Company Overview
[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]
Role Overview
[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Junior Lacquerer to join our finishing team at our facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. This entry-level role focuses on hands-on lacquer and coating application for wood, metal, or composite products. The Junior Lacquerer will learn and execute surface preparation, mixing, spray application (HVLP, airless, cup guns), and post-application curing under supervision, while maintaining strict quality and safety standards. This position is ideal for candidates seeking a career path in industrial finishing, furniture manufacturing, automotive trim, or precision coatings.
Responsibilities
- Prepare parts and assemblies for coating: sanding, cleaning, masking, de-nibbing, and inspection to meet surface quality specifications
- Mix and thin lacquers, varnishes, sealers, and topcoats according to technical data sheets (TDS) and company recipes
- Operate spray equipment (HVLP, airless, electrostatic, cup guns) to apply primers, basecoats, and clearcoats with consistent film thickness and finish quality
- Load/unload parts to and from spray booths and curing ovens; monitor cure cycles and temperatures per process sheets
- Follow work orders, batch tickets, and production schedules to meet throughput targets and minimize rework
- Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of spray guns, filters, and booths; report equipment issues to lead technician
- Conduct visual and tactile quality checks; record defects and participate in root-cause remediation with senior staff
- Comply with PPE, ventilation, and hazardous materials handling procedures; maintain accurate material usage and waste logs
- Participate in on-the-job training, shadowing, and continuous improvement activities to advance technical skills
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 0–2 years of hands-on experience in painting, finishing, or a related industrial trade OR completion of a relevant vocational program
- Basic familiarity with spray equipment (HVLP, airless) and hand tools
- Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, work orders, and process control documents
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform repetitive manual tasks
- Willingness to work in a controlled environment (spray booths, ovens) and comply with PPE requirements
- Reliable attendance and a safety-first mindset
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification or coursework in industrial coatings, finishing, or paint technology
- Experience with lacquer, nitrocellulose, polyurethane, waterborne systems, or powder coatings
- Basic knowledge of tape-and-mask techniques, spray pattern adjustment, and film thickness measurement
- Familiarity with VOC regulations, SDS interpretation, and hazardous waste labeling
- Prior factory or manufacturing environment experience and familiarity with Lean/5S practices
Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
- Operation and adjustment of HVLP, airless, electrostatic, and cup-gun spray systems
- Mixing and thinning to manufacturer TDS, measuring viscosity (Zahn cup, DIN cup), and using scales and mixing equipment
- Surface prep methods: sanding (hand and orbital), tack-cloth cleaning, abrasive blasting basics
- Curing processes: infrared, convection ovens, ambient cure knowledge and monitoring
- Quality tools: digital coating thickness gauges, gloss meters, micrometers, and inspection templates
- Familiarity with coating chemistries: nitrocellulose, polyurethane (PU), acrylics, waterborne lacquers, and catalyzed systems
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Strong attention to detail and a demonstrated commitment to producing repeatable, measurable quality
- Ability to take direction, accept feedback, and incorporate lessons from senior finishers and supervisors
- Effective verbal communication for reporting defects, safety incidents, and production status
- Team-oriented mindset with willingness to assist cross-functional production tasks during peak demand
- Curiosity and motivation to pursue vocational training, certifications, and internal progression to intermediate and senior finisher roles
Benefits and Perks
Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]
- Competitive base pay with opportunities for raises tied to skill certification and performance
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement plan with employer match
- On-the-job training, apprenticeship-style mentoring, and subsidized vocational courses/certifications
- Overtime opportunities and shift differentials where applicable
- Employee assistance program (EAP) and safety-focused workplace culture
Equal Opportunity Statement
[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Location
This is an on-site position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates must be able to work in a manufacturing/production environment and comply with site safety policies.