Job Summary
The Coatings & Blasting Lead is a working lead position responsible for directing daily operations within the coatings and surface preparation department at Riggs Fabrication Shop. This role manages a crew of blasters and painters, ensures work is executed to project specifications and SSPC standards, and serves as the first line of quality control and safety oversight on the shop floor. The Lead reports to the Coatings Superintendent and is expected to set the standard for workmanship, production pace, and safe work practices.
About Loenbro
Loenbro is a trusted, long-term construction lifecycle partner to thousands of customers across the U.S. Our service offerings include Critical Electrical, Mechanical & Structural, Soft Crafts, Inspection, Underground Maintenance and Installation, and Fabrication, and our vertical market focus spans all industries. Our expertise lies in simplifying the complex, so that our clients gain clarity and control in construction and maintenance. We do this by taking full ownership on every interaction, delivering multi-scope project excellence, and establishing long-standing relationships with our partners as we enhance and maintain your critical infrastructure. We have a national presence but a local approach—so that every customer benefits from our capabilities and our care. Through their relationship with us and the One Loenbro model, our customers are able to simplify, control, and succeed in the everyday.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities
- Direct and coordinate the daily activities of the coatings and blasting crew — assigning tasks, sequencing work, and maintaining production flow in alignment with the shop schedule.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for the crew during the shift; communicate priorities, schedule changes, and job-specific requirements clearly and in a timely manner.
- Train and mentor coatings and blasting technicians on proper techniques, equipment operation, surface preparation standards, and coating application procedures.
- Monitor crew performance and provide real-time feedback; escalate performance issues or crew concerns to the Coatings Superintendent .
- Ensure the crew is properly equipped and that all required PPE, tools, and materials are staged and available at the start of each shift.
- Conduct and document pre-shift safety meetings and job hazard analyses (JHAs) for coatings and blasting operations.
- Support the Coatings Superintendent in tracking labor hours, production output, and material consumption against project budgets.
Technical Responsibilities
- Perform and oversee abrasive blasting operations (open blast and enclosed blast room) to SSPC-SP 6, SP 10, and SP 5 cleanliness levels as required by project specifications.
- Apply and direct the application of industrial protective coatings using airless spray, HVLP, and plural-component spray equipment in accordance with coating system requirements.
- Read, interpret, and enforce coating manufacturer product data sheets (PDS) and project coating specifications including mixing ratios, pot life, application thickness, cure times, and environmental limits.
- Conduct and document wet film thickness (WFT) and dry film thickness (DFT) inspections throughout the application process; identify and disposition non-conforming work before it advances.
- Oversee surface preparation including power tool cleaning, hand tool cleaning, solvent wiping, and masking of machined surfaces, hardware, and weld areas prior to blast and coat.
- Coordinate with the QA/QC inspector and Coatings Superintendent on hold points, inspection records, and coating system sign-offs.
- Troubleshoot coating defects, equipment malfunctions, and application issues; implement corrective actions and communicate findings to supervision.
- Manage abrasive media inventory, coating material staging, and equipment readiness to minimize downtime between jobs.
- Ensure blast room and paint booth are maintained in a clean and organized condition; oversee proper disposal of spent abrasive and coating waste per RCRA and site hazardous waste procedures.
Safety & EHS Responsibilities
- Lead by example — model safe behavior and enforce Loenbro EHS policies on the shop floor without exception.
- Ensure all crew members are wearing required PPE including supplied-air respirators (SAR), hearing protection, eye protection, and appropriate chemical-resistant clothing before work begins.
- Verify that supplied-air respirator systems are operating within specified CFM ranges and that hood/helmet equipment is inspected before each shift.
- Identify and immediately correct unsafe conditions or behaviors; exercise stop-work authority when warranted and document the event.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry standards and Loenbro EHS policies including hot work, confined space, and respiratory protection programs.
- Support incident investigations by gathering facts, preserving the scene, and assisting the EHS Site Manager with documentation.
Other duties may be assigned as needed to support business operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- Minimum 4 years of experience in industrial abrasive blasting and protective coatings application in a fabrication shop, industrial plant, or construction environment.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a lead, foreman, or supervisory capacity directing a coatings or blasting crew.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of SSPC surface preparation standards (SP 6, SP 10, SP 5) and industrial coating system requirements.
- Ability to read and interpret coating product data sheets, safety data sheets, and project coating specifications independently.
- Proficiency operating airless spray, HVLP, and plural-component coating equipment.
- Experience performing and documenting DFT and WFT inspections using calibrated gauges.
- Must be able to pass a supplied-air respirator fit test and medical evaluation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.
- Strong communication skills — ability to direct a crew, relay instructions clearly, and interface with supervision and QA personnel.
- Ability to work in physically demanding conditions including confined spaces, elevated platforms, and environments with heat, noise, and chemical exposure.
Preferred:
- SSPC/AMPP Coating Inspector Level 1 (C-1) or NACE CIP Level 1 certification.
- Experience with zinc-rich primer systems, high-build epoxy, and industrial polyurethane topcoat systems.
- Familiarity with Graco or equivalent plural-component proportioning equipment is a plus.
- Experience in a structural steel fabrication environment.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 General Industry certification.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus given crew composition.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment:
- Shop-based position at Riggs Fabrication Shop, Chandler, AZ. Outdoor work may be required.
- Regular exposure to abrasive media, coating chemicals, solvents, and dust. Proper PPE required and provided.
- Supplied-air respirator (SAR) required during blasting and coating operations. Must pass annual fit test and medical evaluation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, work at heights on scaffolding and aerial lifts, and stand for extended periods. High noise environment — hearing protection required.
This role requires compliance with all applicable safety regulations, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and Loenbro's Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) policies.
Benefits
Loenbro offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and rewards to those who join our team:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
- Life and disability insurance
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Benefits eligibility may vary based on employment classification and hours worked.
Our Core Values
LEAD with Values:
- Live with Integrity – We do the right thing and do what we say, in every Interaction - and practice stewardship to car for the communities where we live & work.
- Exceed Expectations – We anticipate customer needs, deliver Innovative solutions, and dedicate ourselves to creating outcomes that make a real difference.
- Act with Urgency – We take action, adapt seamlessly, and keep projects moving without compromising quality - because our customers priorities are our priorities.
- Deliver Excellence – We combine our passion for quality, our Industry expertise, and our eye for Innovation to make excellence our standard.
Guided by core values, grounded in grit and a commitment to excellence, Loenbro maintains and enhances the industrial infrastructure that betters our families, customers, and local communities.
Loenbro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
