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Powder Coating Jobs in Erie, PA (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial painting, powder coating, metal finishing, or fabrication and take pride in producing high-quality finished products that meet customer ...

Maintenance Electrician

Erie, PA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Experience with Powder Coating, Combustion Burners, and Overhead Cranes a plus. * Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems is a plus, but not required. Education: * High School or Equivalent

Knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, paint/powder coating and assembly processes is a plus. * Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with ...

Knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, paint/powder coating and assembly processes is a plus. * Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with ...

Powder Coating information

See Erie, PA salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do powder coating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for powder coating in Erie, PA is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is a finishing process in which a dry, powdered paint is electrostatically applied to a surface and then cured under heat to form a durable, protective, and decorative layer. This method is commonly used on metals like aluminum, steel, and automotive parts, offering a high-quality finish that is resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading. Powder coating is also environmentally friendly because it produces less hazardous waste compared to traditional liquid painting. The process comes in a wide variety of colors and textures to suit different applications.

What are powder coating jobs?

Powder coating jobs are positions in which you help paint and finish various products—often, but not exclusively, metal—using a dry powder coat that can be treated to become a solid surface. In this role, you may help prepare components, spray on the powder, and ensure that the final product meets all manufacturing standards. Most powder coating jobs take place in regulated environments that help minimize the chance of irregularities while using the specialized tools required to make powder coating work. Powder coating jobs also help move products into and out of an oven to cure the surface and ensure a smooth, even finish.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a powder coating technician?

To excel as a Powder Coating Technician, you need a solid understanding of surface preparation, coating application techniques, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with powder coating guns, curing ovens, and quality control systems is commonly required, with some employers seeking certifications such as PCI (Powder Coating Institute) credentials. Attention to detail, strong work ethic, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for ensuring consistent, high-quality finishes. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintain safety standards, minimize defects, and achieve optimal product durability and appearance.

What are some common challenges faced by powder coating technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Powder coating technicians often encounter challenges such as achieving a uniform finish, preventing contamination, and managing the curing process. Dust, humidity, and improper surface preparation can affect the quality of the coating. Staying vigilant about equipment maintenance, regularly cleaning work areas, and closely following safety and process protocols help address these issues. Team collaboration is important, as technicians frequently coordinate with quality control and production teams to ensure standards are met and deadlines are achieved.

What is the difference between Powder Coating vs Spray Painter?

AspectPowder CoatingSpray Painter
CredentialsTypically requires certification in powder coating applicationRequires spray painting certification or license
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, spray booths, manufacturing plantsAuto body shops, industrial painting facilities
Industry UsageUsed for durable, high-quality finishes on metal productsUsed for decorative and protective finishes on various surfaces

Powder Coating and Spray Painter roles both involve applying finishes, but Powder Coating uses a dry powder applied electrostatically and cured in an oven, offering durable results. Spray Painters typically use liquid paints applied with spray guns, suitable for a variety of surfaces. While both require knowledge of surface preparation and safety protocols, their application methods and end uses differ significantly.

Do you need a license to powder coat?

In most regions, powder coating technicians do not require a specific license, but they may need to follow safety regulations and obtain certifications related to handling hazardous materials and operating spray equipment. Employers often provide training on safety standards and proper procedures. Licensing requirements can vary by location, so it's important to check local regulations for compliance.

Is powder coating hard work?

Powder coating as a job involves operating specialized equipment, working in a physically demanding environment, and maintaining safety protocols. It requires attention to detail, some physical strength, and the ability to work with chemicals and high temperatures, making it moderately to physically demanding work. Proper training and safety measures are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Powder Coating jobs in Erie, PA?

The most popular types of Powder Coating jobs in Erie, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Powder Coating jobs in Erie, PA?

For Powder Coating jobs in Erie, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Powder Coating jobs in Erie, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Powder Coating jobs in Erie, PA are:

What cities near Erie, PA are hiring for Powder Coating jobs?

Cities near Erie, PA with the most Powder Coating job openings:

Infographic showing various Powder Coating job openings in Erie, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,508 per year, or $18 per hour.

Powder Coating Technical Specialist

Decision Associates

Erie, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About F3 Metalworx

F3 Metalworx, a leading sheet metal fabrication company, based in Erie, PA, is a single, one-stop resource for customers across industrial fabrication and powder coating markets. From wash and pretreatment through electrostatic powder and Teflon application, their finishing operations serve customers in a variety of industries.  As F3 Metalworx continues to grow, they are investing in the technical expertise needed to build a best-in-class powder coating operation across their North East and Erie, PA locations.

The Opportunity

On behalf of our client, F3 Metalworx, Decision Associates is seeking a hands-on Powder Coating Technical Specialist to bring deep technical expertise to our powder coating operation. This role is central to our growth strategy, heavily focused on implementing a process-driven operation built on Lean principles. You'll spend the majority of your time on the floor,  evaluating and optimizing our lines, diagnosing coating defects, and building the processes, training, and mentoring that raise the bar for quality, consistency, and throughput. This is a highly visible, technically demanding role reporting directly to the VP of Operations, with real opportunity to shape the future of the department.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the technical authority on the powder coating floor, spending the majority of your time directly on the line
  • Evaluate existing processes and implement new ones to improve quality, efficiency, and flow across three powder lines, four ovens, and a batch booth
  • Apply Lean/Six Sigma techniques to identify and eliminate bottlenecks and waste
  • Diagnose and resolve coating defects, drawing on deep technical knowledge of chemical composition, oven time/temperature/speed, and application parameters
  • Oversee the operation, cleaning, and maintenance of the automated application equipment, including Nordson powder coating systems
  • Support both standard powder coating and specialty Teflon coating processes
  • Partner closely with the Quality team to reduce customer escapes and drive toward zero-defect performance
  • Coach, train, and mentor the team, building buy-in for new processes across the floor
  • Use data and KPIs to monitor line performance and report gaps to leadership

Requirements

  • 10+ years of hands-on, career-track powder coating experience
  • Experience across multiple substrates (steel, galvanized, aluminum, stainless) and pretreatment chemistries
  • Experience across multiple powder chemistries and specialty finishes; Teflon coating knowledge preferred
  • Strong working knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma methods, including process mapping
  • Comfortable diagnosing and resolving coating defects with minimal reliance on formal testing
  • Experience with automated application equipment (e.g., Nordson) strongly preferred
  • Job shop or high-mix production background preferred
  • Strong communicator who is comfortable training, coaching, and mentoring others
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office/365 (Outlook, Excel, Teams); MIE Trak experience a plus

Benefits

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance

F3 Metalworx, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.