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Coating Inspection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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... coating experience a plus Bilingual -- English / Spanish requested but not required Forklift ... Material Handling Experience:  Receiving Inspection of goods in process.  Daily production ...

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... coating experience a plus Bilingual -- English / Spanish requested but not required Forklift ... Material Handling Experience:  Receiving Inspection of goods in process.  Daily production ...

Verify process specification requirements. (e.g. conformal coating inspection). Required Qualifications (one of the following along with Secret Clearance): * High School Diploma or equivalent and a ...

... coating inspectors with shipbuilding experience in San Diego, CA. Candidates willing to relocate for several years may also be considered. Travel may still be required throughout the United States ...

Ensure coating thickness, finish quality, and appearance meet engineering and customer specifications. * Inspect painted components and verify compliance with quality standards and process ...

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Coating Inspection information

What is coating inspection?

Coating inspection is the process of assessing protective coatings applied to surfaces such as steel or concrete to ensure they meet specified standards and provide adequate protection against corrosion and other environmental factors. Inspectors use a variety of tools and techniques to examine surface preparation, coating thickness, adhesion, and overall application quality. This process is critical in industries like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing to extend the lifespan of structures and equipment, maintain safety, and comply with industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coating inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coating Inspector, you need a solid understanding of coating application methods, surface preparation standards, and common industry specifications, often supported by certifications like NACE or SSPC. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, holiday detectors, and documentation systems is crucial. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate reporting and collaboration with project teams. These skills are vital for maintaining quality standards, ensuring compliance, and preventing costly failures in coating projects.

What are some common challenges faced by coating inspectors during large-scale projects, and how can they be addressed?

Coating inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in difficult environmental conditions, coordinating with multiple contractors, and ensuring strict adherence to project specifications. Managing varying surface preparation standards and overcoming communication gaps between the inspection team and applicators are also common. These challenges can be addressed by staying up-to-date with industry standards, maintaining clear documentation, and fostering strong communication with all project stakeholders to ensure high-quality and compliant results.

What is the difference between Coating Inspection vs NDT (Non-Destructive Testing)?

AspectCoating InspectionNDT (Non-Destructive Testing)
CertificationsSSPC, NACE, AWS coatings certificationsASNT, AWS NDT certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, construction, manufacturingIndustrial, aerospace, oil & gas, manufacturing
Primary FocusAssessing coating quality, thickness, adhesionDetecting flaws, cracks, or defects without damage

Coating Inspection primarily involves evaluating the quality and application of protective coatings, focusing on thickness, adhesion, and surface preparation. NDT, on the other hand, involves testing materials for internal or surface flaws without causing damage. While both roles require specialized certifications and are used in industrial settings, they serve different purposes: coating inspectors ensure coatings are properly applied, whereas NDT technicians detect hidden defects in materials.

How much do coating inspectors make in the US?

Coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level inspectors may start around $35,000, while experienced professionals with certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn over $80,000. The job often requires knowledge of inspection tools and safety protocols.

How to become a coating inspection?

To become a coating inspector, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in coating technologies and inspection methods. Certification such as the NACE CIP (Coating Inspector Program) or SSPC certifications are often required or preferred, and gaining experience in surface preparation, coating application, and quality control is valuable. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of safety standards, and familiarity with inspection tools are essential for success in this role.

Is coating inspection a stressful job?

Coating inspection can be stressful due to the need for precision and attention to detail when assessing surface quality and adherence to standards. Inspectors often work in challenging environments, such as outdoors or at heights, and must meet strict deadlines, which can contribute to job-related stress. However, the role also offers clear procedures and training to help manage workload and expectations.

What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspection jobs in California?

For Coating Inspection jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Coating Inspection jobs?

Cities in California with the most Coating Inspection job openings:

Infographic showing various Coating Inspection job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$35 - $59/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
Coating Technician V who has a good understanding of vacuum coating chambers, knowledge of coating E-beam, IBS and IAD coating processes. In this role, you will operate vacuum chambers to deposit multilayer thin film optical coatings. You will also maintain coating equipment and perform basic maintenance on equipment maintaining downtime and PM charts. You will be working with the Optics Coating team on the "Key Initiative" to drive excellence in manufacturing.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Clean and inspect parts both before and after deposition process
  • Set-up coating chamber, this includes various coating processes - E-beam, Ion Beam Sputtering, and Ion Assisted Deposition
  • Troubleshoot problems in vacuum coating process equipment, leak detect vacuum system; repair cryo systems and mechanical pumps. Troubleshoot, test, and align optical monitoring systems
  • Perform single and multilayer coatings. Record crystal and optical thickness for each layer. Maintain detailed and accurate process records
  • Perform Spectrometry, Interferometry, Ellipsometry, Absorption and Damage Threshold testing
  • Change foil/bead blast tooling
  • Cleans and maintains coating fixtures and equipment. Performs basic maintenance on the equipment
  • Maintains organized and detailed records of chamber set-up and coating process parameters.

Skills You Bring:
  • Associates degree and minimum 5 years of experience in thin film coating
  • Vacuum technology experience (RGA, Crypo pumps, mechanical pumps, pump controllers)
  • Experience with handling and inspecting of optical components
  • Knowledge of metrology tools - Photometer, Interferometer, Spectrophotometer
  • Computer Skills - Word, Excel, database, ERP system (SAP preferred)
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing - working with the team to drive 6S in optics production.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; will be communicating and collaborating with production staff, engineering, production management

Compensation and Benefits:
Hourly Pay Range: $35 - $59 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
#LI-TW1
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role