Sandblast Operator

Job Title:

Sandblast Operator Job Description The sandblast operator prepares metal parts and trailers for painting by performing detailed surface preparation using air-powered sandblasting equipment and a variety of hand and power tools. This role inspects each item for defects, removes imperfections, and ensures all surfaces meet quality standards before paint application. The position may also involve operating a forklift to move materials within the shop as needed and supporting a collaborative fabrication environment on a first-shift schedule. Responsibilities Perform paint preparation duties using air-powered sandblasting equipment to clean and profile metal surfaces for paint application. Use grinders, needle guns, and other hand and power tools to remove weld splatter, excess welds, sharp edges, and other imperfections from parts and trailers. Inspect each part or trailer thoroughly to ensure surfaces are fully cleared and properly prepared for painting. Identify and clearly mark miswelds and other quality defects on trailers to support corrective actions. Follow established procedures and quality standards to maintain consistent and high-quality surface preparation results. Operate a forklift, when needed, to move materials and components safely around the shop. Use required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, safety boots with metatarsal guards, face shield, and respirator when applicable. Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring tools and equipment are used safely and stored properly. Collaborate with welders and other team members to coordinate workflow and meet production goals. Adhere to all safety guidelines and shop rules to promote a safe working environment. Essential Skills At least 1 year of grinding and surface preparation experience in an industrial setting. Hands-on experience with sandblasting and paint preparation processes. Proficiency using air-powered sandblasting equipment. Ability to use grinders, needle guns, and other hand and power tools safely and effectively. Strong attention to detail when inspecting parts and trailers for weld splatter, excess welds, sharp edges, and other defects. Ability to identify and mark miswelds and quality defects accurately. Comfort working in a production environment with a focus on meeting quality and throughput expectations. Willingness and ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, safety boots with metatarsal guards, face shield, and respirator when needed. Additional Skills & Qualifications Blueprint reading experience is a plus. Experience operating a forklift in a shop or industrial environment is beneficial. Experience in production, fabrication, or similar industrial settings is advantageous. Experience with sanding and general surface preparation tasks is helpful. Why Work Here? The company fosters a culture that values hard work, pride in craftsmanship, and teamwork. Leadership is actively focused on building a stable and supportive environment with a renewed commitment to employees and the surrounding community. The shop maintains a laid-back atmosphere where music is played, collaboration is encouraged, and individuals work together to accomplish shared goals. With a sizable workforce and team-based operations, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while working alongside experienced colleagues. Work Environment This role is based in a fabrication shop environment on a first-shift schedule. The shop operates as a production-focused facility where welders typically work in pairs to build chassis, and the broader workforce includes over 100 employees. The atmosphere is laid back and team-oriented, with music played on the floor and a strong emphasis on collaboration to complete tasks efficiently. The work involves regular use of air-powered sandblasting equipment, grinders, needle guns, and other hand and power tools, as well as potential forklift operation to move materials. Personal protective equipment is mandatory and includes hearing protection, safety glasses, safety boots with metatarsal guards, a face shield, and, when required, a respirator. The environment combines industrial production demands with a supportive, team-based culture. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgman, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Bridgman,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.