Coating Operator

The Coating Operator / Plasma Sprayer sets up, operates, and monitors plasma spray and thermal spray equipment to apply high-quality coatings to components in accordance with customer specifications, engineering requirements, and strict quality standards. This role prepares surfaces, applies thermal spray coatings, inspects finished parts, and maintains accurate documentation while supporting a safe, efficient, and continuous-improvement-focused manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor plasma spray equipment and related thermal spray systems to apply coatings to components.
• Prepare component surfaces through cleaning, masking, grit blasting, and other required surface preparation methods.
• Apply thermal spray coatings to components in line with work instructions, engineering specifications, and quality requirements.
• Interpret and follow engineering drawings, process sheets, work orders, and coating specifications to ensure proper application.
• Measure coating thickness and inspect finished parts using appropriate testing and measuring equipment to verify compliance.
• Monitor spray parameters during operations and make necessary adjustments to maintain coating quality and consistency.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on plasma spray equipment and associated systems to ensure reliable operation.
• Maintain accurate production, inspection, and process documentation for all coating activities.
• Follow all company safety procedures, environmental regulations, and quality standards while performing coating and preparation tasks.
• Assist with process improvements, equipment maintenance activities, and special projects related to coating operations and efficiency.
• Conduct inspection of parts before and after coating to confirm proper surface preparation and coating integrity.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to identify opportunities to improve coating processes, equipment utilization, and overall workflow.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in plasma spraying, thermal spray operations, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience setting up and operating plasma spray systems and other thermal spray equipment.
• Knowledge of thermal spray coating processes, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience using measuring and inspection equipment to verify coating thickness and other coating requirements.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing high-quality workmanship.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve basic equipment and process issues.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions, process sheets, and coating specifications consistently.
• Solid understanding of safe work practices in a manufacturing and thermal spray environment.

• Technical or vocational training in manufacturing, machining, coatings, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with plasma spray, HVOF, flame spray, or other thermal spray processes.
• Familiarity with aerospace, industrial, or OEM coating specifications and standards.
• Experience with grit blasting and other advanced surface preparation techniques.
• Forklift and overhead crane experience is preferred.
• Quality inspection or coating certification experience is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a manual, equipment-intensive manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to support continuous improvement initiatives.

You join a team that values quality craftsmanship and takes pride in delivering reliable coating solutions in a laid-back, supportive culture. The environment encourages learning, hands-on skill development, and collaboration, giving you the opportunity to deepen your expertise in thermal spray technologies while contributing to meaningful industrial and engineering applications.

Work Environment

This role is based in a traditional manufacturing plant that relies heavily on manual machines and hands-on processes. You work in a production environment around thermal spray equipment, grit blasting systems, and inspection tools, following established safety and environmental procedures. The setting emphasizes practical, shop-floor work with a focus on safe operation, attention to detail, and teamwork in an industrial atmosphere.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlotte, NC.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.