Surface Preparation and Packaging Associate

The Role We are hiring a Surface Preparation and Packaging Associate to prepare our architectural castings and fabricated site furnishings for powder coat and to package finished products for shipment. This role covers sandblasting and metal preparation ahead of powder coating, serves as a helper to our Powder Coat team, and handles packaging, crating, and forklift work to keep material moving safely through the facility. You will work closely with Powder Coat, production, and shipping team members, help keep orders accurate and on schedule, and pitch in on other warehouse and production tasks as needed. Responsibilities Operate sandblasting (abrasive blast) equipment to remove scale, rust, casting sand, and contaminants from cast iron, cast aluminum, and fabricated steel parts. Prepare metal surfaces for powder coat, including grinding, deburring, cleaning, degreasing, and masking, so parts meet surface profile and cleanliness requirements. Inspect prepared parts for surface defects and coating readiness, and flag issues to the Powder Coat lead before parts move forward. Assist the Powder Coat team as a PC helper: hang and rack parts, load and unload the curing oven, unrack and inspect coated parts, and help with color changes and booth cleanup. Maintain blast equipment and media, including routine checks, media recovery, and housekeeping in the blast and coating areas. Package and crate finished castings and site furnishings for freight shipment, protecting finished surfaces during transit. Operate a forklift to move heavy parts, materials, and finished goods throughout the facility. Load and unload trucks for incoming materials and outgoing shipments. Prepare shipping documentation, including bills of lading, and coordinate with freight carriers. Assist with receiving and put-away of incoming materials. Support general warehouse and production tasks as needed. Maintain a safe, organized work area and follow all safety procedures, including proper use of respirators, blast hoods, and other required PPE. Required Qualifications Hands-on experience operating a forklift in a warehouse, manufacturing, or shipping environment. Experience with shipping, freight, or logistics processes. Ability to regularly lift and move heavy parts and materials, up to 50 lbs unassisted and heavier with equipment or a team lift. High school diploma or equivalent. Strong attention to detail and reliability. Ability to work well within a team and take on a variety of tasks. Preferred Qualifications Experience with sandblasting, abrasive blasting, or metal surface preparation. Experience in a powder coating or industrial finishing environment. Forklift operator certification. Urban Accessories provides OSHA-compliant site certification for qualified candidates who do not yet hold one. Experience with a warehouse management system or ERP, such as Fulcrum. Experience handling large, heavy, or finished goods such as metal castings or fabricated parts. Experience in a make-to-order or custom manufacturing environment. Work Environment and Benefits This is an on-site, physically active role in our Tacoma manufacturing facility. Expect to be standing, walking, and lifting heavy parts throughout the shift. Work in the blast and powder coat areas involves dust, noise, and heat, and requires wearing PPE such as a respirator or blast hood (fit testing provided), hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. Pay: $21.00 - $26.00 per hour Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person

View the full posting and apply