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Coatings Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Linde

Coatings Engineer

Speedway, IN · On-site

Coatings Engineer Indianapolis, IN, United States req29348 What you will enjoy doing* * You will support troubleshoot production and process issues related to electroplated coatings * In this role ...

Linde Group

Coatings Engineer

Speedway, IN · On-site

* You will support troubleshoot production and process issues related to electroplated coatings * In this role you will support customers by resolving technical, quality, and performance concerns

Linde

Coatings Engineer

Speedway, IN · On-site

* You will support troubleshoot production and process issues related to electroplated coatings * In this role you will support customers by resolving technical, quality, and performance concerns

Howmet Aerospace

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support manufacturing through process control, improvement initiatives, and assume direct responsibility ...

Howmet Aerospace

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support manufacturing through process control, improvement initiatives, and assume direct responsibility ...

Howmet Aerospace

Coatings Engineer - Plant 4

Whitehall, MI

$69K - $89K/yr

Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, statistical analysis, and scientific methods for problem solving This Coatings Engineer position will be in our Plant 4, Thermatech Coatings Operation and will support ...

Erdman Anthony

Coatings Inspector

Waterloo, NY · On-site

$40 - $54/hr

Under the direction and supervision of the Resident Engineer, the Coatings Inspector will oversee daily work operations of the contractor to ensure that the work is completed in accordance with the ...

Erdman Anthony

Coatings Inspector

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$40 - $54/hr

Under the direction and supervision of the Resident Engineer, the Coatings Inspector will oversee daily work operations of the contractor to ensure that the work is completed in accordance with the ...

GFT.

Coatings Inspector

Baltimore, MD

$66K - $87K/yr

At GFT , we're not just engineering the future; we're meticulously building it. Our comprehensive ... As a Coatings Inspector, you will support water tank and infrastructure projects throughout the ...

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Coatings Engineer information

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$75.5K

$100.3K

$122.5K

How much do coatings engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for coatings engineer in the United States is $100,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Coatings Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and engineering principles, typically with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard coating application tools, surface preparation equipment, and analytical instruments such as spectrometers or microscopes is important, as well as knowledge of relevant certifications like NACE or SSPC. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure high-quality results and smooth collaboration with clients and team members. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing durable coatings, maintaining compliance, and delivering optimal performance in various industrial applications.

What is a Coatings Engineer?

A Coatings Engineer is a specialized professional who designs, tests, and applies protective or decorative coatings to various materials and surfaces, such as metals, plastics, or concrete. Their work helps enhance durability, prevent corrosion, and improve the appearance of products in industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Coatings Engineers are involved in selecting suitable coating materials, developing application processes, and ensuring compliance with quality and environmental standards. They may also troubleshoot coating failures and recommend solutions for improved performance.

What are some common challenges faced by Coatings Engineers when working on new product development projects?

Coatings Engineers often encounter challenges such as selecting appropriate materials that meet both performance and regulatory requirements, ensuring compatibility with various substrates, and optimizing application processes for efficiency and quality. Additionally, troubleshooting issues like coating adhesion failures, environmental durability, and scaling formulations from the lab to full production are frequent hurdles. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance, is essential to address these challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Coatings Engineer vs Paint Engineer?

AspectCoatings EngineerPaint Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; certifications like SSPC or NACEBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related; similar certifications often applicable
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing plants, quality controlManufacturing facilities, production lines, quality assurance
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, industrial coatingsAutomotive, construction, industrial painting
Job FocusDeveloping, testing, and improving coating formulations and application processesApplying, testing, and ensuring quality of paint products

While both roles involve working with coatings and paints, Coatings Engineers focus on formulation development and technical innovation, whereas Paint Engineers primarily handle application, quality, and production processes. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the industry.

More about Coatings Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Coatings Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Coatings Engineer job openings:
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What are popular job titles related to Coatings Engineer jobs? For Coatings Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Coatings Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coatings Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,319 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Coatings Engineer

Coatings Engineer

North American Specialty Laminations LLC

Middleton, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, evaluate, and optimize coating processes including application methods, cure parameters, and surface preparation techniques.

  • Investigate and resolve coating defects using structured root cause analysis.

  • Lead or support capital improvement projects for finishing equipment from concept through commissioning.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
NASL is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Coatings Engineer to join our Engineering team. This mid-level role is central to advancing our finishing and painting operations - from optimizing existing processes and troubleshooting coating defects to evaluating new equipment technologies that improve throughput, quality, and sustainability. The ideal candidate brings hands-on coatings expertise, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to collaborate across production, quality, and maintenance teams.
Key Responsibilities
Process Engineering & Optimization
• Develop, evaluate, and optimize liquid, UV, and vacuum coating processes including application methods, cure parameters, and surface preparation techniques.
• Investigate and resolve coating defects (adhesion failures, orange peel, fisheyes, runs, color inconsistencies) using structured root cause analysis.
• Define and document coating process standards, work instructions, and control plans to ensure repeatable, high-quality output.
• Conduct and analyze coating trials for new substrates, materials, or customer specifications.
Equipment Improvement & Capital Projects
• Identify opportunities for spray booth, application equipment, and curing oven upgrades that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance finish quality.
• Lead or support capital improvement projects from concept through commissioning, including specification development, vendor evaluation, installation oversight, and validation.
• Collaborate with maintenance to establish preventive maintenance programs for finishing equipment and ensure equipment reliability.
• Evaluate and implement emerging coating technologies including UV cure, vacuum coating, electrostatic, and robotic application systems for potential adoption and integration into operations.
Quality & Compliance
• Partner with the Quality team to define inspection criteria, acceptance standards, and testing protocols for coated products.
• Support VOC compliance, environmental reporting, and adherence to applicable regulatory standards (EPA, OSHA, etc.).
• Maintain SDS management and ensure safe handling, storage, and disposal of coatings materials.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
• Work cross-functionally with all business segments including Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Product, and Sales teams to implement process improvements and support new product launches.
• Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to drive waste reduction and process efficiency in finishing operations.
• Provide technical training and guidance to production operators on coating application best practices.
Requirements
Education
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, management or related field or equivalent experience.
• Continuing education or coursework in surface finishing, coatings science, or lean manufacturing is highly valued.
Experience & Skills
• 3-7 years of professional experience in coatings engineering, surface finishing, or a closely related manufacturing role.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with liquid paint systems (solvent-borne, waterborne), UV coatings, and/or vacuum coating processes.
• Working knowledge of spray application equipment, cure ovens, surface preparation methods , and film thickness measurement.
• Familiarity with coating adhesion testing, gloss, and color matching (spectrophotometry).
• Experience managing or contributing to capital equipment projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to document technical findings clearly and present to cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using data-driven approaches to resolve process issues are a plus.
Work Environment
This position requires frequent presence on the manufacturing floor in a finishing/painting environment. Candidates must be comfortable working around coating materials, solvents, and associated personal protective equipment (PPE). Some lifting may be required. Occasional travel may be needed.

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