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Powder Coating Machine Operator Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Advanced Coating Technician

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26.72 - $36.40/hr

Utilizes various coating technologies and processes including paints, epoxies, urethanes, powder ... Ensures all work is conducted safely and in accordance with prescribed operating instructions, PPE ...

Utilizes various coating technologies and processes including paints, epoxies, urethanes, powder ... Ensures all work is conducted safely and in accordance with prescribed operating instructions, PPE ...

Advanced Coating Technician

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26.72 - $36.40/hr

Utilizes various coating technologies and processes including paints, epoxies, urethanes, powder ... Ensures all work is conducted safely and in accordance with prescribed operating instructions, PPE ...

Advanced Coating Technician

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26.72 - $36.40/hr

Utilizes various coating technologies and processes including paints, epoxies, urethanes, powder ... Ensures all work is conducted safely and in accordance with prescribed operating instructions, PPE ...

Howmet Aerospace has an opening for a Paint and Coating Operator 1st Shift in our Tucson, AZ ... Responsible for operating the Vector and Dye Point machines to meet customer requirements. * Solid ...

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Powder Coating Machine Operator information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$11

$17

$22

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 Tucson, AZ is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $18.41 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.
Infographic showing various Powder Coating Machine Operator job openings in Tucson, AZ as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,009 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Advanced Coating Technician

Tucson, AZ • On-site

RTX
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$26.72 - $36.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-06-29
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-AZ-TUCSON-801 1151 E Hermans Rd BLDG 801 (External Site)
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling - to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.
*Pay Range: $26.72 - $36.40*
This occupation requires performing surface preparation, coating, finishing, and inspection of a wide range of fabricated parts, assemblies, composite structures, airframes, and test equipment. Utilizes various coating technologies and processes including paints, epoxies, urethanes, powder coat, electrolytic, mechanical, and immersion applications to ensure compliance with engineering, manufacturing, and quality specifications. Sets up, adjusts, and operates robotic, automatic, and manual coating equipment, as well as spray guns, airbrushes, hoists, fixtures, and other specialized tools. Performs masking, grit blasting, chemical etching, and other preparation operations; mixes and adjusts coating materials to required specifications; and conducts process verifications such as temperature, humidity, and cleanliness checks.
This occupation requires troubleshooting and making minor equipment adjustments, handling hazardous materials and waste in accordance with safety and environmental requirements, and maintaining accurate records and documentation. Performs in-process inspection and verification using standard and precision measuring instruments to ensure proper coating application and component conformance. May collaborate with engineering, Process Floor Support, and other technical personnel in the implementation of new coatings or procedures, and performs rework or corrective actions as required. Ensures all work is conducted safely and in accordance with prescribed operating instructions, PPE requirements, and regulatory standards.
Qualifications You Must Have
  • High School Diploma or Equivalency (GED)
  • Must be able to work any designated shift to include overnight.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in applying advanced coatings such as paints, epoxies, and urethanes on fabricated parts, assemblies, or composite structures. performing surface preparation using Bondo©, masking, grit blasting, sanding, and chemical rinsing processes. Work from instructions, blueprints, or written procedures.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience preparing, measuring, mixing, and adjusting paints to desired thickness, selecting correct nozzles, pressure setting, or other coating solutions to meet viscosity and specification requirements. Experienced in troubleshooting and making minor adjustments to coating equipment to maintain proper operation.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience handling hazardous materials, including mixing, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, in compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Experience working in environments requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as air hoods, respirators, or Tyvek garments.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. secret clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Access (ATF) clearance.

What We Offer
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • RTX solves some of the toughest challenges in aerospace and defense. That requires expansive thinking and bold innovation.
  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.
    • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

Union Specific Information: This position is part of a collective bargaining agreement. Wage and workplace conditions, including shift times, are subject to this agreement. Individuals hired into this position will be represented by a union.
Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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