About Craftsmen Industries

Craftsmen Industries custom manufactures unique specialty trailers and vehicles and large format printed elements for experiential marketing and industrial solutions for brands across the industry spectrum including Boeing, PepsiCo, and Anheuser-Busch. We pride ourselves on creating our products fully in-house from initial design and engineering to fabrication and the finishing touches of graphics and paint.

Our Craftsmen team includes one subsidiary, Schantz Manufacturing. Schantz focuses on custom manufacturing of concession trailers for the fair and festival industry.

Guided by our values, we BUILD by helping bring ideas to life in a dynamic and collaborative environment and we're looking for talented individuals to grow with us!

What Do We Offer?

• Competitive compensation.
• Career development opportunities.
• Benefits including but not limited to Medical, Dental and Vision.
• 401(k) Match and Much More!

Position Title: Paint Prep Technician

Location: St. Charles, MO

Schedule: 1st Shift 7am - 3:30pm

Position Summary:

The Paint Prep Technician is responsible for assisting in the manufacturing and assembly of custom trailers, displays, and vehicles. This entry level position requires basic knowledge in automotive painting techniques, surface preparation, and finish ensuring a high-quality product under the supervision of more experienced coworkers within the department. The ideal candidate will have a background in automotive or industrial painting, strong attention to detail, willing to learn, and able to follow instructions to ensure high-quality workmanship in all tasks.

This work environment is dynamic and versatile in nature, where employees are expected to wear multiple hats and handle a variety tasks. This role requires a high level of adaptability, as daily tasks and priorities may shift based on the evolving needs of the day. The ability to pivot and manage changing responsibilities is essential to success in this position. Employees continuously learn and gain hands-on experience in various areas, allowing them to develop a broad skill set.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform basic surface preparation, including sanding, masking, priming, and bodywork repair under guidance of experienced technicians.
• Mix and apply paints, primers, and topcoats to meet exact color and finish specifications under guidance of experienced technicians.
• Operate spray guns and other painting equipment with precision and efficiency under the guidance of experienced technicians.
• Conduct inspections to ensure high-quality finishes, correcting any imperfections.
• Work efficiently to minimize waste and optimize production timelines.
• Works under supervision to meet project and customer specifications, quality, and established project timelines.
• Follows verbal instruction and completes assigned tasks given by Team Leads and/or other departmental Supervision.
• Communicates suggestions, solutions, and other ideas on workplace efficiencies to Team Leads, Supervisors, Engineers, and Peers, as necessary.
• Unloads and carry materials to construction sites.
• Help manage inventory by organizing materials and ensuring the shop has the necessary components for ongoing projects.
• Continuous learning on-the-job training and/or other programs designed to enhance technical skills and knowledge.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area, ensuring all tools and equipment are properly stored.
• Follows safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
• Documents work performed and parts used for accurate record-keeping.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Experience and Skills:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1 + years of experience in automotive or commercial paint or related education, certification(s), or similar experience.
• Some knowledge of automotive body work.
• Must be able to read a tape measure.
• Strong attention to detail and precision.
• Must display initiative to learn and to take on more responsibilities.
• Must possess or willing to learn the following skill sets:
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Use air and electric hand tools
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
• Ability to solve simple issues and learn the job quickly
• Must be safety conscious with good housekeeping skills.
• Must effectively communicate and present interpretations of work.
• Maintain a positive attitude towards team members and other departments and work successfully within a team and as an individual contributor.
• Ability to learn to operate forklift.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Must be willing to work overtime when needed to maintain project deadlines and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Must demonstrate a consistent and stable work history, along with strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Meets one of the criteria below in the areas of Automative Paint/Collison or similar skilled trade:
  • Completion of a Certification program
  • Associate's degree
  • 2 years Vocational High School program
• 2+ years' experience Automotive Paint
• Some welding experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically able to stand up to 8+ hours per day.
• Must have the ability to hear and respond to auditory signals, distinguish tones and pitches in equipment, and use hearing protection during specific tasks.
• Must be able to lift/carry up to 75 lbs.
• Must be able to perform work duties at elevated heights.
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, stoop, squat, kneel, climb, balance, and reach overhead.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close and/or color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.
• Physically able to use Respiratory protection, as needed.
• Some travel may be required for on-site assistance/repair.

Craftsmen Industries (and its subsidiaries) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This means that we consider all applicants for employment and employees eligible for employment without regard to race, marital status or civil union status, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or any other characteristic protected by law. We also provide reasonable accommodations to our applicants and employees with disabilities in order to assist them in the performance of their essential job functions.

To learn more visit www.craftsmenind.com or www.schantzmfg.com.