Company Overview
[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]
Role Overview
We are hiring a Junior Lacquerer to join the finishing team at [$COMPANY_NAME]. In this hands-on manufacturing position you will learn and execute industrial lacquer application, surface preparation, and inspection processes under the direction of senior finishers and production leads. This role is ideal for mechanically inclined candidates seeking trade growth: you will be trained on spray techniques (HVLP/electrostatic/airless), material preparation, curing ovens, and quality control protocols to consistently meet product specifications and throughput targets.
Responsibilities
- Prepare parts for coating: masking, cleaning, de-greasing, sanding to specified surface finish and tolerances following written work orders and process sheets
- Mix and prepare lacquer, primers, catalysts and thinners to specified mix ratios using scales and dispensing equipment while observing VOC and safety limits
- Operate and learn spray equipment (HVLP, electrostatic spray guns, airless systems) and follow gun setup parameters: nozzle size, atomization pressure, fan pattern
- Load/unload parts on racks, jigs and fixtures; stage items through flash-off, bake/UV curing ovens, and cool-down areas according to process cycle time
- Perform in-process and final visual and instrumented inspections, using tools such as wet film gauges, micrometers, gloss meters, and spectrophotometers; document results in production logs
- Execute film build, adhesion and solvent rub tests; report nonconforming product and assist with first-off troubleshooting under supervision
- Maintain spray booths, filters, and equipment cleanliness; perform basic preventative maintenance and escalate repair needs
- Follow all health, safety and environmental procedures, including PPE usage, hazardous material handling (MSDS), and waste disposal per local and company regulations
- Participate in continuous improvement activities: 5S, root cause analysis, and standard work refinement to reduce rejects and improve cycle time
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 0-2 years of experience in industrial finishing, automotive/body shop, cabinet or furniture finishing, or a related hands-on manufacturing role
- Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to learn spray application techniques and read technical process documents and work orders
- Comfort working in a physical production environment: lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and wearing required PPE
- Willingness to work a manufacturing shift schedule and participate in safety and quality training
Preferred:
- Certificate or coursework in paint technology, industrial coatings, or a technical trade school
- Familiarity with HVLP, electrostatic spraying, powder coating or similar coating methods
- Basic use of measurement tools (calipers, micrometers), gloss meter, or spectrophotometer
- Exposure to Lean manufacturing, 5S, or Kaizen events
- Forklift or material-handling certification
Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
- Hands-on operation of spray equipment: HVLP, electrostatic, airless
- Material handling and mixing: understanding of mix ratios, catalyzation and pot life management
- Familiarity with curing ovens (convection, IR, or UV) and process cycle controls
- Use of inspection instruments: wet film thickness gauge, gloss meter, spectrophotometer, thickness gauges
- Basic preventative maintenance of spray guns, pumps, and booth filtration systems
- Production documentation: electronic or paper-based batch logs, nonconformance reports, simple data entry
- Awareness of VOC regulations, MSDS interpretation, and hazardous waste procedures
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Coachability and rapid skill uptake: ability to absorb instruction, standard work, and step-by-step SOPs
- Attention to detail and visual acuity for detecting surface defects, color variance and finish imperfections
- Collaborative mindset: works effectively with leads, QA, maintenance and materials teams to meet production goals
- Strong work ethic, punctuality, and commitment to workplace safety
- Effective communicator: documents issues clearly and escalates blockers to supervisors
- Desire for trade growth and openness to cross-training in related manufacturing functions
Benefits and Perks
Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]
- Structured on-the-job training and mentorship with progression milestones toward intermediate and senior lacquerer roles
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision plans
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off, paid holidays, and paid safety training/certifications
- Opportunities for overtime and shift differentials where applicable
- Tuition assistance or certification reimbursement for trade programs
- Employee assistance program and wellness resources
Equal Opportunity Statement
[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from those who may not meet every listed requirement but bring aptitude, motivation, and a desire to learn.
Location
This is an on-site role at our facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be able to travel to and work from the manufacturing site as scheduled. We will provide information on shift schedules during the interview process.
Application instructions: We encourage applicants to apply even if you do not meet every qualification—please submit a resume and brief note describing relevant hands-on experience and interest in industrial finishing.