Crating & Epoxy Painting

Description

We are seeking a skilled and dependable Crate Builder / Industrial Painter to support our manufacturing and equipment operations. This position has split responsibilities between the construction of custom wooden shipping crates and packaging structures in a wood shop and the preparation and application of two-part epoxy coatings to various metal components in an industrial paint booth.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working with both woodworking tools and industrial painting equipment. The position requires the ability to follow drawings, work instructions, coating specifications, and quality requirements while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

Essential Responsibilities

Wood Shop / Crate Building

• Construct custom wooden shipping crates, skids, pallets, platforms, and protective packaging structures for industrial equipment and components.
• Read and interpret basic drawings, dimensions, work instructions, and packaging requirements.
• Measure, mark, cut, assemble, and fasten lumber and sheet materials using hand and power tools.
• Operate woodworking equipment such as table saws, miter saws, circular saws, drills, nail guns, and other shop equipment as required.
• Select appropriate lumber, fasteners, blocking, bracing, and protective materials based on the size, weight, and configuration of equipment being packaged.
• Build crates capable of safely supporting and protecting equipment during handling, transportation, and storage.
• Install blocking, bracing, cushioning, and other protective materials as required.
• Inspect completed crates and packaging for structural integrity and compliance with specifications.
• Safely move and position materials and completed crates using appropriate material-handling equipment.

Industrial Painting / Paint Booth

• Prepare metal components for coating through cleaning, masking, sanding, grinding, abrasive preparation, or other approved surface-preparation methods.
• Mix and apply two-part epoxy paint/coatings in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company procedures.
• Operate paint spray guns and related paint-booth equipment.
• Adjust spray-gun settings, air pressure, material flow, and application techniques to achieve the required finish.
• Apply coatings to various metal components, fabricated assemblies, machinery, and equipment.
• Properly mask surfaces, openings, machined areas, threads, identification plates, and other areas that must remain unpainted.
• Monitor coating application for proper coverage, thickness, appearance, adhesion, and overall finish quality.
• Perform visual inspections of painted components and identify defects such as runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, insufficient coverage, contamination, or other coating irregularities.
• Perform touch-up and corrective work when required.
• Properly clean and maintain spray guns, hoses, pumps, paint-booth equipment, and related tools.
• Handle paints, solvents, hardeners, and other coating materials in accordance with applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and company procedures.
• Properly dispose of paint-related waste and maintain housekeeping within the paint area.

Requirements

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection where required, protective clothing, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, and other designated equipment.
• Follow all procedures associated with the safe handling, mixing, storage, and disposal of paints, solvents, chemicals, and other hazardous materials.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe wood-shop and paint-booth environment.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment problems, spills, defects, or other safety concerns to supervision.
• Participate in required safety training and maintain compliance with company policies.

Quality Responsibilities

• Produce crates and packaging structures that meet specified dimensional, structural, and shipping requirements.
• Ensure painted components meet established coating specifications and quality standards.
• Verify proper paint mixing ratios, application procedures, curing requirements, and coating thickness when specified.
• Maintain accurate records associated with coating materials, inspections, or other production requirements when applicable.
• Take ownership of the quality of completed work and identify potential issues before components proceed to the next stage of production.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in woodworking, crate building, industrial painting, manufacturing, fabrication, or a related field preferred.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools.
• Experience operating a professional paint spray gun is strongly preferred.
• Experience applying two-part epoxy coatings is preferred.
• Ability to read and understand basic drawings, dimensions, measurements, and work instructions.
• Basic understanding of surface preparation and industrial coating application.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to work with various types of industrial equipment and materials.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a manufacturing team.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and position materials and components as required.
• Willingness to learn additional manufacturing processes and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, kneel, climb, and work in various positions.
• Ability to safely lift and handle materials and components consistent with the requirements of the position.
• Ability to work around woodworking equipment, industrial machinery, paint-booth equipment, coatings, solvents, and related manufacturing processes.
• Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods.
• Manual dexterity necessary to operate hand tools, power tools, and paint spray equipment.

Preferred Experience

The ideal candidate may have experience in one or more of the following:

• Industrial manufacturing or fabrication
• Custom equipment manufacturing
• Heavy equipment or machinery painting
• Two-part epoxy coating application
• Spray finishing
• Woodworking or custom crate construction
• Industrial packaging
• Sheet-metal or mechanical fabrication
• Rigging or equipment preparation
• Reading manufacturing drawings
• Forklift or overhead-crane operation

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a manufacturing facility, with work divided between a wood-working area and an industrial paint booth. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, wood particles, paint fumes, solvents, machinery, and varying temperatures. Appropriate PPE and ventilation systems will be provided and must be used in accordance with company requirements.