Painter

About the role

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You. Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands-on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing. That means when you join Keel, you’re joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real-world results. We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces for painting by cleaning, sanding, scraping, and repairing as needed.
• Mix and apply paints, coatings, and finishes according to specifications.
• Operate spray-painting equipment, brushes, rollers, and related tools.
• Perform industrial painting on metal products, machinery, boats, ships, and manufactured items.
• Adjust spray equipment to achieve proper coverage and finish quality.
• Inspect finished work and perform touch-ups as required.
• Clean and maintain painting equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Follow safety procedures and quality standards.
• Plan and complete assigned work with minimal supervision.
• Utilize advanced industrial painting knowledge and techniques to complete complex painting projects.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred; may require completion of an apprenticeship or formal training in industrial painting or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in industrial painting or a related trade.
• Advanced knowledge of painting techniques, surface preparation, coating application, and spray-painting equipment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Advanced industrial painting and surface preparation skills.
• Proficiency in operating spray guns, brushes, rollers, and related painting equipment.
• Knowledge of paints, coatings, solvents, and finishing techniques.
• Ability to mix and match paint colors and finishes.
• Experience using air hoses, spray-painting systems, and sanding equipment.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, specifications, and safety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Ability to identify and correct painting defects or surface imperfections.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to safely handle painting materials, equipment, and tools.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Physical requirements: may be required to stand, walk, sit, reach/pull/push with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel regularly; may lift or carry up to 50 lbs (weights exceeding 50 lbs require mechanical means).

Skills

• Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
• Embody Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Execute with Excellence and Velocity

Ben