Industrial Coatings Apprentice – Hydraulic Equipment

Ready to build skills in a clean, climate-controlled shop while getting paid to learn? Join our team supporting the finishing and production of custom hydraulic systems. You’ll report to the Hydraulic Shop Floor Supervisor and work closely with fabrication, hydraulic assembly, and shipping.

Is this you?

• New to industrial painting but eager to learn?
• Mechanically inclined and comfortable with tools?
• Detail-focused and dependable with great attendance?
• Team player who follows directions and enjoys hands-on work?

If so, you’ll thrive here—no previous industrial painting experience required.

Role Snapshot

• Time Allocation: Approximately 50% painting tasks and 50% general shop support
• Environment: Clean, organized, climate-controlled manufacturing facility
• Collaboration: Daily interaction with fabrication, hydraulic assembly, and shipping personnel

What You’ll Learn and Do

Painting Responsibilities

• Prepare and paint custom hydraulic systems, valve stands, accumulator stands, pump skids, and fabricated assemblies.
• Clean, power wash, sand, and prep surfaces for coating.
• Mask and tape components to protect critical features.
• Assist with airless, HVLP, and conventional spray equipment (training provided).
• Mix/apply enamels, epoxies, polyurethanes, and other industrial coatings.
• Visually inspect finishes for quality and consistency.
• Maintain spray equipment and the paint area.

Shop Support Responsibilities

• Sandblast parts prior to fabrication and painting.
• Clean hydraulic reservoirs before testing and painting.
• Cut, clean, deburr, and bevel pipe and materials.
• Assist welders and hydraulic techs during assembly.
• Verify incoming materials against the Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Laser mark identification tags and label components.
• Photograph completed power units ahead of shipment.
• Package and stage products for shipping.
• Keep the shop tidy, organized, and safe.
• Support production with additional tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• Good mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
• Reliable, positive, and team-oriented
• Strong attention to detail
• Read a tape measure to 1/16 inch
• Use hand and power tools safely (or be ready to learn)

Preferred (Not Required)

• Experience in any of the following: manufacturing, automotive repair, equipment maintenance, construction, fabrication, painting, or mechanical assembly

Training You’ll Receive

• Industrial painting methods and surface prep
• Masking techniques
• Spray equipment operation
• Industrial coating applications
• Shop safety fundamentals
• Forklift operation and certification
• Material handling best practices
• Basic fabrication equipment
• Pipe cutting and threading
• Hydraulic assembly support skills

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Stand for extended periods
• Work around industrial machinery safely
• Wear required PPE

Tools & Technologies

• Power Tools, Overhead Crane, Forklifts, Paint Sprayer (Graco), Band Saw, Belt Sander

Proficiencies

• Industrial Cleaning Equipment Operation
• Tape Measure Reading
• Industrial & Commercial Painting
• Hand tools
• Saw operation

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