Painter Lead - 1st Shift

About Us

Panelmatic, Inc. was founded in 1957 in Youngstown, OH to serve manufacturing industries with the design and build of custom electrical, instrument, and pneumatic control panels. Our business has grown over the years to support expansion for our clients. We have produced control packages for many of America's top corporations in the chemical, environmental, food, pulp and paper, rubber, petroleum, pharmaceutical, glass, metals, and utilities industries. We also deliver equipment for use worldwide. Our rigorous methodology assures compliance with domestic and international standards. We can meet the needs of our diverse clientele from start to finish through sales, design, fabrication, testing, and delivery. Since 1957, we have been known for our high-quality, custom-built control packages, comprehensive service, and technological and manufacturing expertise.

About the Role

Panelmatic is seeking an experienced Painter Lead to support daily operations within our Paint Department. The Paint Lead will provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and support to paint team members while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards. This role will assist with coordinating daily workflow, training team members, troubleshooting paint application issues, and ensuring finished products meet customer specifications. The ideal candidate will have strong industrial painting experience, attention to detail, and the ability to lead by example in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily direction and support to painters to ensure production goals and quality standards are achieved
• Assist with organizing workflow, prioritizing jobs, and communicating production needs to the Paint Supervisor/Manager
• Train and mentor new and existing employees on proper painting techniques, safety procedures, and department processes
• Perform surface preparation including cleaning, sanding, grinding, masking, stripping, and repairing surfaces prior to painting
• Set up and operate spray equipment to apply primer, paint, lacquer, sealer, enamel, and protective coatings
• Mix paints and coatings according to specifications while maintaining proper viscosity, color, and consistency
• Review work instructions, drawings, and specifications to verify correct colors, finishes, and coating requirements
• Inspect completed work for quality, consistency, and adherence to customer requirements
• Identify paint defects and assist with corrective actions, including sanding, blending, and refinishing
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and use of paints, chemicals, and painting supplies
• Assist with maintaining paint equipment, spray guns, tools, and work areas
• Promote safe work practices, including proper PPE use, ventilation requirements, and hazardous material handling
• Support continuous improvement efforts to increase efficiency, quality, and department performance
• Communicate production issues, material shortages, and quality concerns to leadership
• Operate lifting and moving equipment as needed to safely position materials and access work areas
• Perform hands-on painting duties while supporting team productivity
• Work in enclosed spaces and areas with extreme heat, dust, and paint fumes as required

Requirements

• 3+ years of industrial painting experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong knowledge of paint preparation, mixing, spraying, and finishing techniques
• Experience operating spray guns and other painting equipment
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, work instructions, and paint specifications
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality workmanship
• Ability to troubleshoot painting issues and recommend solutions
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and support to team members
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous lead, trainer, or senior painter experience
• Experience painting metal components, electrical control panels, or industrial equipment
• Knowledge of industrial coatings, epoxy paints, primers, and protective finishes
• Experience in a custom manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with quality inspection processes and production documentation

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA, term life, AD&D, STD, LTD
• 100% medical premium paid for by Panelmatic for the employee-only level medical coverage
• 80% paid for by Panelmatic and 20% paid by the employee on all other level medical coverage (e.g., employee plus child, employee plus spouse, family)
• 401K, profit sharing, and ESOP contributions
• Scholarships, educational reimbursement, paid volunteerism, and paid personal and professional development
• PTO and paid holidays
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive wages
• Family-friendly environment with average employee tenure above five years