Engineering Technician IV/V – Painter (Ordnance Support)

Job Requirements: Bedford, IN Secret Polygraph None Career Level not specified Salary not specified Join Premium to unlock estimated salaries

Location: On-site at NSWC Crane, IN Employment Type: Full-time Salary: Commensurate with experience. SCA Wage Determination applies. Includes 8% hazard pay premium. Clearance Level Required: Secret. US Citizenship required.

About Us: Tri-County Steel LLC (TCS) is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business located in Bedford, Indiana. We have been a trusted defense contractor supporting our industry and government partners for over 16 years, offering a wide variety of logistics, programmatic, and engineering support services. We pride ourselves on a strong commitment to our clients and a focus on quality and reliability in everything we do. Additionally, we are dedicated to the growth and development of our employees, providing opportunities for advancement and professional growth.

Job Summary: TCS is seeking an experienced Painter to support military coating operations at NSWC Crane. The successful candidate will apply a variety of coating systems - including primers, topcoats, and specialty military finishes - with demonstrated proficiency and minimal supervision. This is not a learn-on-the-job role; we are looking for an experienced professional who can contribute immediately, assist in guiding junior staff, and operate effectively within a safety-sensitive, compliance-driven environment. Passing a DOT physical, pre-employment drug screening, and participation in a random drug testing program are mandatory. A Secret clearance is required for this position.

Essential Functions: Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty military coatings in accordance with project specifications, applicable standards, and quality control requirements. Perform surface preparation including cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming prior to coating application. Mix and prepare coatings per manufacturer specifications and project requirements. Set up, operate, adjust, and perform routine maintenance on paint room equipment including HVLP sprayers, mixers, and ventilation systems. Read and interpret technical drawings and work instructions to ensure accurate execution. Use precision measuring equipment (e.g., calipers, mil thickness gauges) to verify coating quality and compliance. Inspect finished surfaces for quality assurance; identify and troubleshoot application issues and perform rework as necessary. Maintain a clean, organized, and safety-compliant work area at all times. Assist and mentor junior-level staff, providing hands-on guidance to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards. Support ordnance-related activities in accordance with explosive safety policies and site-specific procedures. Assist in basic testing, data collection, and maintenance of documentation as required.

Experience and Skills: Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience in industrial, automotive, or military-grade painting applications; real-world body shop or depot-level experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated proficiency with HVLP and other paint spraying systems in a booth environment. Proven ability to mix and apply coatings in accordance with manufacturer specifications and rework coating system standards. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and written work instructions. Familiarity with precision measuring equipment, including calipers and mil thickness gauges. Strong mechanical aptitude with experience maintaining paint room equipment. High attention to detail; neat, precise execution with consistent, verifiable results. Comfortable with PPE requirements including forced air respiration systems. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high-safety, compliance-driven environment. Experience assisting or mentoring junior staff in a production or technical environment

Desired Qualifications: Industry-recognized certification in industrial coatings, painting systems, or similar (not required per TI, but preferred).Prior experience in ordnance, depot, or military support environments. Familiarity with CARC coatings and military coating system specifications. Understanding of explosive safety and hazard protocols.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to pass a DOT medical exam. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and participate in a random drug testing program. Must be able to wear full PPE including respirators. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in paint booth environments for extended periods.

Travel: None expected.

Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits, including life, health, dental, vision, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD) coverage for eligible employees and family members.401(K) Plan with company match.12 paid holidays. Paid time off (PTO).Competitive salaries.

Application Process: We invite resumes from all interested parties. Part of the hiring process please follow the link below for a quick survey https://surveys.cultureindex.com/i/a1ZnAQO9VBgvnA group id: 91159911