Coatings & Blasting Lead

The role

The Coatings & Blasting Lead is a working lead position directing daily operations within the coatings and surface preparation department. This person manages a crew of blasters and painters at the Riggs Fabrication Shop to ensure work meets project specifications and SSPC standards.

What you will do

• Direct and coordinate daily activities of the coatings and blasting crew
• Train and mentor coatings and blasting technicians
• Monitor crew performance and provide real-time feedback
• Conduct and document pre-shift safety meetings and job hazard analyses
• Perform and oversee abrasive blasting operations to SSPC standards
• Apply and direct the application of industrial protective coatings
• Read and interpret coating manufacturer product data sheets and project specifications
• Conduct and document wet film thickness and dry film thickness inspections
• Oversee surface preparation including power tool cleaning and solvent wiping
• Manage abrasive media inventory and coating material staging

Required qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in industrial abrasive blasting and protective coatings application in a fabrication shop, industrial plant, or construction environment
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a lead, foreman, or supervisory capacity directing a coatings or blasting crew
• Demonstrated working knowledge of SSPC surface preparation standards (SP 6, SP 10, SP 5) and industrial coating system requirements
• Ability to read and interpret coating product data sheets, safety data sheets, and project coating specifications independently
• Proficiency operating airless spray, HVLP, and plural-component coating equipment
• Experience performing and documenting DFT and WFT inspections using calibrated gauges
• Must be able to pass a supplied-air respirator fit test and medical evaluation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions including confined spaces, elevated platforms, and environments with heat, noise, and chemical exposure

Nice to have

• SSPC/AMPP Coating Inspector Level 1 (C-1) or NACE CIP Level 1 certification
• Experience with zinc-rich primer systems, high-build epoxy, and industrial polyurethane topcoat systems
• Familiarity with Graco or equivalent plural-component proportioning equipment
• Experience in a structural steel fabrication environment
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 General Industry certification
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay
• Life and disability insurance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

About the company

Loenbro is a construction lifecycle partner providing services including Critical Electrical, Mechanical & Structural, Soft Crafts, Inspection, Underground Maintenance and Installation, and Fabrication. They have a national presence with a local approach.