Job Description
Date posted: May 23, 2026
Pay:
From $24.00 per hour Job Type:
Full-time Work Location:
In person — Warwick, RI Palmer Industries, a leader in custom brass and architectural metalwork for over 30 years, is seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Brass Polisher & Spray Booth Technician to join our Finishing Department. Our products are architectural in nature, of the highest quality, and serve a designer market through upscale bath and kitchen dealers, the designer trade, and hospitality clients. This is a hands-on, skilled finishing role. Our signature finishes are central to what makes Palmer's products stand out — and the finisher we're hiring is the person responsible for delivering them. The ideal candidate has solid finishing fundamentals (polishing, sanding, surface prep) and is capable of learning our specific spray and coating processes. Cerakote and polymer ceramic experience is a plus but not required if you bring strong finishing fundamentals — we will train the right person on our specific processes. The role may also support related operations including bender setup, brazing, grinding, and CNC processes as needed. Key Responsibilities Brass Polishing & Surface Finishing Polish and satin-finish brass components using manual techniques and automatic machines. Perform hand and machine sanding to prepare and refine surfaces before and after finishing. Conduct sandblasting and other surface preparation techniques to ensure ideal substrate conditions. Inspect parts for defects such as scratches, pitting, and blemishes; ensure adherence to Palmer's premium quality standards. Spray Booth Operation & Coating Application Set up and operate HVLP spray guns and booth systems for applying lacquer and polymer ceramic thin film coatings (e.g., Cerakote). Deliver consistent tone, gloss, texture, and film thickness across a variety of metal components. Detect and correct coating issues such as orange peel, fisheyes, runs, or uneven coverage. Equipment Operation & Maintenance Operate and maintain automatic polishing and sanding machinery, as well as manual hand tools. Perform cleaning, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of spray, sanding, and polishing equipment. Monitor equipment condition and report any mechanical or safety issues. Collaborative Production Support Coordinate with Production and Engineering teams to ensure finish requirements align with project specifications. Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback on processes, tools, and workflow. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Support additional operations such as bender setup, brazing, grinding, and CNC machining as needed. Requirements 3+ years of experience in metal finishing, brass finishing, auto body refinishing, custom metal fabrication, or a closely related hands-on finishing trade. Strong polishing and satin-finishing skills (hand and machine). Solid surface prep skills — sanding (hand and machine) and sandblasting. Comfortable operating automatic finishing equipment and a variety of hand tools. Ability to read shop drawings and match visual finish samples. Detail-oriented, dependable, and able to maintain high quality standards on tight deadlines. Mechanically capable and comfortable troubleshooting equipment issues. High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications Experience operating HVLP spray systems and applying lacquer or polymer ceramic thin film coatings (e.g., Cerakote). Auto body or custom paint experience. Experience finishing brass specifically. Background in custom manufacturing, architectural metalwork, or luxury goods. Familiarity with bending, brazing, grinding, or CNC machining. Physical Requirements & Work Environment This is a physical, hands-on role. The finisher stands for most of the shift, frequently lifts and moves parts up to 30 pounds (occasionally up to 60 pounds), and performs repetitive finishing motions. The work environment includes moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles, and chemicals — appropriate PPE is provided and required. Hearing protection is required in some areas. Close vision, color vision, and the ability to match finishes by eye are essential. Compensation Pay starts at $24.00 per hour, with the final rate based on experience and skill level. Candidates with strong polishing, finishing, spray booth, or custom metal finishing experience are encouraged to apply. Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Generous paid time off package Paid holidays Application Questions What hourly pay range are you looking for? Briefly describe your finishing background — what materials you've worked with, what spray or coating systems you've used, and what kinds of finishes you're most experienced with. Work Location:
In person — Warwick, RI Pay:
From $24.00 per hour Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location:
In person
