**Job Title: Automotive Painter (Level III)** **Job Description** The Painter Level III is a highly skilled and experienced professional responsible for advanced surface preparation and finishing of buses and bus components. This role requires expert knowledge of industrial coatings, complex paint systems, and quality standards, while serving as a technical resource and mentor for lower-level painters. The Painter Level III ensures all paint work meets appearance, durability, and safety requirements. **Responsibilities** + Perform advanced surface preparation including sanding, masking, priming, and sealing on bus bodies and components. + Apply complex paint systems such as urethane, epoxy, multi-stage, and specialty coatings to buses and subassemblies. + Mix paints and coatings accurately according to manufacturer specifications and production requirements. + Spray large vehicle exteriors and interiors to achieve uniform finish, correct film thickness, and color match. + Inspect completed paint work for defects such as runs, fisheyes, orange peel, and color inconsistencies; perform corrections as needed. + Interpret engineering drawings, paint codes, and work instructions to meet customer and regulatory requirements. + Troubleshoot paint application issues and recommend process improvements. + Maintain paint booths, spray equipment, and tools to ensure proper operation and quality results. **Essential Skills** + 1-2 years of experience on preparation, painting, and finishing of bus bodies, frames, panels, and components. + Ability to follow detailed work instructions and quality standards. + Expert knowledge of spray equipment, paint chemistry, and curing processes. + Ability to consistently produce high-quality finishes on large vehicles. + Strong understanding of safety practices related to paints, solvents, and hazardous materials. + Ability to read and follow technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions. **Additional Skills & Qualifications** + Entry-level position; prior industrial or automotive painting experience is a plus but not required. + Willingness to learn industrial paint systems used in heavy vehicle manufacturing. + Team-oriented with a strong work ethic and reliability. + Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. + Basic mechanical aptitude. + Attention to detail and finish quality. + Safety awareness in an industrial environment. + Time management and ability to meet production deadlines. + Willingness to accept coaching and on-the-job training. **Why Work Here?** Employees enjoy a supportive work environment that fosters growth and development. You will have the opportunity to work alongside skilled professionals who are committed to excellence. The company offers a collaborative culture, emphasizing teamwork and quality craftsmanship. **Work Environment** Frequent use of hands and fingers for welding, grinding, and assembly tasks. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 40 lbs, with occasional lifting of heavier items with assistance. Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and squatting for extended periods during a shift. Hand-eye coordination required for precise welding and fitting operations. Good visual acuity, including color perception and depth perception, necessary for inspecting welds and reading drawings. Ability to hear alarms, signals, and communicate effectively in a noisy environment. Exposure to hot and cold temperatures depending on production area and seasonal conditions. Work performed in moderate to high noise levels; hearing protection may be required. Exposure to welding fumes, dust, and airborne particles; proper respiratory protection and ventilation required. Work performed in well-lit areas, with occasional need for supplemental task lighting. Walking and working on uneven, metal, or grating surfaces; climbing ladders or working at elevated positions may be required. Use of welding helmet, gloves, protective clothing, and other PPE as required by safety standards. Exposure to sparks, molten metal, and moving machinery; strict adherence to safety procedures required. **Job Type & Location** This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Riverside, CA. **Pay and Benefits** The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $33.00/hr. 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) **Workplace Type** This is a fully onsite position in Riverside,CA. **Application Deadline** This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026. **About Aerotek:** 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 meets 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 solving for 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. 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.