FM Powder Coating Operator

Essential Job Functions

• Automatic Booth & Line Operation
• Operate automatic powder coating booths, guns, and conveyor systems.
• Select and load pre-programmed coating recipes for different part types.
• Adjust basic gun settings (KV, microamps, powder flow, air pressure) within approved limits.
• Maintain correct part spacing, orientation, and racking on the conveyor.
• Identify areas requiring manual touch-up and perform routine color changes, booth blow-downs, and reclaim cleanouts.
• Manual Powder Coating
• Apply powder manually using proper spray-gun techniques.
• Achieve consistent film thickness using gauges and visual inspection.
• Coat complex geometries and address Faraday cage areas.
• Perform touch-ups and blend manual coating with automatic coverage.
• Identify and correct common coating defects such as light coverage, orange peel, or back-ionization.
• Pretreatment & Surface Preparation
• Operate pretreatment washers and verify proper cleaning, rinsing, and chemical stages.
• Perform basic titrations, pH checks, and temperature checks when required.
• Inspect parts for cleanliness, rust, oil, or other contaminants.
• Operate media blasting equipment when needed.
• Oven & Curing Control
• Load and unload parts from curing ovens safely.
• Verify cure schedules and ensure parts reach required time-at-temperature.
• Recognize signs of under-cure or over-cure and report issues promptly.
• Quality Control
• Measure film thickness using DFT gauges.
• Perform basic adhesion or MEK cure tests when required.
• Inspect coated parts for defects such as pinholes, fisheyes, contamination, or excessive build.
• Follow quality standards and document inspection results accurately.
• Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
• Clean and maintain powder guns, nozzles, hoses, pumps, and booth filters.
• Identify poor fluidization, pulsing, or inconsistent powder flow.
• Ensure proper grounding of racks, hooks, and parts.
• Report equipment issues and assist with basic troubleshooting.
• Material Handling & Line Support
• Load and unload parts on the conveyor line.
• Maintain powder inventory at the booth and follow proper storage practices.
• Use FIFO rotation to prevent moisture contamination.
• Organize racks, hooks, and hangers for efficient workflow.
• Documentation & Communication
• Record film thickness, oven temperatures, washer checks, and production counts.
• Follow established SOPs for coating, color changes, and equipment cleaning.
• Communicate quality issues, equipment problems, or material shortages to the lead or supervisor.

Required Skills & Abilities

• 1–3+ years of powder coating experience (automatic or manual).
• Understanding of electrostatic spray principles and curing processes.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, SOPs, and quality standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify coating defects.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with production equipment.
• Ability to stand, lift, bend, and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of workplace safety and quality standards
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, and move throughout the production and warehouse areas
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to work in a manufacturing and distribution environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, forklifts, and varying temperatures
• Ability to visually inspect materials, labels, and production documentation accurately
• Ability to use computers, handheld scanners, and other office or warehouse equipment as needed
• Ability to safely navigate production floors and warehouse environments while following all safety procedures
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or flexible schedules as business needs require