Description

Marine Paint and Sandblasting Technician

Location: Palatka, FL

Employment Type: Full-Time

Remote Status: On-Site

About the Role

The Marine Paint and Sandblasting Technician is responsible for preparing, coating, and finishing shipboard and industrial surfaces to required specifications. This role supports new construction, repair, and preservation work in marine and heavy industrial environments.

Technicians will perform abrasive blasting, surface preparation, and industrial painting using a variety of coatings including epoxy and rust-proofing materials. The position reports to the applicable Foreman or Supervisor and requires strong safety awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to work in physically demanding environments.

What You Will Do

• Perform abrasive blasting on interior and exterior metal surfaces to required preparation standards
• Clean and prepare surfaces using brooms, vacuums, rags, degreasers, and solvents
• Set up, operate, and maintain blasting and painting equipment
• Select, mix, and prepare coatings according to specifications using manual or automated mixing systems
• Determine paint flow, viscosity, and coating quality through visual inspection or use of testing equipment
• Operate spray equipment to apply coatings such as lacquer, enamel, epoxy, oil, glaze, rubber, copper, silver, and rust-proofing materials
• Regulate machine settings including air pressure, temperature, spray flow, and conveyor speeds
• Perform test runs to ensure proper equipment setup
• Attach hoses and nozzles and adjust spray patterns for proper dispersion
• Monitor equipment gauges and identify defects or deviations from standards
• Record operational data and maintain required documentation
• Inspect coated products to ensure conformance to specifications
• Perform touch-up painting using brushes or spray equipment
• Transfer completed products to drying or storage areas using carts or material handling equipment
• Clean machines, tools, and work areas after use
• Support corrosion resistance testing, including salt spray testing when required
• Follow all OSHA and shipyard safety requirements, including use of respirators and required PPE
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Must-Have Skills and Experience

These are required for consideration.

• Minimum 1 to 2 years of industrial painting and/or sandblasting experience
• Shipyard or marine experience strongly preferred
• Experience in industrial environments such as manufacturing, heavy equipment, or structural steel
• Knowledge of surface preparation standards and coating application techniques
• Ability to safely operate blasting and painting equipment
• Willingness to wear respirator and required protective equipment
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly
• Strong safety awareness and attention to detail
• Ability to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions

Nice-to-Have Skills

These are preferred but not required.

• Prior shipyard or marine repair experience
• Experience with epoxy and marine-grade coatings
• Familiarity with corrosion control processes
• Forklift or material handling equipment experience
• Experience working in confined spaces

Who You Are

• Safety-focused and quality-driven
• Comfortable working in industrial and marine environments
• Detail-oriented and thorough in surface preparation and finishing work
• Reliable and able to work independently or as part of a team
• Adaptable to changing project demands

Additional Details

Schedule: 1st Shift, Monday through Friday. Overtime may be required based on project needs.

Salary Range: Starting at $16 per hour, with flexibility for experienced candidates based on background and skill level

Travel: None anticipated

Certifications: None required at hire

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Paid Holidays, PTO

Fair Chance Employer: St John's Shipbuilding is a second chance employer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws.

Job Posting

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