Job Summary The Coatings & Blasting Lead is a working lead position responsible for directing daily operations within the coatings and surface preparation department at Riggs Fabrication Shop. This role manages a crew of blasters and painters, ensures work is executed to project specifications and SSPC standards, and serves as the first line of quality control and safety oversight on the shop floor. The Lead reports to the Coatings Superintendent and is expected to set the standard for workmanship, production pace, and safe work practices.

S. Our service offerings include Critical Electrical, Mechanical & Structural, Soft Crafts, Inspection, Underground Maintenance and Installation, and Fabrication, and our vertical market focus spans all industries. Our expertise lies in simplifying the complex, so that our clients gain clarity and control in construction and maintenance.

We do this by taking full ownership on every interaction, delivering multi-scope project excellence, and establishing long-standing relationships with our partners as we enhance and maintain your critical infrastructure.

Benefits

from our capabilities and our care. Through their relationship with us and the One Loenbro model, our customers are able to simplify, control, and succeed in the everyday.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervisory

Direct and coordinate the daily activities of the coatings and blasting crew — assigning tasks, sequencing work, and maintaining production flow in alignment with the shop schedule.

Perform and oversee abrasive blasting operations (open blast and enclosed blast room) to SSPC-SP 6, SP 10, and SP 5 cleanliness levels as required by project specifications.

Requirements

clearly and in a timely manner. Train and mentor coatings and blasting technicians on proper techniques, equipment operation, surface preparation standards, and coating application procedures. Monitor crew performance and provide real-time feedback; escalate performance issues or crew concerns to the Coatings Superintendent .

Ensure the crew is properly equipped and that all required PPE, tools, and materials are staged and available at the start of each shift. Conduct and document pre-shift safety meetings and job hazard analyses (JHAs) for coatings and blasting operations. Support the Coatings Superintendent in tracking labor hours, production output, and material consumption against project budgets.

Read, interpret, and enforce coating manufacturer product data sheets (PDS) and project coating specifications including mixing ratios, pot life, application thickness, cure times, and environmental limits. Conduct and document wet film thickness (WFT) and dry film thickness (DFT) inspections throughout the application process; identify and disposition non-conforming work before it advances. Oversee surface preparation including power tool cleaning, hand tool cleaning, solvent wiping, and masking of machined surfaces, hardware, and weld areas prior to blast and coat.

Coordinate with the QA/QC inspector and Coatings Superintendent on hold points, inspection records, and coating system sign-offs. Troubleshoot coating defects, equipment malfunctions, and application issues; implement corrective actions and communicate findings to supervision. Manage abrasive media inventory, coating material staging, and equipment readiness to minimize downtime between jobs.