Industrial Painter - Prototyping & Advanced Finishing

Job Description

Position Summary

Empire Group is seeking an experienced Industrial Painter to join our Prototyping & Advanced Finishing team. This is not a traditional production painting role. Our painters support the development of cutting-edge products across aerospace, defense, robotics, medical devices, consumer products, and emerging technologies.

One day you may be color-matching a consumer electronics prototype destined for a product launch. The next, you may be applying specialty coatings to a defense component, aerospace assembly, robotic housing, or medical device enclosure.

This position is ideal for individuals who take pride in craftsmanship, enjoy solving unique challenges, and are passionate about producing exceptional finishes that help bring new products to life.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare prototype and production components through cleaning, sanding, masking, fixturing, and surface preparation.
• Apply primers, paints, clear coats, and specialty coatings using HVLP spray equipment.
• Mix and formulate custom colors using Cromax paint systems and color-matching equipment.
• Support proprietary finishing processes, including Impact Coating™ and other advanced surface treatments.
• Operate curing ovens and assist with post-processing activities.
• Inspect completed parts for color accuracy, finish quality, durability, and overall appearance.
• Work closely with model makers, machinists, additive manufacturing technicians, and project managers to meet customer expectations and project deadlines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following all applicable safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial, automotive, aerospace, marine, prototype, or specialty coating environments.
• Strong understanding of HVLP spray equipment, paint application techniques, and surface preparation methods.
• Experience mixing custom colors and working with paint formulation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret finish specifications, CMF documentation, and customer requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality finishes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn new finishing technologies.

What Makes This Role Different

Unlike traditional production painting environments, Empire Group focuses on high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and advanced prototyping. Projects move quickly, designs evolve, and every day brings something new.

Successful painters enjoy variety, thrive on problem-solving, and take ownership of their work from start to finish. Many of the products you help create will be showcased at trade shows, customer demonstrations, investor presentations, product launches, and mission-critical field applications.

This is a craftsmanship-focused position where quality, appearance, and attention to detail are prioritized over production volume.

About Empire Group

Founded in 1999, Empire Group provides advanced prototyping and low-volume manufacturing services to customers in aerospace, defense, medical, robotics, consumer products, and emerging technology markets. Our capabilities include additive manufacturing, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, advanced finishing, assembly, and inspection all under one roof.

If you're passionate about creating exceptional finishes and want to work on some of the most innovative products being developed today, we'd love to hear from you.

"Compensation: $28–$40/hr based on experience"