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