Marine Painter - Abrasive Blaster (Contingent)

**This position is being posted in anticipation of a potential contract award. Employment is contingent upon contract award and funding availability. AMP United, LLC is accepting applications to develop a qualified candidate pool for future consideration.

Company Overview

AMP United is a TURNKEY industrial preservation contractor specializing in large-scale surface preparation, coating application, containment, and scaffolding across the U.S. With personnel strategically located in Virginia, California, Washington, New Hampshire, and Hawaii, AMP United provides ship and industrial preservation services in support of NAVSEA, MARMC, SWRMC, and other DoD customers.

Learn more at www.ampunited.com

Position Summary

The Marine Painter – Abrasive Blaster performs surface-preparation operations in accordance with NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 (Coating Processes and Procedures), applicable contract specifications, and environmental/safety standards.

This position supports preservation and repair projects aboard U.S. Navy surface ships, submarines, and industrial facilities at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare steel and metal substrates by abrasive blasting, ultra-high-pressure (UHP) water jetting, or other approved methods to remove corrosion, coatings, oil, grease, and contaminants.
• Select, mix, and control blast media (e.g., garnet, slag, steel grit) per specification and environmental requirements.
• Set up, operate, and maintain blast pots, air hoses, nozzles, and dust-collection systems.
• Mask or protect adjacent surfaces, equipment, and instrumentation from overspray or blast damage.
• Verify surface cleanliness and profile using comparators, surface gauges, and visual standards (SSPC/NACE SP 10 or equivalent).
• Assist with coating and painting operations as directed, including non-skid applications and stripe coats.
• Support containment erection, ventilation setup, and environmental controls to maintain negative pressure and capture efficiency.
• Comply with NAVSEA, OSHA, EPA, and AMP United safety procedures during all blasting and coating operations.
• Ensure blast equipment and PPE are inspected daily and maintained in safe working conditions.
• Participate in pre-job briefs, toolbox talks, and post-job debriefs with AMP United and NNSY Supervisors.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within assigned blast areas and properly dispose of spend media and debris.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of surface-preparation standards (SSPC, NACE, NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32).
• Ability to operate air compressors, blast pots, hoses, and reclaim systems safely.
• Understanding of surface-profile measurement, cleanliness verification, and QA documentation.
• Familiarity with environmental containment and ventilation practices.
• Ability to interpret verbal and written instructions, job orders, and safety data sheets (SDS).
• Proficient in the proper use and maintenance of PPE (respirators, blast hoods, hearing protection, FR clothing).
• Awareness of OSHA 29 CFR 1915 (Shipyard Employment) requirements for abrasive blasting and confined space work.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to work independently or as part of a team in high-noise, duty environments.

Training and Certification Requirements

Blaster personnel must complete and maintain the following prior to assignment:

• Hazard Communication
• Respiratory Protection
• Fall Protection
• Confined / Enclosed Space Entry
• Lead and Chromium (VI) Awareness
• Fire Watch / Tank Watch
• Shipyard Mandatory Annual Training
• First Aid / CPR certification

Security and Access Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and pass all background, drug, and security checks.
• Must possess or obtain a Secret Clearance.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a formal industrial blasting or coating training preferred (SSPC / NACE certification a plus).
• Minimum of two (2) years verifiable industrial or shipyard experience in surface preparation, abrasive blasting, or UHP water jetting.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items 009-32 and 009-74 preferred.
• Experience in containment setup and environmental control operations beneficial.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and handle blast hoses and equipment for extended periods.
• Prolonged standing, walking, kneeling and reaching in confined or awkward positions.
• Tolerate exposure to noise, vibration, and temperature extremes within confined or ventilated areas.
• Must wear required PPE (blast hood, respirator, hearing protection, FR clothing, gloves, safety shoes, and fall protection gear).
• Must maintain fitness for duty and respirator qualification.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly wage and overtime opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Ongoing training and career development through AMP University.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you understand that you must be a U.S. Citizen and pass all background, drug screenings, and security checks?
• Have you completed a formal industrial blasting or coating training program or equivalent?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• surface prep, blasting, or UHP water jetting: 2 years (Required)
• U.S. Navy vessel: 1 year (Required)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $27