The Paint Prep Team Member is responsible for preparing manufactured products for painting by sanding, cleaning, masking, taping, and inspecting surfaces to ensure a high-quality paint finish. This position plays a critical role in the overall appearance, durability, and quality of finished products by ensuring all surfaces are properly prepared before entering the paint booth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare steel, aluminum, and fabricated components for painting according to work instructions and quality standards. 
• Sand surfaces using hand sanders, orbital sanders, grinders, sanding blocks, and other approved equipment. 
• Remove weld spatter, sharp edges, burrs, dirt, oils, rust, oxidation, and surface imperfections. 
• Feather edges and smooth repaired areas to create an even paint surface. 
• Inspect surfaces for defects requiring correction prior to painting.
• Apply masking tape, masking paper, plugs, caps, and protective coverings to areas that must remain free of paint. 
• Mask threads, mounting surfaces, labels, electrical components, grounding points, machined surfaces, and customer-designated areas.
• Clean parts using approved solvents, degreasers, tack cloths, compressed air, or other approved cleaning methods. 
• Ensure all contaminants are removed prior to paint application. 
• Identify dents, scratches, weld defects, contamination, or damage requiring correction. 
• Notify supervision of non-conforming conditions.
• Maintain cleanliness throughout the preparation process to prevent paint defects.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous manufacturing, body shop, industrial painting, or surface preparation experience preferred. 
• Ability to use hand and power tools safely. 
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, climb, or balance.
• Exposure to warehouse and outdoor loading dock environments.
• Frequently required to stand, bend, and lift materials up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and machinery.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

Tomball Controls is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Tomball Controls is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law

• HS diploma or equivalent, preferred.
• Previous experience in a paint shop is preferred.
• Familiarity with painting techniques is highly desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with team members effectively.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

Tomball Controls is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Tomball Controls is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.