(1 Opening) Advanced Fiber Products (AFP) is a leading U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in custom fiberglass pultrusion. Proudly operating in La Crosse, Wisconsin, for more than 30 years, we are committed to growth, innovation, and developing a strong, empowered workforce. Our team-oriented environment, open-door management philosophy, and emphasis on hands-on learning make us a top employer in the region. The Pultrusion Paint Technician is an excellent opportunity for an experienced industrial painter, coating technician, or manufacturing professional who enjoys hands-on work, troubleshooting, process improvement, and supporting quality production. The Pultrusion Paint Technician prepares, coats, finishes, and inspects fiberglass pultruded products while also supporting paint application directly on the pultrusion line. This is more than a traditional painting role. The position includes responsibility for paint preparation, equipment monitoring, inventory management, documentation, quality control, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently while collaborating with Production, Engineering, Quality, and Leadership teams.
AVAILABLE SHIFTS, TRAINING, PAY & BENEFITS 2ND SHIFT
Both positions will train on 1st Shift for approximately one week before transitioning to the assigned shift. Please indicate your preferred shift when applying.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Prepare fiberglass pultruded products for painting, including cleaning, sanding, masking, staging, and surface inspection. Mix paints, coatings, and catalysts according to specifications, manufacturer guidelines, and quality requirements. Apply coatings using spray equipment, rollers, or other approved application methods to achieve required finish, coverage, and thickness standards. Support painting operations directly on the pultrusion line, including operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and adjustment of paint metered mixing systems, curing units, and cooling units. Monitor and maintain paint booth equipment, spray guns, ventilation systems, and related paint room equipment. Inspect finished products for defects, consistency, finish quality, and compliance with customer and internal quality standards. Maintain accurate production logs, operational parameters, inventory records, material usage records, and documentation related to the painting process. Follow all safety procedures related to hazardous materials, ventilation, chemical handling, storage, disposal, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Create and maintain inventories for paints, catalysts, consumables, and other components used in the painting operation. Serve as a first point of contact for troubleshooting paint process issues and support root-cause problem solving as issues arise. Work closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality teams to develop quality criteria, process metrics, and continuous improvement opportunities. Provide training and guidance to production employees involved in paint operations. Perform touch-up work and corrective actions as needed to ensure product quality and specification compliance.
REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
Ability to read work orders, follow detailed specifications, and understand written and verbal instructions.
Required:
Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and commitment to quality workmanship.
Required:
Ability to identify process issues, troubleshoot equipment or quality concerns, and help develop effective solutions.
Required:
Good interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
Required:
Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, maintain accurate documentation, and support training of team members.
Required:
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while remaining a strong team player. Employees must be medically qualified to wear a respirator, if required, and comply with OSHA respiratory protection standards.
PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
( NICE
TO HAVE, BUT WE WILL TRAIN!
) Preferred (not required): One or more years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment preferred. Preferred (not required): Experience with industrial painting, coatings, paint room operations, fiberglass manufacturing, or pultrusion processes is a plus.
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and perform hands-on production work for extended periods during the shift. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, and production components as needed in a manufacturing environment. Ability to use hand tools, paint application equipment, spray guns, rollers, and related production equipment safely and effectively. Work is performed in a manufacturing environment where exposure to paints, coatings, catalysts, solvents, fiberglass materials, dust, fumes, chemical odors, and noise is common. Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment with noticeable paint and chemical odors while following all required safety procedures, ventilation protocols, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Ability to wear required PPE, which may include safety glasses, gloves, protective clothing, hearing protection, and a respirator when required.
Pay:
$20.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance On-the-job training Paid time off Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have the ability to stand and walk for 8-12 hours? Do you have the ability to lift 50 pounds consistently?
