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Ship Coating Inspector Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Ship Coating Inspector information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$17

$31

$56

How much do ship coating inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship coating inspector in Appleton, WI is $31.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $37.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a ship coating inspector?

Ship Coating Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and verifying the quality of protective coatings applied to ships and marine structures. Their main role is to ensure that coatings, such as paint or anti-corrosive layers, meet industry standards and project specifications to protect vessels from rust, corrosion, and other environmental damage. They use specialized tools and testing methods to assess surface preparation, coating application, and curing processes. Ship Coating Inspectors also document their findings, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and may provide recommendations for corrective actions. Their expertise helps extend the lifespan of ships and maintain safety at sea.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ship coating inspector?

To thrive as a Ship Coating Inspector, you need a solid understanding of marine coating systems, corrosion control, and inspection techniques, usually supported by certifications like NACE or FROSIO. Familiarity with inspection tools such as dry film thickness gauges, surface profile meters, and reporting software is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help inspectors effectively identify issues and collaborate with shipyard teams. These abilities are vital to ensuring vessel longevity, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

What are common challenges faced by ship coating inspectors during ship maintenance projects?

Ship Coating Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in harsh marine environments, coordinating with multiple teams under tight schedules, and ensuring strict adherence to industry standards for surface preparation and coating application. They must also address unexpected issues like weather delays or surface contamination, which can impact project timelines and coating quality. Effective communication with contractors, crew members, and project managers is essential to resolve issues promptly and maintain safety standards throughout the inspection process.

What is the difference between Ship Coating Inspector vs Ship Painter?

AspectShip Coating InspectorShip Painter
CertificationsSurface preparation, coating application, and inspection certificationsPainting and coating application certifications
Work EnvironmentInspection sites, shipyards, and coating application areasShip surfaces, paint booths, and shipyard environments
Job FocusEnsuring coating quality, adherence to standards, and surface preparationApplying paint and coatings to ship surfaces
Industry UsageUsed in shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance industriesPrimarily in shipbuilding and repair sectors

The Ship Coating Inspector and Ship Painter roles are closely related but differ mainly in focus. The inspector emphasizes quality control, standards compliance, and surface inspection, while the painter concentrates on applying coatings. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar environments within the maritime industry.

How much do ship coating inspectors make in the US?

Ship coating inspectors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced inspectors with specialized skills or certifications like NACE or SSPC can earn higher salaries, especially in maritime or industrial environments.

How to become a ship coating inspector?

To become a ship coating inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in surface preparation and coating application. Industry certifications such as NACE or SSPC are often required, and experience in marine environments or industrial coating inspection is beneficial. Knowledge of safety protocols and inspection tools is also important.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Coating Inspector jobs in Appleton, WI?

For Ship Coating Inspector jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ship Coating Inspector job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,471 per year, or $32 per hour.

ESTIMATING MANAGER (GB)

Fox Valley Metal Tech, Inc.

Green Bay, WI • On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Fox Valley Metal Tech rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
**
REQUIRES 30% TO 40% TRAVEL
**Must be a US citizen
Basic Job Purpose:
The Estimating Manager is responsible for leading the estimating and quoting function for complex manufacturing programs and production opportunities. This role develops and maintains processes to provide accurate cost estimates, labor standards, material requirements, and pricing strategies to support profitable growth and competitive positioning. The Estimating Manager works closely with sales, engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and finance teams to ensure quotes reflect operational capabilities, production risks, and customer requirements.
Assignment of Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the estimating and quotation process for new and existing business opportunities.
  • Develop detailed cost models including: Labor hours, material costs, outside processing, tooling and capital requirements
  • Review customer RFQs, drawings, specifications, and statements of work to determine manufacturing requirements and risks.
  • Coordinate with manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to validate routing, cycle times, and production methods.
  • Analyze manufacturing processes including: CNC machining, fabrication, welding, assembly. finishing/coating, inspection and testing
  • Evaluate make-versus-buy decisions and supplier quotations.
  • Develop pricing strategies aligned with company financial objectives and market conditions.
  • Maintain estimating databases, labor standards, historical cost data, and quoting templates.
  • Identify cost reduction opportunities and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support contract reviews and customer negotiations as needed.
  • Track estimate accuracy versus actual production performance and implement corrective actions.
  • Lead and mentor estimating personnel and support cross-functional initiatives, including but not limited to training, cross-functional workshare and development, succession planning, etc.
  • Ensure compliance with customer, military, aerospace, ISO9001, AS9100, NAVSEA, or other regulatory requirements where applicable.

Minimum Requirements for Education, Skillset, Qualifications, and Experience:
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
    • Equivalent manufacturing and estimating experience may be considered.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production flow.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and technical specifications.
  • Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and estimating software. Paperless parts, JobBOSS, N4/Syteline and Epicor preferred.
  • Strong analytical and financial acumen.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple RFQs and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
  • Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Preferred Experience
  • Government contracting or military specification experience.
  • Knowledge of welding certifications, machining standards, and inspection requirements.
  • Familiarity with FAR/DFARS requirements and defense program estimating.
  • Performance Metrics: Quote turnaround time, estimate accuracy, gross margin performance, win rate on quoted opportunities, on-time completion of customer RFQs

Experience
  • 7+ years of manufacturing estimating, manufacturing engineering, operations, or cost analysis experience.
  • 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Experience in high-mix, low-volume and/or precision manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Experience supporting defense, aerospace, shipbuilding, heavy industrial, or complex fabrication programs is highly desirable.

Required Skills & Competencies
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production flow.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, BOMs, and technical specifications.
  • Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and estimating software. Paperless parts, JobBOSS, N4/Syteline and Epicor preferred.
  • Strong analytical and financial acumen.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple RFQs and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
  • Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
  • Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Preferred Experience
  • Government contracting or military specification experience.
  • Knowledge of welding certifications, machining standards, and inspection requirements.
  • Familiarity with FAR/DFARS requirements and defense program estimating.
  • Performance Metrics: Quote turnaround time, estimate accuracy, gross margin performance, win rate on quoted opportunities, on-time completion of customer RFQs

Work Environment
  • Combination of office and manufacturing floor environment.
  • Frequent interaction with production personnel, engineering teams, suppliers, and customers.
  • Occasional travel may be required for customer visits, supplier evaluations, or program reviews.

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