Metal Shop Coating

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

PURPOSE:

Westrafo America is seeking a detail-oriented Metal Shop Coater to support the manufacturing of electrical transformer tanks and related steel components. This position is responsible for preparing metal surfaces, operating flow coating equipment, applying protective coatings, and inspecting finished products to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and customer specifications.

The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial painting, metal fabrication, or manufacturing environments and demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, safety, and teamwork. 

DUTIES :

Surface Preparation and Coating

• Prepare fabricated steel transformer tanks, covers, and related components for coating by cleaning, degreasing, and removing contaminants.
• Inspect surfaces for weld spatter, rust, oil, debris, and other imperfections prior to coating.
• Operate flow coating equipment to apply uniform protective coatings to transformer tanks and components.
• Monitor coating application to ensure proper coverage, thickness, adhesion, and finish.
• Identify and correct coating defects, including runs, drips, uneven coverage, and missed areas.
• Perform touch-up painting and rework as needed to meet quality standards.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Set up and operate flow coating pumps, hoses, nozzles, and related equipment.
• Monitor coating materials, viscosity, flow rates, and equipment settings according to established procedures.
• Clean and maintain coating equipment, application areas, and tools.
• Report equipment malfunctions, material shortages, and maintenance needs to supervision.
• Assist with routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.

Quality and Production

• Follow work instructions, production schedules, and customer specifications.
• Inspect coated components for appearance, coverage, and overall quality.
• Use measuring instruments, including coating thickness gauges, when required.
• Document inspections, material usage, and production activities according to established procedures.
• Coordinate with Welding, Fabrication, Assembly, and Quality teams to maintain production flow.
• Identify nonconforming products and communicate concerns before components move to the next production stage.

Safety and Housekeeping

• Follow all company safety policies, including PPE requirements, chemical handling procedures, and applicable OSHA standards.
• Properly handle, store, and dispose of paints, coatings, solvents, and related materials.
• Follow ventilation, respiratory protection, and hazardous-material handling requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in accordance with 5S principles.
• Participate in safety training, continuous improvement initiatives, and production meetings.

Required Qualifications and Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate industrial coating equipment and follow written work instructions.
• Basic understanding of surface preparation, coating application, and quality inspection.
• Ability to read and understand production instructions, specifications, and safety documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and workplace safety.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform repetitive movements throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or lifting equipment when necessary.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection when required.
• Ability to work around large steel fabrications, manufacturing equipment, paint odors, chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to work overtime or adjusted schedules based on production requirements.
• Willingness to learn new processes and assist with other production activities as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in industrial painting, flow coating, metal fabrication, or manufacturing.
• Experience spray painting or coating steel tanks, fabricated metal assemblies, or industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with flow coating systems, protective industrial coatings, and coating thickness measurements.
• Knowledge of paint mixing, viscosity testing, coating defects, and surface preparation standards.
• Forklift or overhead crane experience.
• Experience in transformer manufacturing or related heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management practices. 

Additional Information:

• · On-site Position in Trotwood, OH.
• · Position will require travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• · If selected for this role, a drug screen and background check will be conducted.