Industrial Painter

About the Company

Keel was created by uniting three established industry players with long-standing expertise across steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing. Joining the team means working with people whose craft has been sharpened by decades of practical experience and proven results.

The organization produces ships, defense systems, aerospace parts, and heavy steel structures that support essential missions, and the work is approached with a strong sense of pride.

Role Overview

This role is suited to a seasoned industrial painter who can work on their own to prepare, coat, and finish metal products, boats, ships, machinery, and other manufactured components. The position calls for strong knowledge of industrial coatings, surface preparation, spray-painting equipment, color matching, and routine equipment upkeep, along with the ability to handle complex assignments with very little oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, sanding, scraping, and carrying out minor repairs before coating.
• Blend and apply paints, coatings, and finishing materials according to the required specifications.
• Use spray equipment, brushes, rollers, and other painting tools effectively.
• Carry out industrial painting work on metal goods, machinery, boats, ships, and manufactured parts.
• Set and adjust spray systems to ensure even coverage and a high-quality finish.
• Check completed work carefully and carry out touch-ups where necessary.
• Keep painting tools, equipment, and work areas clean and in good condition.
• Work in line with safety rules and quality expectations.
• Organize and finish assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
• Apply advanced industrial painting methods to complete detailed and complex projects.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
• Completion of an apprenticeship or formal training in industrial painting or a related area may be required.
• At least 4 years of experience in industrial painting or a similar trade is required.
• Strong working knowledge of painting techniques, surface preparation, coating application, and spray equipment is essential.
• Ability to perform independently with limited supervision.
• Practical experience with spray guns, brushes, rollers, and related painting tools.
• Understanding of paints, coatings, solvents, and finishing processes.
• Capability to mix and match paint colors and finishes accurately.
• Experience with air hoses, spray systems, and sanding tools.
• Ability to read and follow instructions, specifications, and safety guidelines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Skill in identifying and correcting paint defects or surface flaws.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Safe handling of paints, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

Travel and Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel between plants may be necessary.
• The role may require standing, walking, sitting, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, or kneeling on a regular basis.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 50 lbs is needed; items over 50 lbs must be moved using mechanical assistance.

Company Values

• Commit to safety and quality standards.
• Bring a collaborative team mindset.
• Maintain strong customer focus.
• Act with integrity, trust, and professionalism.
• Deliver work with excellence and speed.

Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Competitive compensation.
• 401(k) matching.
• HSA/FSA options.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off.
• Internal referral bonus opportunities.
• Shift differentials.
• Overtime potential.
• Paid on-the-job training.
• Certification sponsorship opportunities.
• Focus on individual career growth.
• Additional fun activities and more.

Accommodation and Equal Opportunity

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the hiring process, you can request it by email with your contact details and the nature of the request. Each request is reviewed individually. This email channel is intended only for accommodation-related inquiries.

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and considers individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

What we build, builds us.