Engineering Technician IV/V – Painter (Ordnance Support)

**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