Powder Coat Operator

About Us

South Bay Solutions is a high-precision machine shop, making parts for semiconductor, medical devices, and advanced tech hardware. Our tolerances are measured in microns, our equipment is top-of-the-line, and our team is passionate about quality craftsmanship.

Position Summary

South Bay Solutions is seeking an experienced Powder Coating Operator to launch our in-house powder coating department.

This individual will perform all aspects of the powder coating process including:

• Part preparation


• Hanging


• Powder application


• Oven operation


• Cure verification


• Quality inspection

The ideal candidate has experience coating high-value precision machined components where cosmetic appearance and coating performance are equally critical.

Essential Responsibilities

• Read work orders/job travelers and drawings and coating specifications.


• Prepare machined components for coating.


• Hang parts for optimal coverage and curing.


• Set up and operate electrostatic powder coating equipment.


• Select proper powder types.


• Adjust:
  
  
  
  • Air pressure
  
  
  • Voltage
  
  
  • Powder flow
  
  
  • Gun settings
  
  
  
  


• Maintain consistent film thickness.


• Understand Faraday cage effect and coating challenges.


• Operate curing oven.


• Verify cure schedules.


• Monitor:
  
  
  
  • Metal temperature
  
  
  • Oven profile
  
  
  • Cure time
  
  
  
  


• Perform visual inspections.


• Measure coating thickness.


• Identify coating defects including:
  
  
  
  • Orange peel
  
  
  • Pinholes
  
  
  • Back ionization
  
  
  • Thin coverage
  
  
  • Heavy buildup
  
  
  
  


• Maintain equipment.


• Perform daily preventive maintenance.


• Troubleshoot coating issues.


• Maintain production records.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years powder coating experience


• Experience coating aluminum


• Experience operating batch ovens


• Knowledge of electrostatic application


• Understanding of cure schedules


• Ability to read drawings


• Experience with quality inspections

Preferred Qualifications

• Wagner/Gema powder coating equipment


• Lean Manufacturing


• Forklift certification

Technical Knowledge

Candidate should understand:

• Grounding


• Electrostatic theory


• Film thickness


• Cure schedules


• Metal temperature


• Oven profiling


• Hanging techniques


• Rack design


• Transfer efficiency


• Powder reclaim


• Surface contamination


• Surface preparation


• Pretreatment principles


• Coating adhesion

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 lbs


• Frequent standing


• Respirator use


• Heat exposure


• PPE compliance

Schedule

Day Shift | Monday – Friday | 6:00 AM – 2:35 PM

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision) 


• Life insurance policy


• Safe Harbor 401(K) plan


• 401(k) match


• Paid time off (vacation/sick/holidays/floating holiday)


• Referral program