Surface Pattern Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Sander/Grinder Operator - 2nd Shift

Shift: 2nd Shift; 3:30pm-2:00am or 4:00pm-2:30am Mon-Thurs

(Will train on 1st shift 5:00am-4:30pm Mon-Thurs)

Pay: $19/hr ($17+$2 shift differential)

Location: Ocala, FL (34474)

Job Description

The 2nd Shift Finisher prepares large, custom, special-purpose vehicle components for welding, assembly, and paint by performing detailed sanding, grinding, surface repair, and finishing work according to specifications. This role uses hand and power tools to remove imperfections, correct defects, and achieve required cosmetic and structural standards while following established processes, prints, and shop documentation.

Responsibilities

• Sand and grind parts or bevel edges in preparation for welding, ensuring surfaces meet required specifications.
• Feather, flute, flat and level grind surfaces, and remove sharp corners or stress areas that could lead to fatigue fractures.
• Work from process sheets, shop orders, blueprints, schematics, schedules, pick-lists, and written or verbal instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately.
• Blow off and wipe down components or units to remove grit, grease, and other foreign materials before further processing.
• Inspect cabs, bodies, and component structures for visible defects such as dents, rough weld beads, fractures, undulations, wavy surfaces, and similar conditions.
• Repair surface defects by applying fillers, filing, or sanding to achieve required surface finish and cosmetic standards.
• Apply primer over corrected areas and exposed aluminum surfaces as required by the process.
• Wire brush welds to remove smoke and residue, grind and remove excess weld beads, and smooth weld areas to meet cosmetic criteria and specifications.
• Recognize and report weld defects such as fractures, voids, porosity, and distortion to the appropriate personnel.
• Identify part surfaces requiring smooth finishes, then sand, apply polishing compounds, and buff as needed to achieve the required appearance.
• Select and change grades of abrasives or compounds to suit specific finishing requirements and achieve the desired surface condition.
• Finish surfaces of parts either to prepare them for future processing or as a final process, including cleaning, buffing tread plates, and removing scratches from non-painted surfaces.
• Remove doors or other components as needed, place them on work stands or fixtures, and install hinges and backup bars to mount them correctly.
• Flat-sand specified pieces, adjusting pressure and technique to create a symmetrical, visually consistent pattern across the surface.
• Use grinders, sanders, hand tools, and paint preparation tools safely and effectively to complete finishing tasks.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and use a tape measure accurately to 1/16 of an inch.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints and schematics.
• Experience working from shop orders, process sheets, and related production documentation.
• Hands-on experience using grinders, sanders, and other finishing tools in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Ability to perform sanding, grinding, paint preparation, and finishing tasks on metal components.
• Skill in using hand and powered tools, including sanders, grinders, files, and related equipment.
• Capability to inspect surfaces and welds to identify dents, rough welds, fractures, undulations, and cosmetic defects.
• Strong attention to detail to achieve consistent, high-quality surface finishes and cosmetic standards.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and support coworkers as needed.
• Willingness and ability to learn new processes, tools, and techniques related to finishing and fabrication.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic in a production environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with paint preparation, including priming and surface cleaning, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with using spraying equipment for primers or related coatings is a plus.
• Experience operating forklifts, fixtures, and material handling equipment is advantageous.
• Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures and squares accurately in daily work.
• Comfort working with aluminum and other metals, including buffing and polishing to cosmetic standards.
• Previous experience in an open-air or heavy manufacturing environment is helpful.
• Interest in progressing through defined skill levels, with a focus on continuous improvement and advancement.

Why Work Here?

You join a workplace that invests in your growth and well-being through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a 401(k) plan to support your long-term financial goals. You can advance through a clear progression from Level 1 to Level 2, Level 3, and ultimately to a Master-level role, with pay increases at each step based on your skills and performance. You receive a yearly voucher toward steel or composite safety shoes, enjoy free coffee, and have access to a breakroom with a market area for added convenience. The schedule follows a four-day workweek on second shift, offering a focused work pattern with voluntary overtime opportunities. Multiple facilities in the local area create additional paths for growth, mobility, and long-term career development.

Work Environment

This role is based in an open-air manufacturing facility where temperatures vary with the seasons, being hot during the summer and cold during the winter. The position operates on 2nd shift, typically Monday through Thursday, from approximately 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. or 2:30 a.m. Overtime is always voluntary but commonly available, often on Fridays and/or Saturdays from around 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with occasional opportunities to stay late during the week. You regularly work with hand and powered tools, spraying equipment, forklifts, fixtures, sanders, grinders, tape measures, squares, and files in a busy production environment. Appropriate work attire includes suitable clothing for a manufacturing setting and safety footwear, supported by an annual voucher for steel or composite shoes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ocala, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $16.50 - $21.50/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 Ocala,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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.