What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrostatic Liquid Painter - New Position position at Yoder Smokers?
Electrostatic Liquid Painter
At Yoder Smokers, we build competition grade BBQ pits and trailers that stand up to real-world use. We’re adding an Electrostatic Liquid Painter to apply solvent finishes on fabricated steel components and assemblies. This role owns prep, mixing, application, curing, and inspection to hit our quality and throughput goals.
Department: Coatings / Finishing
Reports to: Finishing Supervisor
Schedule: 1st shift
Location: 1816 E Wasp Rd, Hutchinson, KS 67501
FLSA: Nonexempt
Key responsibilities
- Surface prep: clean, abrade, and mask parts; verify ground continuity; rack/fixture to minimize Faraday areas.
- Mix & viscosity control: read TDS; catalyze/reduce; measure with Zahn/Ford cup; track pot life; label batches.
- Electrostatic application: set air/fluid pressures, and fan pattern; adjust for geometry and wraparound; minimize over spray.
- Film build & appearance: target WFT/DFT using wet gauges and DFT meters; hit gloss/DOI and color tolerance.
- Curing: load/unload ovens; follow bake/flash schedules.
- Quality checks: in-process inspections; document defects (runs, orange peel, pinholes, FOD) and drive rework reduction.
- Maintenance/5S: daily gun tear-down, electrode care, booth filter changes, pump/line checks; keep a clean, organized booth.
- Safety & compliance: respirator use; handle flammables per SDS; maintain booth housekeeping; manage waste per shop procedures.
- Documentation: escalate out of spec conditions promptly.
- Teamwork: coordinate with Prep, Masking, QC, and Scheduling to meet takt time and ship dates.
Minimum qualifications
- 2–3 years liquid spray painting; 6–12 months with electrostatic equipment (cup or bell).
- Understanding of HVLP/air assist airless, grounding/wrap around effects, and Faraday mitigation.
- Measurement: WFT gauges, magnetic/eddy current DFT meters; basic gloss and color checks.
- Safety: respirator fit ready; comfortable working with flammables/isocyanates in a booth environment.
- Physical: stand/stoop/lift up to 50 lb; reach overhead; work in PPE for 8–10 hour shifts.
Preferred qualifications
- OEM or job shop experience in industrial coatings.
- Hands on with epoxy, urethane, acrylic, and high temp finishes; adhesion/corrosion testing exposure.
- Lean/5S familiarity; history improving first pass yield.
Tools & equipment used
- Electrostatic spray systems (Graco), HVLP guns, pressure pots, proportioners.
- Spray booths/ovens, force-dry units, viscosity cups.
- Test gear: WFT/DFT gauges.
Work environment
Airflow controlled spray booth; moderate noise; routine respirator/PPE use.
EEO & conditions
Yoder Smokers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment contingent on background check, drug screen, and successful respirator medical clearance & fit test.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $24