Material Finishing Associate

Palmer Industries is a small, independently owned metal furniture manufacturer. Our products are architectural in nature, of very high quality, and appeal to a designer market. Palmer’s products are sold via a national network of upscale bath and kitchen dealers, as well as directly to the designer trade and hospitality segments. As a member of our team, you will serve an essential and integral role in our business model and operations.

Overview:

Palmer Industries, a leader in custom brass and architectural metalwork for over 30 years, is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Brass Polisher & Spray Booth Technician to join our Finishing Department. This highly hands-on role is essential to achieving our signature finishes. You will be responsible for delivering both polished and satin finishes, executing advanced spray applications such as lacquer and polymer ceramic thin film coatings, and performing critical surface preparation techniques including sandblasting and sanding. The role also includes use of automatic finishing equipment and manual hand tools for a wide variety of components.

This position may also support related operations including bender setup, brazing, grinding, and CNC processes as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Brass Polishing & Surface Finishing

- Polish and satin-finish brass components using manual techniques and automatic machines.

- Perform hand and machine sanding to prepare and refine surfaces before and after finishing.

- Conduct sandblasting and other surface preparation techniques to ensure ideal substrate conditions.

- Inspect parts for defects such as scratches, pitting, and blemishes and ensure adherence to Palmer’s premium quality standards.

Spray Booth Operation & Coating Application

- Set up and operate HVLP spray guns and booth systems for applying lacquer and polymer ceramic thin film coatings (e.g., Cerakote).

- Ensure consistent tone, gloss, texture, and film thickness across a variety of metal components.

- Detect and correct coating issues such as orange peel, fisheyes, runs, or uneven coverage.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

- Operate and maintain automatic polishing and sanding machinery, as well as manual hand tools.

- Perform cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting of spray, sanding, and polishing equipment.

- Monitor equipment condition and report any mechanical or safety issues.

Collaborative Production Support

- Coordinate with Production and Engineering teams to ensure finish requirements align with project specifications.

- Contribute to continuous improvement by offering feedback on processes, tools, and workflow enhancements.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

- Support additional operations such as bender setup, brazing, grinding, and CNC machining as needed.

- Perform other duties as assigned by management to support production goals and operational needs.

Qualifications:

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- 3–5 years of experience in brass finishing, auto body refinishing, or custom metal fabrication preferred.

- Strong skill in polished and satin finishes, sanding (both hand and machine), and surface prep techniques including sandblasting.

- Experience operating HVLP spray systems and applying polymer ceramic thin film coatings.

- Ability to operate and maintain automatic finishing equipment and hand tools.

- Ability to read shop drawings and match visual finish samples.

- Detail-oriented, dependable, and capable of maintaining high standards under tight deadlines.

- Physically able to lift heavy parts, stand for long periods, and perform repetitive tasks.

Compensation based on experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. However, on some instances this job may require work in areas where ear protection is necessary.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person