TECHNICIAN - PAINT at Align Production Systems in Decatur, IL

TECHNICIAN - PAINT

FULL TIME · Location: Decatur, IL, US

Industrial Painter

Reports To	Plant Manager
Location	Decatur, IL

Job Summary

The Industrial Painter prepares and finishes fabricated steel structures, custom material handling equipment, and heavy machinery components to Align's quality and durability standards prior to shipment. This role works within the fabrication department, applying a two-part epoxy coating system that protects custom-engineered equipment operating in demanding industrial environments, and coordinates closely with fabrication and assembly teams and plant leadership to keep paint operations aligned with overall project schedules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepare surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, masking, and removing rust, grease, or old coatings.
• Operate abrasive blasting equipment to prepare surfaces prior to coating.
• Apply primer, paint, and protective coatings to fabricated steel structures and equipment using spray guns, rollers, or brushes.
• Measure and mix two-part epoxy coatings according to manufacturer specifications, observing correct ratios, pot life, and viscosity requirements to ensure proper color match, cure, and finish quality.
• Read and interpret work orders, paint specifications, and customer requirements to determine proper materials and application methods.
• Mask and tape components, hardware, and non-painted surfaces to protect them during application.
• Monitor booth ventilation, temperature, and humidity conditions to support proper application and curing.
• Test wet and dry film thickness per project specifications using a wet film gauge and dry film thickness gauge, recording results to confirm coatings meet customer and quality requirements.
• Inspect finished surfaces for proper coverage, thickness, and adherence to quality standards.
• Perform touch-up painting and cosmetic repairs prior to shipment.
• Maintain spray guns, blasting equipment, and related tools, performing routine cleaning and minor repairs.
• Maintain accurate records of paint batches, coverage rates, and material usage.
• Coordinate with fabrication and assembly teams to sequence paint operations within overall project schedules.
• Operate forklift and overhead crane, as trained and certified internally, to move materials and equipment within the paint area.
• Store, label, and dispose of paints, solvents, and hazardous waste in accordance with safety and environmental protocols.
• Follow all safety procedures related to respiratory protection, ventilation, and handling of hazardous materials.
• All other duties assigned by direct management/plant leadership in order to meet business needs.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education / Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3 - 5 years of industrial painting experience, preferably in a heavy equipment, fabrication, or steel manufacturing environment.
• Experience applying two-part epoxy coatings required.
• Experience with spray gun application (HVLP or airless) preferred.
• Experience with abrasive blasting preferred.
• Working knowledge of surface preparation standards (e.g., SSPC, NACE) a plus.
• Experience using wet and dry film thickness gauges to verify coating specifications a plus.
• Powder coat experience encouraged but not necessary.
• Ability to read and interpret paint specifications, work orders, and safety data sheets (SDS).
• Basic computer skills for recording production and material-usage data.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to access all surfaces of large equipment. The employee is required to wear a respirator and other personal protective equipment while performing spray application duties.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a paint booth and shop floor environment and is regularly exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and solvents. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud, particularly during blasting operations.