Surface Prep Blaster & Thermal Spray Technician

Kymera International - Specialty Materials that Shape the Future

Surface Prep Blaster & Thermal Spray Technician

Reports to: Production Manager

Work Location: Kymera Thermal Spray Solutions - Chesapeake, VA (On-Site)

FLSA Status: Full-time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Position Summary
The Thermal Spray Technician will support the preparation and application of thermal spray coatings to various metals, including propulsion shafts and hydraulic rods. The ideal candidate should have experience with machining, particularly lathe operations, and should be familiar with different types of metals. Knowledge of using precision measuring tools, such as micrometers, is necessary, with a willingness to expand these skills further. A background in machine shop assistance, such as a lower-level machinist or a sandblaster, will offer valuable transferrable skills. The role demands a high level of attention to detail, exceptional attendance and punctuality, and the flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Thermal Spray Application: Assist with preparing components for thermal spraying, to learn proper coating applications and adherence to technical specifications.

• Lathe Operation: Assist with lathe operations for the machining and preparation of components in the spray process, ensuring precise measurements and surface finishes.

• Precision Measuring: Learn and become familiar with micrometers, calipers, and other measuring tools to ensure that all components meet required specifications.

• Equipment Maintenance: Learn how to perform basic maintenance on thermal spray equipment and machinery to ensure optimal performance.

• Blueprint Interpretation: Basic knowledge of reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications to assist in the preparation of parts for spraying and learn how to ensure accuracy in dimensions and materials.

• Surface Preparation: Prepare and clean components for thermal spraying using appropriate techniques, including sandblasting.

• Quality Control: Learn to inspect parts for defects or quality issues before and after the spraying process.

• Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment, handling chemicals, machinery, and tools with care.

• Quality Compliance: Assist and learn to ensure that all products meet customer specifications by adhering to company quality standards.

• Team Representation: Represent the company professionally in all situations, maintaining a positive attitude, following direction from supervisors, and protect confidential or internal information.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared to take on additional duties as required and assist in other areas of the production process when needed.

• Work Area Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times.

• Maintain Calibration: Learn to properly use calibrated measuring instruments and inspect them for condition and accuracy before each use.

• ISO 9001 Certification: Begin learning and practicing the principles of customer satisfaction and on-time delivery processes.

• Learning and Direction: Work closely with and follow the lead of Thermal Spray Technician II and III, receiving guidance and instruction as assigned by the supervisor to develop skills and support thermal spray operations.

Benefits Summary: At Kymera International - Thermal Spray Solutions, we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and PTO.

Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.

Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.

Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.

Competitive pay. Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00 Per Hour. Starting pay is determined based on relevant experience, education, technical qualifications, certifications, skills, and other job-related factors. Placement within the range reflects the candidate's overall qualifications, with the top of the range generally reserved for individuals whose experience and credentials substantially exceed the position's minimum requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• NA

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Exposure to a repair or manufacturing environment is preferred; prior machine shop experience is strongly preferred.

• Previous experience assisting with machining operations and thermal spray technology is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to learn thermal spray operations to include the HVOF process.

• Experience working with metals, especially in a machine shop or industrial setting preferred.

• Ability to learn and become familiar with precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers and calipers.

• Attention to detail and ability to ensure high quality and accuracy in all tasks.

• Ability to learn troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues with thermal spray equipment.

• Reliability – must be able to consistently maintain good attendance and punctuality.

• Good communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and managers.

• Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload and responsibilities.

• Safety awareness and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

• Must be a "US Person" per International Traffic in Arms Regulations contractual requirements: A US person who is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, drug-screen, eye exam, hearing exam, and respirator test (health screenings required if applicable for job safety compliance purposes).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods.

• Strength to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds unassisted, repeatedly throughout a shift.

• Ability to perform physical tasks, including bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead, and climbing ladders or stairs, as needed.

• Capability to pass a respiratory medical evaluation, including hearing and vision exams, and meet all necessary physical qualifications.

• Ability to wear and work comfortably in required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a full-face respirator or helmet PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator), protective coveralls, gloves, and steel-toe boots, for prolonged periods.

• Adaptability to safely work in diverse environments, such as high temperatures, confined spaces, and areas with potential exposure to dust, fumes, and noise.

• Coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate machinery, tools, and equipment while maintaining focus on ergonomics and safety.

• When requested by employees, and when possible, reasonable accommodation may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform their essential job functions. Kymera is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encouraging diversity in the workplace. EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability.

Work Environment

• The role is primarily based in a thermal spray, grinding, and machine shop environment. Employees may be exposed to fumes, dust, and airborne particulates generated during thermal spraying, grinding, and machining operations. The work area can be noisy, and there may be occasional exposure to high temperatures or moving machinery. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times, including safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection, respirators or masks, gloves, and protective clothing as dictated by specific tasks and safety protocols. Employees must adhere to all safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized workspace to minimize hazards.

Kymera International is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law in the countries where we operate.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process for qualified individuals with disabilities or other protected needs, in accordance with applicable law.