Material Prep Technician - 1st Shift

Job summary

The Material Prep Technician is responsible for grinding, sanding, and cleaning aluminum and steel parts to ensure optimal powder coating adhesion. They must also inspect materials for imperfections and maintain a clean, organized work area according to 5S standards.

Job details

APX is an industry leader in metal manufacturing of enclosures, custom fabrication, machining and industrial coatings. We are recognized for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team of professionals, we are poised for growth and seeking individuals that want to be a part of telling our story. JOB DESCRIPTION APX is seeking a Material Prep Technician responsible for preparing aluminum and steel parts for powder coating. This role focuses on grinding, sanding, and cleaning surfaces to ensure optimal coating adhesion and a professional finish. The position is critical in maintaining APX’s high standards for product quality and appearance. RESPONSIBILITIES Use handheld grinders, sanders, and other tools to smooth welds, remove sharp edges, and prep surfaces on aluminum and mild steel parts. Inspect materials for surface imperfections, burrs, or contaminants and correct as needed. Clean parts using air hoses, wash bays, cloths, and solvents to remove dust, oil, or debris. Communicate with fabrication, paint, and quality control teams to ensure proper prep standards are met. Maintain and clean grinding equipment and tools regularly. Adhere to company safety procedures and wear proper PPE at all times. Assist with general material handling and staging of parts for painting or further processing. Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S standards. QUALIFICATIONS Experience or comfort using grinders, sanders, and hand tools. Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship. Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with team members. Knowledge of or willingness to learn proper surface prep techniques for powder coating. Physical capability to handle, lift, and clean parts safely. Commitment to workplace safety and proper use of PPE. BENEFIT OFFERINGS Competitive Compensation Package including healthcare, dental and supplementary insurance, 401K, vacation and holiday pay.

What you’ll do

The Material Prep Technician is responsible for grinding, sanding, and cleaning aluminum and steel parts to ensure optimal powder coating adhesion. They must also inspect materials for imperfections and maintain a clean, organized work area according to 5S standards.

Requirements

Candidates should have experience or comfort using grinders, sanders, and various hand tools. The role requires physical capability to handle parts and a strong commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.

Benefits

• Healthcare
• Dental insurance
• Supplementary insurance
• 401k
• Vacation pay
• Holiday pay

Listed skills

• safety procedures · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Quality Control · Preferred
• Material Handling · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Grinding
• Sanding
• Surface preparation
• Metal fabrication
• Powder coating preparation
• Hand tools
• Quality control
• Safety procedures
• PPE usage
• Material handling
• 5S standards
• Attention to detail
• Hand Tools
• Inventory Staging
• Willingness To Learn
• Safety Procedures
• Customer Service
• Metal Coating
• Communication
• Fabrication
• Oil and Gas
• Grinding Machine
• Innovation
• Machining
• Material Handling
• Carbon Steel
• Painting
• Powder Coating
• Product Quality (QA/QC)
• Workplace Safety
• Aluminum
• Quality Control
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Manufacturing
• Trades
• Engineering
• Prep Technician
• Finisher / Polisher / Buffer
• Cement, Stone and Other Mineral Products Machine Operators
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand