience in industrial painting, sandblasting, or closely related finishing work OR completion of relevant technical training.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent bending, stooping, standing, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to pass a respirator medical/fit exam; willingness to wear PPE for full shifts.
• Basic computer/data-entry skills for production tracking.
• Strong attention to detail; can read/follow written instructions and safety procedures; dependable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of industrial painting/sandblasting in a manufacturing or fabrication shop.
• Experience with MRP/ERP production tracking.
• Forklift and/or overhead hoist experience.
• Knowledge of paint mixing, viscosity checks, film-thickness/finish standards, and surface prep best practices (e.g., SSPC/NACE concepts).

Exposure & Work Environment

• Frequent exposure to noise, dust/abrasives, and paint/chemical fumes in a production shop with moving equipment.
• Requires use of PPE: respirator, safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing, and hearing protection.
• Prolonged standing; frequent lifting and material handling.

Pay, Schedule & Benefits

• Pay: $20–$25/hr (DOE), overtime available.
• Schedule: Monday–Friday day shift (6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).
• Benefits: 401(k) with company match; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; Employee Assistance Program; referral program.

How This Role Fits Reporting to the Production Supervisor, this position supports production flow, quality, and on-time shipments. Your work directly impacts customer satisfaction and repeat business. Equal Opportunity R-Tech Tool & Machine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. Ready to apply? Please submit a resume or detailed work history.