Entry Level Computer Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Paint Prep Technician (Multiple Shifts)
Job Description

This entry-level Paint Prep Technician role focuses on preparing a wide variety of products for painting in a high-volume, industrial production environment. You will work with tools and equipment to clean, tape, mask, grind, blast, and hang parts, ensuring smooth, paint-ready surfaces that meet precise specifications and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all products and components for painting by taping, masking, priming, washing, grinding, blasting, and hanging parts as required.
• Grind welds and surfaces to create smooth, uniform finishes suitable for paint application.
• Set up and use paint prep equipment, including paint booths, blasting equipment, and related tools, according to work instructions and safety guidelines.
• Read and interpret job specifications, blueprints, and work orders to determine required prep work, machine adjustments, and process steps.
• Use measuring devices and a tape measure accurately to verify dimensions and ensure products meet specifications before painting.
• Operate and rotate between multiple machines, jigs, and workstations within the job area to support production schedules and team needs.
• Manually move products and materials up to 50 lbs through lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and positioning parts for prep and painting.
• Use overhead hoists and pallet jacks to move heavier items, including pushing and pulling loads up to 100 lbs as needed.
• Perform basic computer data entry to record work performed, track jobs, and update production information.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and storage of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Follow all safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to plant safety rules.
• Work in various physical positions, including standing, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders, to access and prep parts in different locations such as dump bodies and elevated areas.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals, adjust to changing priorities, and support continuous improvement efforts.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 months of prior production or manufacturing experience, preferably in a paint prep or similar industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience or strong aptitude for paint preparation activities such as taping, masking, grinding, blasting, washing, and hanging parts.
• Ability to read and interpret job specifications, blueprints, and work instructions to determine required prep work and machine adjustments.
• Proficiency in reading and using a tape measure accurately.
• Ability to perform basic math functions to support measurements and job setup.
• Comfort working with and learning to use overhead lifting devices, overhead hoists, and pallet jacks.
• Ability to manually lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.
• Ability to push and pull up to 100 lbs when using overhead hoists and pallet jacks.
• Capability to stand, kneel, crouch, climb, and work in various physical positions for several hours at a time.
• Ability to work on concrete floors, ladders, and in or around dump bodies and other confined or elevated areas.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate and use a computer for data entry and job tracking.
• Ability to learn and operate multiple machines and jigs within the job area and rotate between tasks as required.
• Comfort working in a heavy industrial environment with exposure to grease, oil, heat, humidity, and occasionally cramped or wet conditions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a paint booth or paint prep area in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Familiarity with grinding, blasting, and washing processes used in surface preparation.
• Experience working in a large factory or plant environment with overhead cranes and heavy equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to achieving smooth, high-quality surfaces prior to painting.
• Willingness to learn new equipment and processes and to adapt to different job assignments within the department.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain consistent quality and safety standards across multiple tasks and shifts.

Why Work Here?

You will join a large, stable operation with long-term military contracts and strong internal mobility, offering clear pathways for advancement and cross-training. The organization supports your growth with a 30-day review and pay increase, followed by quarterly increases until you reach professional pay, then ongoing annual merit increases with no cap. You receive a substantial sign-on bonus, a generous referral bonus, and annual boot reimbursement, along with all required PPE provided at no cost. The schedule emphasizes work-life balance with a Monday–Thursday core schedule and additional Friday opportunities, complemented by multiple shift options to fit different lifestyles. Regular performance reviews, structured pay progression, and internal movement opportunities create an environment where hard work and reliability are consistently recognized and rewarded.

Work Environment

You will work on a large, open factory and plant floor with a heavy industrial atmosphere. The facility includes multiple welding stations, which can result in dimmer lighting in some areas, and large overhead cranes running throughout the building. Ventilation is good, but you will regularly encounter grease, oil, heat, humidity, and occasionally cramped or wet conditions. Most tasks take place on concrete floors, on ladders, or within and around dump bodies and other large structures. The role involves frequent physical activity, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, kneeling, and crouching for extended periods. All required personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided. Multiple shift options are available, including 1st shift, 2nd shift, and a weekend shift, with a core schedule running Monday through Thursday and additional opportunities on Fridays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lake Crystal, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Crystal,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.