Industrial Lead Painter

Industrial Lead Painter - Located in Wichita, KS

About Midwest Truck Equipment, Inc.

Midwest Truck Equipment, Inc. is a well-established truck equipment company specializing in the sale, installation, service, and repair of truck-mounted equipment. We have been servicing Kansas and the outlying areas for over 30 years! We are a distributor for leading industry manufacturers, including Auto Crane, Henderson, Knapheide, Liftmoore, Tommy Gate, Western Products, and many more. With our ever-expanding customer base, we are looking for highly motivated individuals to join our team so we can continue to serve our customers with the quality and timeliness they depend on.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Industrial Lead Painter to prepare, paint, and finish truck bodies and equipment components while overseeing daily paint department operations. This role ensures high-quality, durable finishes and an efficient workflow, including managing materials, inventory, and equipment within the paint area.

Key Responsibilities

Department & Quality Management

• Oversee daily operations of the paint department and paint booth.
• Coordinate with fabrication and installation teams to meet production deadlines.
• Inspect work to identify and correct defects (e.g., runs, sags, uneven coverage) and perform touch-ups or rework as needed.
• Manage inventory of paint, coatings, and supplies; coordinate with vendors to order materials ensuring cost efficiency and availability.
• Assist and cooperate with other personnel in vehicle repair and prepping.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Surface Preparation & Painting Operations

• Prepare truck bodies, parts, and equipment by cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming surfaces.
• Select, mix, and apply paint, coatings, and finishes according to manufacturer specifications using appropriate equipment.
• Read blueprints and interpret project specifications.

Equipment & Safety Compliance

• Maintain paint equipment, tools, and work areas in a clean, operational condition.
• Ensure proper maintenance and operation of paint booth systems and ventilation equipment.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and OSHA regulations, including laws pertaining to paint, thinners, and hazardous materials; report any deviations to management.
• Properly wear and maintain all required PPE, including a respirator, as recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Professional Experience & Expertise

• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of industry-specific painting experience.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of color theory, application techniques, and proper operation of all paint booth equipment.
• Planning: Proven experience scheduling and forecasting paint and supply needs.
• Equipment: Forklift operating experience required.
• Bonus Skills: Background in welding or structural building is a plus.

General Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand, walk, lift, and move throughout the workday.
• Soft Skills: Excellent attention to detail, strong work ethic, reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and a collaborative attitude.

Midwest Truck Equipment, Inc. has been servicing Kansas and outlying areas for over 31 years and counting! We are a distributor for some of the leading manufacturers of truck equipment today such as Auto Crane, Henderson, Knapheide, Liftmoore, and Western Products. With our ever-expanding customer base, we are looking for highly motived individuals to join our team.