Paint Prep Technician

About Us Allied Electric Sign & Awning Co. exists to Bring Brands to Life. With over 30 years of experience in sign and awning design, fabrication, installation, and service, we are recognized as one of the safest and most reputable employers in the industry. We are growing and looking for high-quality, motivated individuals to join our team. Position Overview We are seeking a Paint Prep Technician to support the fabrication and finishing of custom sign products. This position is responsible for preparing sign components for paint, ensuring surfaces meet quality standards, assisting painters with material preparation, maintaining production schedules, and helping deliver a high-quality finished product. The Paint Prep Technician plays a critical role in the appearance, durability, and overall quality of signage by ensuring all materials are properly prepared before entering the paint process. This position works closely with fabrication, paint, installation, and project management teams to support production goals and customer expectations. Primary Responsibilities Surface Preparation Prepare aluminum, steel, acrylic, PVC, and other sign materials for paint and finishing. Sand, grind, clean, mask, and prime surfaces according to production specifications. Inspect materials for defects and ensure proper preparation before paint application. Assist in preparing existing signs and sign cabinets for refinishing or repainting. Paint Shop Support Assist painters with mixing paints, primers, and coatings according to manufacturer specifications. Prepare materials and work areas for efficient paint operations. Load and unload components from paint racks and drying areas. Support color matching and quality control efforts. Maintain paint inventory and assist with material organization. Quality Control Inspect completed surfaces for defects, contamination, runs, scratches, or inconsistencies. Perform touch-up preparation as directed. Verify finished products meet Allied quality standards and customer requirements. Production Support Read work orders, shop drawings, and production documents. Prioritize workload to meet production deadlines. Assist with movement of signs and components throughout the facility. Support fabrication and installation teams as needed. Safety & Housekeeping Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment. Properly handle paints, solvents, chemicals, and hazardous materials. Wear required PPE and follow OSHA and company safety procedures. Participate in safety meetings and training programs. Additional Responsiblities Clean and maintain paint preparation tools and equipment. Assist with receiving and staging materials. Support loading and unloading of delivery vehicles. Make occasional deliveries between company facilities or job sites. Perform other duties as assigned. Experience & Qualifications Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work on feet for extended periods. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Ability to read and follow work orders and production instructions. Ability to work independently and within a team environment. 1-3 years of experience in paint preparation, automotive paint, powder coating, industrial finishing, or sign manufacturing Experience with sanding, masking, priming, and surface preparation techniques. Basic understanding of paint mixing and coating systems. Experience working in a maufacturing or production environment Forklift certification or experience operating material handling equipment. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Understanding of paint preparation and finishing processes. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines. Basic math and measurement skills. Ability to read shop drawings and production documentation. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Commitment to workplace safety and quality workmanship. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this position, employees will regularly: Stand and walk for extended periods. Lift, carry, push, and pull materials up to 50 pounds. Bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and reach overhead. Use hand tools, power tools, and material handling equipment. Work around paint, solvents, dust, and manufacturing equipment. Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color differentiation, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position is performed primarily in a manufacturing and paint shop environment. Employees may be exposed to paint fumes, dust, chemicals, noise, temperature fluctuations, and moving machinery. Proper PPE and safety procedures are required at all times. Benefits Allied Electric Sign & Awning Co. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: 8 Paid Holidays 40 Hours of PTO (with additional PTO available based on tenure and policy) Company-Paid Life Insurance 401(k) with 25% Employee Contribution Company Match Health Insurance via PeopleKeep ICHRA (flexible reimbursement for employee-selected plans) Because we are a drug-free workplace, all candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and may be subject to random drug testing after hire. Background Check Requirement Because we prioritize safety, compliance, and trust, all final candidates must complete a background check as part of the hiring process. Employment is contingent upon the results of this screening. Allied Electric Sign & Awning follows Fair Chance hiring practices. This means we consider all qualified applicants, including individuals with prior convictions, and evaluate background check results on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. A past conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment. Equal Opportunity & Fair Chance Employment This is a Fair Chance position. We follow Fair Chance hiring practices when conducting background checks and consider all qualified applicants. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law. Schedule Monday- Friday Night Shift (8-hour shift): 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM Overtime may be required based on workload and deadlines