Powder Coat Technician

Position Summary

The Powder Coat Technician prepares, coats, cures, and inspects fabricated metal components in accordance with work instructions, customer specifications, and ADVEX quality standards. This position is responsible for surface preparation, masking, racking, powder application, booth and oven operation, cure verification, finish inspection, production documentation, equipment care, and a clean and safe work area.

Key Responsibilities

• Review job travelers, drawings, work instructions, and customer requirements to confirm coating type, color, thickness, masking, and cure requirements.
• Inspect parts before coating and verify surfaces are clean, dry, and suitable for application.
• Prepare components through cleaning, degreasing, washing, abrasive preparation, masking, plugging, and other required pretreatment methods.
• Rack and ground parts to support complete coverage, efficient production flow, and safe handling.
• Set up and operate electrostatic powder coating guns, booths, hoppers, reclaim systems, and curing ovens.
• Adjust voltage, air pressure, powder flow, gun distance, line speed, and related settings to achieve consistent coverage and finish quality.
• Monitor oven temperature and cure time and document production and process data as required.
• Inspect completed parts for film thickness, coverage, color, texture, adhesion, and visible defects.
• Identify and correct defects such as thin coverage, runs, orange peel, contamination, fisheyes, pinholes, and incomplete cure.
• Perform touch-up or rework when permitted by the applicable process and specification.
• Complete color changes and thoroughly clean guns, booths, hoses, hoppers, racks, and surrounding work areas to prevent cross-contamination.
• Perform routine operator maintenance and promptly report equipment, ventilation, grounding, or oven concerns.
• Track powder, masking supplies, filters, hooks, plugs, and other consumables and notify management before materials are depleted.
• Maintain clear and accurate production, inspection, rework, and equipment records.
• Follow safety procedures, use required personal protective equipment, and maintain the area in accordance with 5S standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Tools and Equipment

• Electrostatic powder coating guns and control units
• Powder booths, hoppers, reclaim systems, and curing ovens
• Dry Film Thickness gauges
• Infrared thermometers, pyrometers, and oven temperature recording devices
• Grounding testers and related inspection tools
• Masking tools, plugs, caps, hooks, racks, and material-handling equipment

Qualifications and Skills

• Prior experience in powder coating, industrial painting, metal finishing, or a related manufacturing process is preferred.
• Working knowledge of metal preparation, part grounding, powder application, cure schedules, and common coating defects.
• Ability to read and follow job travelers, written work instructions, drawings, and customer specifications.
• Ability to use coating thickness gauges, temperature monitoring equipment, and basic inspection tools accurately.
• Ability to perform basic equipment setup, cleaning, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality, cleanliness, and finish appearance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a production team while meeting schedule requirements.
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, and personal transportation.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, reach, stoop, and use hands for detailed work.
• Ability to lift and move materials or components weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or lifting equipment when required.
• Ability to safely handle, rack, and position fabricated metal components of varying sizes and shapes.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection when assigned.

Employment Eligibility Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Must be able to provide proof of U.S. Person status.
• No felony conviction involving theft, deception, or a violent crime within seven years of the disposition date.
• No felony drug conviction within three years of the disposition date.
• Must be willing to submit to a drug screen and background check.

Work Environment and Safety Requirements

This is an onsite manufacturing position performed around powder coating booths, curing ovens, ventilation systems, production equipment, and material-handling activity. The employee may be exposed to heat, noise, airborne powder, and varying temperatures and must follow established safety, housekeeping, and environmental procedures at all times.

Benefits

ADVEX offers medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k) match; paid vacation and holidays; tuition reimbursement; an employee assistance program; and an employee referral bonus, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Why ADVEX Corporation

At ADVEX, every employee contributes to manufacturing mission-critical products for the defense industry and its suppliers. We value craftsmanship, safety, teamwork, and reliable service. ADVEX offers a stable, collaborative environment where employees can apply their technical skill, strengthen their capabilities, and contribute to work that supports our customers and national security initiatives.

About ADVEX Corporation

ADVEX Corporation, based in Hampton, Virginia, has supported the defense industry since 1969. We manufacture machined, fabricated, welded, and finished components for aircraft carriers, submarines, and other marine applications. Customers include HII Newport News Shipbuilding, General Dynamics Electric Boat, BAE Systems, NASA, and Department of Defense facilities. ADVEX divisions include Machining, Light Fabrication, Heavy Fabrication, Marine and Industrial, and Nondestructive Testing.

At ADVEX, it is more than a job. It is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that makes an impact