Position Summary
The Spray Painter is responsible for preparing, finishing, and coating pumps, components, and accessories using spray-painting and electrostatic techniques. This includes surface preparation, masking, mixing, and applying paint to achieve a high-quality, durable finish that meets company and customer specifications.
The role requires safe and efficient operation of spray systems, paint booths, and related equipment, as well as careful attention to even coating, proper film thickness, and defect-free results. The Spray Painter also maintains painting tools and booths, performs routine equipment maintenance, and ensures compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards. This position supports production schedules and contributes to maintaining a professional product appearance consistent with Gorman-Rupp standards.
Essential Functions and Basic Duties
1. Painting & Surface Preparation
- Prepare parts, pumps, and components for painting, including cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming surfaces.
- Mix and thin paints, enamels, and coatings according to product specifications and paint data sheets.
- Set up and operate spray-painting and electrostatic equipment safely and efficiently.
- Adjust spray guns, air pressure, and patterns to achieve smooth, even finishes.
- Apply coatings to achieve required coverage and thickness, free from runs, drips, or thin areas.
- Apply multiple coats as required, allowing proper drying between applications.
- Remove masking and inspect painted surfaces to ensure proper coverage and finish.
- Move completed work to drying or storage areas using approved handling equipment.
- Work efficiently to meet daily production schedules, job order deadlines, and departmental efficiency goals.
2. Quality Control & Inspection
- Inspect painted parts for defects such as runs, pinholes, dust, or color mismatch.
- Correct minor paint or surface imperfections through sanding, filling, and touch-up processes.
- Verify paint consistency, color, and finish against company or customer standards.
- Document work performed and communicate any quality or equipment issues to the supervisor.
- Follow quality procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality finishes.
3. Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Clean and maintain spray guns, hoses, paint booths, and filters regularly.
- Perform minor repairs and preventive maintenance on paint equipment.
- Request replacement parts or supplies as needed to maintain operations.
- Ensure all tools and equipment are used and stored properly.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work area, free from hazards and overspray.
4. Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Follow all company safety rules and environmental procedures related to paints, thinners, solvents, and chemicals.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, protective clothing, and eye/ear protection.
- Participate in required safety and environmental training.
- Ensure proper ventilation, filtration, and waste disposal in accordance with OSHA, EPA, and company regulations.
- Report unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or chemical spills immediately to supervision.
5. Communication & Teamwork
- Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers regarding production schedules and quality requirements.
- Coordinate with the paint department and other teams to maintain production flow and ensure schedule adherence.
- Assist other team members as needed to maintain workflow and meet deadlines.
- Participate in meetings and provide input for process improvements.
- Record time, production, and material usage accurately on required forms.
- Support a cooperative and safety-focused team environment.
6. Other Duties
- Perform related duties as assigned or directed by supervision.
- Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and lean manufacturing initiatives.
Education/Certification
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Additional technical training in spray-painting, coating application, or industrial finishing preferred.
Experience Required
- Previous experience in industrial spray painting or a manufacturing finishing environment preferred.
- Knowledge of paint preparation, mixing, and application method preferred.
- Familiarity with operating spray booths and electrostatic painting systems preferred.
Required Knowledge
General knowledge of operation of manufacturing equipment and processes.
Skills/Abilities, Skills and Abilities
Painting & Coating Application
- Knowledge of various coating materials, including epoxies, enamels, and lacquers.
- Skilled in surface preparation, masking, and spraying techniques.
- Ability to match colors and maintain consistent paint thickness and appearance.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Proficiency in setting up, adjusting, and maintaining spray guns and paint delivery systems.
- Understanding of ventilation, filtration, and curing systems in paint operations.
Attention to Detail & Quality
- Ability to detect imperfections and correct them promptly.
- Commitment to achieving consistent, high-quality paint finishes.
Safety & Compliance
- Knowledge of OSHA safety standards for painting operations.
- Understanding of proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Adherence to company PPE requirements and respirator policies.
Communication & Teamwork
- Strong communication skills and willingness to assist others in meeting production goals.
- Dependable, organized, and able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
Physical Activities, Requirements and Work Conditions
Strength & Mobility: Requires standing for extended periods and frequent walking, bending, reaching, and lifting. Must regularly lift and move painted items, components, or equipment weighing 20–40 lbs., and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Work may involve awkward positions including bending, kneeling, or stretching to access all surfaces.
Dexterity & Coordination: Requires good hand-eye coordination and fine motor control for smooth, even paint application. Must be able to manipulate spray equipment precisely to maintain consistent coverage and film thickness.
Color Vision: Must be able to accurately distinguish and match colors, and detect variations in shades, tones, and finishes to meet quality standards.
Visual Acuity: Requires close and mid-range vision to inspect painted surfaces, read labels, and identify imperfections such as dust particles, runs, or uneven coverage.
Depth Perception: Necessary for judging distances between the spray gun and painted surface to ensure even coverage and avoid overspray.
Peripheral Vision: Required to maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and coworkers for safety in a production paint environment.
Endurance: Requires sustained focus and attention to detail while painting or operating spray equipment for extended periods.
Environment: Work performed in a manufacturing and paint shop setting, including spray booths and designated finishing areas. Temperature and humidity levels may fluctuate depending on the season and ventilation system.
Noise: Exposure to varying noise levels from spray guns, ventilation systems, and surrounding production equipment. Hearing protection is required in designated areas.
Chemical Exposure: Frequent contact with paints, solvents, thinners, and cleaning agents, which may produce strong odors or fumes. Respirator use and other PPE are required.
Air Quality: Work areas may contain airborne paint particles, dust, and vapors. Strict adherence to ventilation and safety protocols is required. Pulmonary and respirator fit testing are mandatory.
Safety Hazards: Potential exposure to flammable materials, overspray, slippery floors, and moving machinery. PPE (safety glasses, gloves, respirator, protective clothing, and hearing protection) must be worn at all times.
Work Schedule & Team Environment: Performed in a production-driven setting requiring flexibility for overtime or weekend work to meet schedules and departmental goals. Tasks may be repetitive but require consistent accuracy, quality awareness, and adherence to safety standards.
Testing
- Work Keys Testing.
- Hearing test required.
- Pulmonary testing required for respirator clearance.
- Any additional OSHA-required testing as applicable.
- Drug & Background Testing.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
