Coating Inspector Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

DESCRIPTION

As an Industrial Painter, you will apply specialized industrial coatings to manufactured metal components used in military, automotive, and aerospace applications. This is a manufacturing production role, not residential or commercial painting. Candidates must have experience working in an industrial paint environment using spray systems, paint booths, blast equipment, and production processes.

This position is responsible for surface preparation, coating application, inspection, and documentation while ensuring all products meet strict customer, military, aerospace, and quality standards. The ideal candidate has experience working in fast-paced manufacturing environments and understands industrial finishing processes, coating specifications, and production schedules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all OSHA safety requirements and actively participate in 6S, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Operate industrial coating equipment including spray guns, blast booths, paint booths, curing ovens, and material handling systems
• Apply industrial liquid coatings to manufactured metal parts according to work instructions, technical specifications, and production requirements
• Prepare parts through cleaning, blasting, masking, plugging, and staging per detailed work instructions and customer specifications
• Load and unload parts onto racks or conveyors, ensuring proper alignment, grounding, and safe handling
• Read and interpret work orders, technical drawings, blueprints, and military or aerospace specifications
• Ensure coatings meet applicable military standards, aerospace requirements, and customer-defined quality criteria
• Support ISO 9001 and AS9100 Quality Management Systems by following documented procedures and accurately completing required records
• Perform in-process and final inspections, identifying defects and taking corrective action when required
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, quality personnel, and team members to maintain workflow and resolve issues
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready work area
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, process deviations, or safety concerns promptly
• Participate in root cause analysis and recommend improvements to coating processes, efficiency, and product quality
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in related operations such as blasting, masking, prep, loading, and unloading as needed
• Accurately track production output and maintain required documentation
• Maintain a strong customer-focused mindset, recognizing the critical nature of military and aerospace work

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this role successfully, candidates must have prior experience in industrial or manufacturing painting environments. Candidates with only residential or commercial building painting experience may not meet the qualifications for this position.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Prior experience as an industrial painter in military and/or aerospace environments required
• Strong understanding of coating thickness, adhesion, cure schedules, and finish quality standards
• Familiarity with military specifications and aerospace quality requirements preferred
• Experience working within ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified environments
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Reliable, dependable, and able to meet production deadlines
• Safety-focused with a consistent record of following procedures

WORKING CONDITIONS AND OTHER PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for 8–10 hours per shift, often on concrete floors
• Regularly lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching
• Work in a hot, loud, and fast-paced industrial manufacturing environment
• Exposure to industrial coatings, solvents, blasting media, and cleaning chemicals
• Required use of PPE including respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing