Painter Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Painter Helper
Job Description

Support with surface preparation on bus bodies, panels, frames, and components, including cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming. Assist in applying industrial coatings, primers, and topcoats using spray equipment and hand tools under supervision. Follow work instructions, paint specifications, color codes, and production schedules. Support painting of large-scale assemblies such as bus shells, roof sections, doors, and structural components. Inspect painted surfaces for basic defects including runs, dry spray, fisheyes, and incomplete coverage. Touch up minor paint imperfections as directed. Maintain cleanliness of paint booths, mixing rooms, and surrounding work areas. Properly mix, label, handle, and store paint materials per manufacturer and company guidelines. Comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support surface preparation on bus bodies, panels, frames, and components.
• Assist in applying industrial coatings, primers, and topcoats under supervision.
• Follow detailed work instructions, paint specifications, color codes, and production schedules.
• Support painting of large-scale assemblies such as bus shells, roof sections, doors, and structural components.
• Inspect painted surfaces for defects and touch up imperfections as directed.
• Maintain cleanliness of paint booths, mixing rooms, and surrounding work areas.
• Properly mix, label, handle, and store paint materials.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist senior painters and support continuous production flow.
• Report equipment malfunctions, material issues, or safety concerns.

Essential Skills

• General labor and painting skills.
• Experience with auto body work and hand tools.
• Knowledge of industrial painting, paint prep, and spray gun operation.
• Experience with sanding, industrial paint, paint sprayer, and powder coating.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Safety awareness in an industrial environment.
• Time management and ability to meet production deadlines.
• 1-2 years of experience in preparation, painting, and finishing.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Comfortable working at heights using platforms or ladders (with training).
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and handle large panels or components.
• Willingness to accept coaching and on-the-job training.
• Entry-level position; prior industrial or automotive painting experience is a plus.
• Team-oriented with a strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work in paint booths and production areas while wearing full PPE.
• Willingness to learn industrial paint systems used in heavy vehicle manufacturing.

Why Work Here?

Work in a supportive environment that values teamwork and continuous improvement. Benefit from opportunities for on-the-job training and skill development. Be part of a team that prioritizes safety and quality, offering a strong foundation for career growth.

Work Environment

Frequent use of hands and fingers for tasks such as welding, grinding, and assembly. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 40 lbs, with assistance for heavier items. Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods during shifts. Requires hand-eye coordination and good visual acuity for inspecting and reading drawings. Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, fumes, and varying temperatures. Use of personal protective equipment, including welding helmet, gloves, and protective clothing, is required. Safety hazards include exposure to sparks, molten metal, and moving machinery, necessitating strict adherence to safety procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Riverside, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.50 - $26.00/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 Riverside,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

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.