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Coating Inspector Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Supports field execution of coating application, thermal insulation on pipes & equipment, and fireproofing. Responsible for technical coordination, quantity tracking. inspection support, formal ...

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Experience with industrial coating application and/or inspections and cathodic protection (CP) design and/or inspection - desired. * Experience in corrosion, coatings, or materials science in ...

New

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Experience with industrial coating application and/or inspections and cathodic protection (CP) design and/or inspection - desired . * Experience in corrosion, coatings, or materials science in ...

New

Inspect assembly parts for defects and final assemblies for completion. * Complete daily schedules ... Perform special processes like spraying conformal coating and applying potting to a variety of ...

Be Seen First

... ceramic coating. We work primarily with luxury vehicle owners who expect top-tier service and ... Conduct final inspections of installations to ensure the highest standard of workmanship is met.

Be Seen First

... ceramic coating. We work primarily with luxury vehicle owners who expect top-tier service and ... Conduct final inspections of installations to ensure the highest standard of workmanship is met.

Showing results 21-36

Coating Inspector information

See Washington salary details

$19

$37

$65

How much do coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for coating inspector in Washington is $37.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.05 and $43.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a coating inspector do?

A Coating Inspector is responsible for evaluating and ensuring the quality and integrity of protective coatings applied to surfaces, such as pipelines, tanks, or structural steel. They inspect surface preparation, application processes, and finished coatings to verify compliance with project specifications and industry standards. Coating Inspectors use various tools to measure thickness, adhesion, and detect any defects or irregularities. Their work helps prevent corrosion, extend the lifespan of assets, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

How much do coating inspectors make in the US?

Coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with the median around $55,000. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, location, and industry, and inspectors often need knowledge of coating standards and inspection tools.

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.

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.

Is coating inspection a stressful job?

Coating inspection can be stressful due to the need for precision, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards in often challenging environments. Inspectors must identify defects and ensure compliance, which can involve tight deadlines and working in conditions that may be physically demanding or hazardous.

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.

How much do coating inspectors make?

Coating inspectors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior or specialized inspectors with certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn higher salaries, and the job often involves working in industrial or construction environments with safety protocols.

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 the most commonly searched types of Coating Inspector jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Coating Inspector jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in Washington?

For Coating Inspector jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Coating Inspector jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Coating Inspector jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Coating Inspector jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Coating Inspector job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Coating Inspector jobs in WA?

For Coating Inspector jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Coating Inspector job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,158 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Rapid Prototype Toolmaker & Fixture Builder

KFORM Defense

Sterling, VA • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Rapid Prototype Toolmaker & Fixture Builder

At Kform, we help top defense and dual‑use startups convert breakthrough designs into producible, fieldable hardware. We cover the full stack—design, engineering, prototyping, machining, quality, and production readiness—because national security programs move in weeks, not years.

Is This You?
  • Do you enjoy turning rough sketches and evolving CAD into tight‑tolerance parts?
  • Can you jump from CAM to a manual lathe, then into an engineering conversation about DFM?
  • Are you comfortable giving candid feedback on tolerances, setup, and material selection?
  • Do you thrive when ownership is high, timelines are short, and quality matters?
What You’ll Do
  • Machine prototype and low‑volume components for complex defense/dual‑use systems.
  • Program, set up, and run CNC mills and lathes; switch to manual mills, lathes, saws, drill presses, and grinders as needed.
  • Work from CAD models, drawings, sketches, notes, and verbal guidance amid evolving requirements.
  • Provide actionable feedback on manufacturability, tolerances, materials, setup strategy, tool access, fixturing, finishes, and cost/lead time.
  • Build/modify/repair prototypes, fixtures, tooling, test articles, brackets, enclosures, panels, mounts, and assemblies.
  • Collaborate directly with engineers to move from design intent to real hardware quickly.
  • Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, height/thread gauges, and surface plates; confirm drawing, functional, and assembly needs.
  • Support assembly, fit checks, test setups, and troubleshooting.
  • Capture setup notes, issues, lessons learned, and design change recommendations.
  • Maintain shop organization, tooling health, machine readiness, and safe practices.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement across prototyping, machining, and manufacturing.
How You’ll Operate

Comfortably move between:

  • CNC mills and lathes
  • Manual machining equipment
  • CAD models and engineering drawings
  • CAM toolpaths and workflows
  • Inspection tools and metrology practices
  • Prototype assemblies and hands‑on builds
  • Fixtures, soft jaws, and custom workholding
  • Technical conversations with engineers
  • Production feedback and refinement
Must‑Haves
  • 3–5 years in CNC/manual machining, prototype fabrication, toolmaking, model making, or similar.
  • Ability to read drawings, understand design intent, and apply GD&T fundamentals.
  • Hands‑on CNC mill setup and operation experience.
  • Manual machining: mills, lathes, saws, drills, and standard tools.
  • Knowledge of aluminum, steels, stainless, plastics, and specialty materials.
  • Competence inspecting parts and applying basic quality practices.
  • Comfort working from incomplete inputs and asking the right questions.
  • Mechanical aptitude and practical problem‑solving.
  • Safety mindset in a fast‑moving shop.
  • Clear, direct communication with engineers, technicians, and production.
Nice‑to‑Haves
  • Prototype/R&D, defense/aerospace, robotics, machine shop, or advanced manufacturing background.
  • Programming with Fusion 360, Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM, HSMWorks, or similar CAM.
  • Experience with both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
  • Tight‑tolerance machining for complex assemblies.
  • Fixture design, soft jaws, custom workholding, production tooling.
  • Low‑volume production, engineering builds, EVT/DVT, production readiness experience.
  • GD&T practice, inspection documentation, first article inspection, AS9100‑style quality.
  • Exposure to sheet metal, welding, finishing/coating, additive, or assembly.
  • History of improving DFM/DFA with engineers.
  • Interest in manufacturing, American industry, defense technology, and hard problems.
Skills That Matter
  • CNC setup/operation and real‑world machining strategy
  • Manual machining and fabrication
  • Drawing interpretation, tolerancing, and disciplined inspection
  • CAM programming and toolpath development
  • Workholding, fixturing, and setup planning
  • Prototype fabrication and rapid iteration
  • Materials knowledge and cutting tool selection
  • DFM feedback and collaboration
  • Shop organization, safety, and machine care
  • Clear communication with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and production
  • Ownership, judgment, and attention to detail
Tech & Machines You’ll Use
  • CNC Mill: 3–4 axis VMC (Haas, Doosan)
  • CNC Mill: 5‑axis VMC (Haas)
  • CNC Lathe: 2–4 axis (Haas)
  • 3D Modeling: SolidWorks
  • CAD/CAM: Fusion 360, Mastercam, SolidWorks CAM/HSMWorks
Work Environment
  • Hands‑on time with machines, tooling, materials, fixtures, prototypes, inspection equipment, and production hardware.
  • Standing, walking, lifting, setup, deburring, and inspection near active manufacturing operations.
  • PPE as appropriate for task, equipment, and area.
  • Occasional support for customer projects, supplier coordination, testing, or production needs.
Why Kform

We operate on continuous improvement, aggressive value creation, and extreme ownership. We’re building the capability to bring advanced defense products into production faster. If you want to work directly with engineers, solve real manufacturing problems, and ship hardware that matters, join us.

Core Proficiencies
  • CNC Programming
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • CNC Machine Setup & Changeover
  • CAD/CAM Software