Metal Prep Wash Technician 1st Shift

1st Shift Metal Finishing Prep – Wash Technician

Technique is looking for a 1st Shift Metal Finishing Prep – Wash Technician to join our team at our Jackson, Michigan facility. This position reports to the Manufacturing Manager in the Technique weld and assembly plant. This role is focused on washing, cleaning, and preparing metal surfaces to the highest quality standards, including operating parts wash stations and pressure washing equipment, blueprint reading, general assembly, and operating equipment such as laser etchers, leak test machines, and robotic welders.

The employee will ensure all parts are clean, contaminant-free, and meet A-class surface quality requirements prior to coating and shipment.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience working with wash stations, car washes, or pressure washing equipment, along with demonstrated experience achieving A-class surface quality standards. They are proficient in automotive sanding techniques, defect identification, metal substrate preparation, and weld seam blending. Familiarity with MIL-SPEC or defense/industrial quality standards is a strong plus, along with confidence operating DA sanders, angle grinders, orbital polishers, and hand-sanding blocks at proper speed and pressure.

• Wash Station Operation – Operate parts wash stations and pressure washing equipment to remove oils, cutting fluids, shop dirt, and other contaminants from metal parts prior to finishing and coating; monitor water temperature, pressure, and cleaning solution levels; dry and inspect parts for residue or water spotting; and keep wash equipment clean and in good working order.
• A-Class Surface Finishing – Achieve A-class surface quality standards, including zero visible defects, consistent sheen, and inspection-ready results.
• Automotive Sanding Techniques – Perform dry sanding using progressive grits (80 through 600+), block sanding, and feathering edges on complex contours.
• Defect Identification & Correction – Identify and correct surface defects such as orange peel, runs, sags, pinholes, scratches, and weld splatter prior to finishing.
• Metal Substrate Preparation – Prep bare metal, weld joints, and machined surfaces – including degreasing, phosphate treatment, and scuff prep – prior to coating.
• Weld Seam Blending – Grind, file, and finish weld beads to achieve smooth, seamless transitions that meet visual and dimensional tolerances.
• Masking & Surface Protection – Precision mask critical areas, hardware, and adjacent assemblies to protect finished surfaces during multi-stage prep operations.
• Defense/Industrial Quality Standards – Apply familiarity with MIL-SPEC coating requirements, inspection criteria, and documentation practices common in defense manufacturing environments.
• Power & Hand Tool Proficiency – Operate DA sanders, angle grinders, orbital polishers, files, and hand-sanding blocks with proper speed and pressure control to avoid burn-through.
• General Assembly – Use hand tools (hammer, chisel, scraper, torque wrench, etc.) to complete general assembly tasks and assemble parts to a blueprint.
• Machine Operation – Load and operate laser etch machine, leak-testing machine, and robotic welder; must be capable of learning simple machine operating tasks.
• Forklift Operation – Obtain and maintain forklift license; must be highly proficient at operating a forklift.
• Packing & Shipping – Pack and prepare finished goods for shipment, ensuring all items meet quality standards prior to release.
• Other duties as assigned – Perform tasks as assigned by the Manufacturing Manager.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience working with wash stations, car washes, or pressure washing equipment, including safe handling of cleaning chemicals and high-pressure…