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Powder Coating Machine Operator Jobs in New Jersey

Operator, Coating

North Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Observes machines gauges and equipment calibration status and reports any deviations to production ... Perform cleaning of equipment and processing room and dispose of rejected tablet and powder as per ...

Machine Operator - Laminating, Sheeting & Slitting Location: Fairfield, NJ 07004 Schedule ... About Unifoil Unifoil is a global leader in laminating, coating, and metallizing technologies. For ...

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Powder Coating Machine Operator information

See New Jersey salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do powder coating machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for powder coating machine operator in New Jersey is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $19.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a powder coating machine operator do?

A Powder Coating Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment that applies powder coatings to metal and other surfaces. Their duties include preparing surfaces, setting up and adjusting machinery, monitoring the coating process, and ensuring quality standards are met. They also perform routine maintenance on the equipment and troubleshoot issues as needed. Safety protocols and attention to detail are critical in this role to produce a high-quality, durable finish.

What are some common challenges powder coating machine operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Powder Coating Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent coating thickness, preventing contamination, and managing equipment malfunctions. These issues can be addressed by adhering to strict cleaning protocols, regularly calibrating and maintaining machinery, and closely monitoring environmental factors like humidity and temperature. Effective communication with quality control and maintenance teams also helps ensure that any problems are quickly identified and resolved, leading to smoother production runs and higher-quality finishes.

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

To thrive as a Powder Coating Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of coating processes, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with powder coating equipment, spray guns, ovens, and safety standards, as well as forklift certification, is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help operators stand out by ensuring smooth workflow and effective collaboration. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing high-quality finishes, maintaining safety, and meeting production targets efficiently.

What is the difference between Powder Coating Machine Operator vs Spray Painter?

AspectPowder Coating Machine OperatorSpray Painter
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in powder coating processesHigh school diploma, spray painting certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, operating coating machineryAuto body shops, manufacturing, or industrial settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in coating and finishing industriesAutomotive, furniture, and industrial painting

While both roles involve applying coatings, Powder Coating Machine Operators focus on operating specialized machinery for powder coating processes, ensuring even application and curing. Spray Painters typically manually apply liquid paints using spray guns. The roles differ mainly in the application method and equipment used, but both require knowledge of safety procedures and surface preparation.

Is powder coating a hard job?

Powder coating machine operators typically find the job physically demanding due to standing for long periods, handling heavy equipment, and working with high-temperature ovens. Attention to detail and safety precautions are essential, but with proper training, it is manageable for most workers.

What is the job description of a powder coating machine operator?

A powder coating machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining powder coating equipment to apply protective and decorative finishes to products. They prepare surfaces, monitor the coating process, ensure quality standards, and perform routine equipment inspections. Attention to safety protocols and knowledge of spray guns, curing ovens, and quality control are essential in this role.

What cities in New Jersey are hiring for Powder Coating Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in New Jersey with the most Powder Coating Machine Operator job openings:

Operator, Coating

North Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description


Job Description

Date

06/25

Location

1300 Airport Road, North Brunswick NJ 

Title

Operator, Tablet Coating 1

Department

Standard Manufacturing

Reports to

Supervisor, Production 

FLSA (Exempt or Non-Exempt

Non-Exempt

Role Overview

The Tablet Coating Operator is responsible for the operation and set-up of compression machines in accordance with company standard operating procedures (SOPs) and cGMP regulations to ensure products meet applicable quality standards.  This position includes set-up, operation, cleaning, and light mechanical adjustments.  The Coating Operator is accountable for overall process performance including safety, quality, shrink, attainment, and efficiency.  Operators must be capable of operating multiple like machines at one time and learning to operate a variety of equipment within the manufacturing area. 

Areas of Responsibility


Level 1

  • Manufacture Production batches according to Batch Records, SOP’s, and cGMP guidelines to ensure product specifications and tolerances are met.
  • Ensures full compliance with Company policies, procedures, GMP’s, Ethical Business Practice, and SOP’s at all times. Ensures documentation such as operation logs, batch records, etc. are fully completed, signed and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensures that product meets applicable quality standards. This includes inspection for quality during operation and performing all required sampling and testing.
  • Check spray nozzles, piping, air pressure and boiler before start of the batch.
  • Observes machines gauges and equipment calibration status and reports any deviations to production supervisor.
  • Capable of running the following pieces of equipment/activity 
  •             Accela Coater – 48” & 60”
  •             Coating medium/solution preparation
  • Responsible for proper data entry in all batch record and logbook; and in process check control during coating process.
  • Perform all related materials handling pertaining to the products being coated.
  • Checks and verifies weight of tablets received from compression and reports deviations.
  • Correctly document all steps on batch record.
  • Adhere to all company policies.
  • Maintain proper gowning and hygiene to ensure integrity of the product as per cGMP’s and company policies.
  • Perform cleaning of equipment and processing room and dispose of rejected tablet and powder as per compliance requirements.
  • Knowledgeable in the relationship between spray rate, and inlet temperature, atomizing pressure, bed temperature, pan speed, and gun to bed distance.
  • Meets all safety expectations and follows all safety practices.
  • Works extended hours and occasional weekend overtime.
  • Other duties as assigned

Level 2

  • Manufacture Production batches according to Batch Records, SOP’s, and cGMP guidelines to ensure product specifications and tolerances are met.
  • Ensures full compliance with Company policies, procedures, GMP’s, Ethical Business Practice, and SOP’s at all times. Ensures documentation such as operation logs, batch records, etc. are fully completed, signed and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensures that product meets applicable quality standards. This includes inspection for quality during operation and performing all required sampling and testing.
  • Check spray nozzles, piping, air pressure and boiler before start of the batch.
  • Observes machines gauges and equipment calibration status and reports any deviations to production supervisor.
  • Capable of running the following pieces of equipment/activity as well as train on new equipment, including troubleshooting equipment and accessories:
  •             Accela Coater – 48” & 60”
  •             Coating medium/solution preparation
  • Utilizes problem-solving skills to investigate and troubleshoot product issues and recommend solutions for: 1) coating issues such as sticking twinning, orange peel, film peel, blistering, surface edge erosion and over - wetting 2) general issues such as coating pan set up, performance, documentation, and material issues.
  • Responsible for proper data entry in all batch record and logbook; and in process check control during coating process.
  • Perform all related materials handling pertaining to the products being coated.
  • Checks and verifies weight of tablets received from compression and reports deviations.
  • Assist in the investigation of batch record deviations.
  • Correctly document all steps on batch record.
  • Adhere to all company policies.
  • Maintain proper gowning and hygiene to ensure integrity of the product as per cGMP’s and company policies.
  • Perform cleaning of equipment and processing room and dispose of rejected tablet and powder as per compliance requirements.
  • Knowledgeable in the relationship between spray rate, and inlet temperature, atomizing pressure, bed temperature, pan speed, and gun to bed distance.
  • Meets all safety expectations and follows all safety practices.
  • Works extended hours and occasional weekend overtime.
  • Other duties as assigned

Level 3 

  • Manufacture Production batches according to Batch Records, SOP’s, and cGMP guidelines to ensure product specifications and tolerances are met.
  • Ensures full compliance with Company policies, procedures, GMP’s, Ethical Business Practice, and SOP’s at all times. Ensures documentation such as operation logs, batch records, etc. are fully completed, signed and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensures that product meets applicable quality standards. This includes inspection for quality during operation and performing all required sampling and testing.
  • Check spray nozzles, piping, air pressure and boiler before start of the batch.
  • Observes machines gauges and equipment calibration status and reports any deviations to production supervisor.
  • Capable of running the following pieces of equipment/activity as well as train on new equipment, including troubleshooting equipment and accessories:
  •             Accela Coater – 48” & 60”
  •             Coating medium/solution preparation
  • Assist in the revision and creation of department SOP’s.
  • Utilizes problem-solving skills to investigate and troubleshoot product issues and recommend solutions for: 1) coating issues such as sticking twinning, orange peel, film peel, blistering, surface edge erosion and over - wetting 2) general issues such as coating pan set up, performance, documentation, and material issues.
  • Responsible for proper data entry in all batch record and logbook; and in process check control during coating process.
  • Perform all related materials handling pertaining to the products being coated.
  • Checks and verifies weight of tablets received from compression and reports deviations.
  • Assist in the investigation of batch record deviations.
  • Correctly document all steps on batch record.
  • Adhere to all company policies.
  • Maintain proper gowning and hygiene to ensure integrity of the product as per cGMP’s and company policies.
  • Perform cleaning of equipment and processing room and dispose of rejected tablet and powder as per compliance requirements.
  • Knowledgeable in the relationship between spray rate, and inlet temperature, atomizing pressure, bed temperature, pan speed, and gun to bed distance.
  • Meets all safety expectations and follows all safety practices.
  • Works extended hours and occasional weekend overtime.
  • Other duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities Including Safety:

  • Works in a safe and responsible manner to create an injury-free and incident-free workplace.
  • Complies with all job-related safety and other training requirements.
  • Keeps management informed of area activities and of any significant problems.

Requirements

Education & Qualification:

Level 1

Pay Rate: $21.00 - $25.00

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent 
  • 1-2 years of experience

Level 2

Pay Rate: $23.00 - $28.00

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent 
  • 2-4 years of experience
  • Operate 2 machines at one time
  • A clear understanding of the principal coating pan operation. 
  • Responsible for training

Level 3

Pay Rate: $28.00 - $38.00

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent 
  • 5+ years of experience
  • Operate all machines.
  • Solution prep, able to coat / troubleshoot the problems for all products.
  • A thorough understanding of the causes and prevention of common coating problems.
  • Responsible for training
  • Ability to work with minimum to no supervision 

Certifications, Licenses, Credentials:

  • N/A

Skills & Ability

  • Demonstrates ability to work in a team and assist others.
  • Able to follow written instructions precisely and perform basic math calculations as required.
  • Understands and is knowledgeable of cGMP, OSHA standards, etc.
  • Mechanically inclined to understand the inner workings of the equipment.
  • Demonstrates the ability to read and write basic English to be able to understand the industry-regulated instruction sheets.
  • Must have attention to detail.

Physical Requirements (lifting, etc.): 

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; occasionally lift and move up to 75 pounds.
  • Must stand and w