Manager Polyurethane Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Industrial Painter -Eloy, Arizona The Industrial Painter (Level I–V) prepares surfaces and applies industrial coating systems to large-scale sheet metal fabrications, structural weldments, and electro-mechanical assemblies in accordance with engineering specifications, customer finish requirements, and the company's ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. The primary coating systems used in this role are a two-component epoxy primer with a two-component polyurethane topcoat applied by conventional and HVLP spray equipment, and a thermosetting powder coat system applied electrostatically and cured in a convection oven. Higher-level painters are qualified in both systems and bring deep knowledge of surface preparation, coating material chemistry, spray equipment setup and adjustment, film build control, defect identification and correction, and environmental compliance requirements for industrial coating operations. This is a leveled position (Level I through Level V) with increasing technical depth, system capability, independence, and leadership responsibility at each level as defined in the Level Classification section below. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Surface Preparation Prepare substrates to the cleanliness and profile standards required for coating adhesion and performance. Key responsibilities include: • Inspect incoming fabrications and weldments for surface conditions that require attention prior to coating, including weld spatter, sharp edges, rust, mill scale, oil, grease, and surface contamination; communicate findings to the supervisor or quality department. • Perform solvent cleaning and degreasing of all surfaces using approved solvents and wiping techniques to remove oils, cutting fluids, handling contamination, and other surface contaminants prior to abrasive preparation or coating application. • Perform abrasive preparation including hand sanding, power tool sanding, and media blasting (where applicable) to achieve the required surface cleanliness and anchor profile for primer adhesion. • Apply masking materials—tape, plugs, caps, paper, and liquid masking compounds—to protect threads, mating surfaces, data plates, hardware, and other areas specified as paint-free on engineering drawings or job travelers. • Verify surface preparation quality visually and with appropriate instruments (surface profile comparators, solvent wipe tests) prior to primer application; do not apply coatings to improperly prepared surfaces. Liquid Coating Application — Epoxy Primer and Polyurethane Topcoat Apply two-component epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat systems to produce durable, high-quality industrial finishes that meet film build, appearance, and performance requirements. Key responsibilities include: • Set up and adjust HVLP and conventional spray equipment including fluid tip, needle, and air cap selection; fluid pressure and atomizing air pressure adjustment; fan width and pattern settings—tuned to the material viscosity, part geometry, and required film build. • Mix two-component epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat materials at the correct mix ratios specified by the manufacturer's product data sheet (PDS), using accurate volumetric or gravimetric measuring methods; verify pot life and record batch mix information per quality and traceability requirements. • Reduce coatings to the correct application viscosity using approved reducer/thinner at the appropriate volume and blend for ambient temperature and humidity conditions; verify viscosity with a Zahn cup or Ford cup as required. • Apply epoxy primer coats to achieve uniform, defect-free coverage at the specified dry film thickness (DFT) range, using proper overlapping spray technique, gun speed, and gun-to-part distance to ensure consistent film build across all surfaces including recesses, edges, and complex geometries. • Apply polyurethane topcoat to achieve the specified DFT, color uniformity, gloss level, and surface finish; manage flash times between coats per the manufacturer's PDS and ambient conditions. • Measure wet film thickness (WFT) during application using a wet film gauge and verify dry film thickness (DFT) after cure using a calibrated DFT gauge; document measurements and ensure all surfaces meet minimum and maximum film build requirements per the job specification. • Monitor and manage pot life of mixed two-component materials; properly dispose of expired material and clean spray equipment before pot life expiration to prevent equipment blockage and material waste. • Identify, assess, and correct common liquid coating defects including orange peel, sags and runs, dry spray, fisheye, solvent pop, blushing, lifting, cratering, and poor adhesion—using appropriate rework techniques (sanding, re-coat, spot repair) and escalating to the supervisor when defects cannot be corrected within the job specification. Powder Coat Application and Cure Apply thermosetting powder coat finishes to produce uniform, fully cured coatings that meet film build, color, gloss, and adhesion requirements. Key responsibilities include: • Rack and hang parts on powder coat line fixtures, ensuring adequate electrical grounding, proper part orientation for coverage and drainage of any outgassing areas, and clearance between parts to prevent contact during cure. • Set up and operate electrostatic powder coat spray guns, adjusting high-voltage settings, powder flow rate, air pressure, and gun-to-part distance to achieve uniform, complete coverage on the part geometry being coated—including inside corners, recesses, and Faraday cage areas. • Apply powder coat material to achieve uniform coverage and film build within the specified DFT range, using consistent gun technique and multiple passes as needed to coat complex three-dimensional parts without heavy buildup on edges or thin coverage in recesses. • Load coated parts into the convection cure oven; set and verify oven temperature profile (preheat, cure temperature, hold time, cool-down) per the powder manufacturer's cure specification; verify metal temperature using thermocouple datalogging or temperature-indicating strips where required. • Inspect cured powder coat for gloss uniformity, color match, film continuity, adhesion, and surface defects including orange peel, pinholes, contamination, runs, and insufficient cure (assessed by solvent rub or cross-cut adhesion test); document inspection results and disposition nonconforming parts per quality procedures. • Perform color changes including complete booth purge, gun and feed system cleaning, and contamination prevention measures to ensure color integrity between production runs. Quality Inspection and Documentation Verify that all coated parts meet quality requirements and accurately record production activity. Key responsibilities include: • Perform self-inspection of all coated parts prior to releasing to the next operation, verifying surface preparation quality, primer adhesion, topcoat color and gloss, DFT compliance, masking integrity, and freedom from visual defects per applicable acceptance criteria. • Use calibrated inspection instruments including DFT gauges (magnetic induction and eddy current), wet film gauges, gloss meters, and color comparators to verify coating quality against specified requirements. • Follow all quality procedures within the company's Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 9001:2015 standards as they apply to the paint work center, including material traceability, batch records, and inspection documentation. • Complete job traveler paperwork and ERP system data entry to accurately record operations performed, quantities completed, material batches used, and time spent on each job. • Identify and segregate nonconforming parts; notify the supervisor or quality department and participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities as needed. Equipment Care, Environmental Compliance, and Safety Maintain paint equipment in proper working order, comply with all environmental regulations, and follow all safety requirements for industrial coating operations. Key responsibilities include: • Clean and maintain spray guns, pressure pots, hoses, and related spray equipment after each use and at the end of each shift using approved cleaning solvents and methods; disassemble and deep-clean equipment periodically to maintain optimal performance. • Maintain powder coat equipment including spray guns, feed hopps, recovery systems, and oven interior; report equipment malfunctions or performance issues to the supervisor promptly. • Handle, store, and dispose of all coating materials, solvents, and waste in strict compliance with applicable environmental regulations including VOC/HAP limits, hazardous waste disposal requirements, and stormwater protection rules; complete required material usage logs. • Follow all safety requirements for spray painting operations including proper use of supplied-air respirators (SAR) or air-purifying respirators (APR) appropriate to the coating materials being applied, chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and appropriate protective clothing. • Follow all requirements of the company's Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and applicable OSHA regulations for coating operations, including proper ventilation, flammable material handling, and confined space requirements where applicable. • Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area in the paint booth, prep area, and mixing room in accordance with 5S standards, housekeeping requirements, and fire prevention rules. • Obtain and maintain training and certification to safely operate overhead cranes (2.5-ton and/or 5-ton) and forklifts (6,000 lb., 15,000 lb., and/or 25,000 lb.) as required by the position. Level Classification This position is classified into five levels based on coating system knowledge, application skill, equipment capability, and demonstrated independence. Both the liquid coating (epoxy/polyurethane) system and the powder coat system are considered within a painter's overall level, as described below. Painters at higher levels may specialize in one system or may be fully dual-qualified in both. Placement and advancement are determined by a combination of the qualifications described below. Level Experience Liquid Coating (Epoxy Primer / Polyurethane) Powder Coat Capability Independence / Scope Level I 0–1 years; or trade/vocational training. Will train. Applies epoxy primer and topcoat under direct supervision. Learning spray gun setup, fluid tip/needle/air cap selection, and basic fluid/atomizing pressure adjustment. Performs prep tasks: masking, sanding, solvent wiping. No powder coat experience required. Assists with basic booth housekeeping and part loading/unloading under supervision. Works under direct supervision on straightforward, single-color production parts. All mixing, setup, and quality checks confirmed by senior painter. Level II 1–3 years industrial painting experience Independently sets up HVLP/conventional spray equipment. Mixes epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat to correct ratios and viscosity. Applies primer and finish coats to achieve uniform film build and gloss. Manages pot life and working time for two-component systems. Basic powder coat capability: loads and racks parts, operates spray gun for standard geometries, loads and monitors oven cure cycle. Works under guidance on powder coat setups. Works with limited supervision on standard production parts. Self-inspects own work for coverage, film build, and surface defects. Escalates quality issues to senior painter. Level III 3–6 years industrial painting experience Proficient in all aspects of two-component epoxy/polyurethane system: surface prep assessment, primer adhesion promotion, topcoat application on complex geometries, wet film gauge measurement, and dry film thickness (DFT) verification. Diagnoses and corrects common defects: orange peel, sags, runs, fisheye, solvent pop, and poor adhesion. Independently sets up powder coat booth and equipment. Selects and adjusts gun settings (voltage, powder flow, pattern) for part geometry. Manages oven temperature profiles and verifies cure. Identifies and corrects coverage and orange peel defects in powder coat. Works independently across both liquid and powder coat systems. Handles complex assemblies with tight recesses, masked surfaces, and multi-color requirements. Capable of both systems but may specialize in one. Level IV 6–10 years industrial painting experience Expert in liquid coating system: establishes and documents spray parameters, performs adhesion cross-cut testing, conducts DFT audits, manages material shelf life and lot traceability. Troubleshoots difficult application problems including substrate contamination, intercoat adhesion failures, and environmental condition effects on cure. Advanced powder coat: selects powders for specific substrate and performance requirements, optimizes gun-to-part distance and conveyor/rack layout for complex assemblies, manages oven validation and cure verification. Supports new powder qualification and color approvals. Senior painter. Proficient in both systems. Mentors Levels I–III. Supports engineering and quality with finish specification review. Leads color change and system changeovers. Contributes to paint process documentation and work instructions. Level V 10+ years industrial painting experience Master-level liquid coating expertise. Develops and maintains paint process specifications, application parameters, and acceptance criteria. Evaluates new materials, primers, and topcoats. Supports NADCAP or customer coating process approvals. Expert in environmental compliance requirements for VOC/HAP-containing coating systems. Master-level powder coat expertise. Leads powder coat process development, oven profiling, and qualification for new products. Supports NADCAP special process audits for coatings. Develops racking strategies and line balance for high-volume or complex parts. Lead painter. Fully dual-qualified in liquid and powder coat. Trains and qualifies team across both systems. Develops procedures, work instructions, and quality acceptance standards. Drives continuous improvement in finish quality, throughput, and material utilization. Supports quality audits. Qualifications Required (All Levels) • High school diploma or GED equivalent. • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English. • Demonstrated ability (or strong aptitude to learn) to perform industrial spray painting operations at the level appropriate to the position being hired for. Company will provide training for candidates with strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail. • Understanding of—or strong aptitude to le