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Coating Inspector Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Finish Painter

Lexington, TN · On-site

$46.45K - $51.90K/yr

Inspect parts and finished surfaces for defects such as runs, sags, orange peel, coverage issues, and other finish imperfections. * Identify, correct, and perform touch‑ups on coating defects to ...

MI Metals Inc

Paint Line Manager

Smyrna, TN · On-site

Coordinate and support coating performance testing, including adhesion, gloss, film thickness, cure validation, and visual inspections. * Partner with Quality and Engineering teams on audits ...

MI Metals Inc

Paint Line Manager

Smyrna, TN · On-site

Coordinate and support coating performance testing, including adhesion, gloss, film thickness, cure validation, and visual inspections. * Partner with Quality and Engineering teams on audits ...

Ascent Buildings

Painter

Portland, TN · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Determine paint flow, viscosity, and coating quality by performing visual inspections, or by using viscometers. * Attach hoses or nozzles to machines, using wrenches and pliers, and adjust to obtain ...

MI Metals Inc

Paint Line Manager

Smyrna, TN · On-site

Coordinate and support coating performance testing, including adhesion, gloss, film thickness, cure validation, and visual inspections. * Partner with Quality and Engineering teams on audits ...

Zeus

Operator (Tie Layer) 3rd shift

Chattanooga, TN

Job Summary The Tie Layer Operator will perform operations including manufacturing, coating, and ... The employee must have the ability to perform inspection functions such as visual inspection to ...

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Coating Inspector information

See Tennessee salary details

$15

$29

$52

How much do coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for coating inspector in Tennessee is $29.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $34.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Coating Inspector Do?

A coating inspector checks industrial equipment to ensure protective coatings were correctly applied and minimize corrosion risk. They go through rigorous training to learn how to identify problems in coating applications and to suggest which types of coatings will protect the materials from corroding. Manufacturing plants, roadway projects such as bridges, and other major industries that utilize paint need coating inspectors for quality assurance.

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 strong knowledge of surface preparation, coating application processes, industry standards, and relevant inspection techniques, often supported by certifications like NACE or SSPC. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, holiday detectors, and documentation software is crucial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure coating systems are applied safely and effectively, protecting assets from corrosion and ensuring compliance with project specifications.

What are some common challenges Coating Inspectors face when working on large-scale construction projects?

Coating Inspectors on large construction sites often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple contractors to ensure coating schedules align with project timelines, dealing with varying weather conditions that can impact coating application and curing, and maintaining strict adherence to industry standards while under tight deadlines. Effective communication with project managers, applicators, and quality control teams is essential to address issues quickly and maintain coating integrity. Navigating these challenges requires strong attention to detail, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

What is the difference between Coating Inspector vs NDT Technician?

AspectCoating InspectorNDT Technician
CertificationsSSPC, NACE, AWS certificationsASNT, NAS-410 certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, construction, offshoreManufacturing, aerospace, oil & gas
Job FocusSurface preparation, coating application, inspectionMaterial testing, flaw detection, non-destructive testing
Industry UsageConstruction, maintenance, industrial coating projectsManufacturing, aerospace, power generation

While both roles involve inspection and testing, a Coating Inspector specializes in surface coatings, ensuring proper application and quality, whereas an NDT Technician focuses on non-destructive testing methods to detect flaws in materials. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in industrial and construction sectors, but they serve different inspection purposes.

More about Coating Inspector jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Coating Inspector jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Coating Inspector jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in Tennessee? For Coating Inspector jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Coating Inspector jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Coating Inspector jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Coating Inspector jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Coating Inspector job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in TN? For Coating Inspector jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Coating Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coating Inspector job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,831 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
Technical Finishing Engineer

Technical Finishing Engineer

SSW Advanced Technologies

Henderson, TN • On-site

$51.40K - $68.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Technical Finishing Engineer

Department: Operations / Manufacturing
Reports To: Engineering Manager / VP of Operations
Location: SSW Premier, LLC – Henderson, TN Manufacturing Facility

Position Summary

The Technical Finishing Engineer is responsible for the operation, optimization, and continuous improvement of finishing processes supporting the manufacture of HVAC components at SSW Premier, LLC. This role has primary accountability for powder coating systems, surface pre‑treatment processes, wastewater treatment operations, and related quality systems to ensure finished components meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards.

The position partners closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS teams to drive process stability, efficiency, compliance, and product quality in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinishing & Coating Processes
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight of powder coating operations, including application methods, curing, adhesion, film thickness control, and defect prevention.
  • Optimize coating line parameters to improve yield, consistency, throughput, and cost efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve coating defects such as poor adhesion, pinholes, orange peel, discoloration, or uneven coverage.
  • Support new product introductions, coating trials, and finish development for HVAC components and related metal parts.
  • Lead and support a team of powder coating technicians responsible for operating and manually applying coatings and maintaining related equipment.
Pre‑Treatment Systems
  • Manage and optimize surface pre‑treatment processes, including cleaning, degreasing, rinsing, and conversion coatings.
  • Monitor chemical concentrations, bath conditions, and system performance to ensure consistent coating quality.
  • Develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pre‑treatment systems.
  • Collaborate with chemical suppliers and vendors to improve performance, reduce cost, and minimize environmental impact.
  • Lead a small hourly team responsible for pre‑treatment system operation and upkeep.
Wastewater Treatment & Environmental Compliance
  • Oversee wastewater treatment systems associated with finishing and pre‑treatment operations.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
  • Monitor discharge parameters, sampling, testing, and required documentation.
  • Support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and environmental reporting requirements.
  • Drive initiatives to reduce water usage, chemical consumption, and waste generation.
Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Support and maintain quality management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar).
  • Develop process controls, inspection methods, and documentation for finishing operations.
  • Analyze quality data, scrap, and rework trends to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
  • Participate in internal audits, customer audits, and corrective action processes.
  • Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Training
  • Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Supply Chain teams.
  • Train operators and technicians on finishing processes, quality standards, and safety requirements.
  • Provide technical support for equipment upgrades, line modifications, and capital projects.
  • Attend industry‑specific training related to powder coating, surface pre‑treatment, and finishing technologies to continuously improve plant capability and team skillsets.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Materials, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience.
  • 3–7 years of experience in industrial finishing or coating operations, preferably supporting metal components or HVAC‑related manufacturing.
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Powder coating systems and application processes
    • Surface pre‑treatment chemistry and equipment
    • Industrial wastewater treatment systems
    • Quality management systems and process controls
  • Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in HVAC component manufacturing, metal fabrication, or high‑volume discrete manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or similar standards.
  • Knowledge of environmental permitting and compliance requirements.
  • Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
  • Experience working directly with coating, equipment, or chemical suppliers.
Skills & Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach to process optimization.
  • Ability to interpret technical data, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Effective communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Working Conditions
  • Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to chemicals, heat, and industrial equipment.
  • Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Occasional off‑shift or weekend support as needed for trials, system issues, audits, or team leadership responsibilities.