Sandblast Operator

Job Title: Sandblast Operator

Job Description

The Sandblast Operator prepares metal trailers and parts for painting by performing detailed surface preparation using air-powered sandblasting equipment, grinders, needle guns, and other hand and power tools. This role focuses on ensuring all surfaces are clean, smooth, and free of defects prior to paint application, while also identifying and marking weld and quality issues. The position works on 1st shift in a fabrication shop environment and may include operating a forklift to move materials within the shop when needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform paint preparation duties on trailers and parts using air-powered sandblasting equipment, grinders, needle guns, and other hand and power tools.
• Remove weld spatter, excess weld material, sharp edges, and other surface imperfections to ensure parts are fully prepared for paint application.
• Inspect each item thoroughly to identify mis-welds and other quality defects on trailers and components.
• Mark and communicate weld and quality issues clearly so they can be corrected before painting.
• Use sandblasting techniques to clean and profile surfaces according to shop standards and paint requirements.
• Carry out prepping and sanding tasks to achieve a smooth, consistent finish on all assigned parts.
• Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, safety glasses, safety boots with metatarsal guards, face shield, and respirator when needed.
• Operate a forklift, when required, to move trailers, parts, and materials safely around the shop.
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working order and report any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Work collaboratively with welders and other shop personnel to support production schedules and team goals.
• Keep the work area organized, clean, and free of hazards to support a safe and efficient fabrication environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of grinding and prepping experience in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience with sandblasting in a production or fabrication environment.
• Proficiency using power tools such as grinders, needle guns, and other hand and power tools for surface preparation.
• Ability to perform detailed paint prep, including sanding and cleaning surfaces to required standards.
• Skill in identifying weld spatter, excess welds, sharp edges, and other surface defects and addressing them appropriately.
• Capability to inspect parts and trailers and mark mis-welds and quality defects accurately.
• Comfort working in a fabrication shop environment with heavy equipment and production processes.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and consistently wearing required PPE, including hearing protection, safety glasses, safety boots with metatarsal guards, face shield, and respirator when needed.
• Basic ability to operate a forklift or willingness to learn forklift operation for material movement in the shop.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience reading blueprints to understand weld locations, part specifications, and quality requirements.
• Experience in production or manufacturing environments with established workflows and output targets.
• Familiarity with trailer or chassis fabrication processes and working alongside welders.
• Attention to detail and strong quality focus when inspecting and preparing surfaces.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy fabrication shop.
• Willingness to adapt to changing production needs and support various prep tasks as required.

Why Work Here?

You will join a fabrication shop that is actively building a culture centered on hard work, pride in craftsmanship, and team collaboration. The environment is laid back and supportive, with music playing and coworkers working together to accomplish shared goals. You become part of a sizable operation with over 100 team members, offering opportunities to contribute meaningfully, learn from experienced tradespeople, and grow your skills in a production setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a laid-back fabrication shop environment where music is played and team members work closely together to build chassis and trailers. The company operates with a team-oriented culture, with welders working in pairs and a total workforce of over 100 people. Work takes place on 1st shift in a production-focused setting that involves heavy equipment, sandblasting operations, and metal fabrication processes. Personal protective equipment is required, including hearing protection, safety glasses, safety boots with metatarsal guards, a face shield, and a respirator when necessary, reflecting a strong emphasis on safety in the shop.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgman, MI.

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $19.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Bridgman,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.