Job Description
Job Overview:
Coatings Technician I
Kform is a next-generation defense manufacturer helping leading defense and dual-use startups turn advanced technology into producible hardware. We work across design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, quality, and production readiness to move critical products from concept to fielded reality.
We are recruiting builders who want to break the mold and develop solutions that meet the rigorous adaptive timelines that the defense industry demands. The battlefield waits weeks, not years.
The right person for this role is hands-on, detail-oriented, and interested in developing practical skills in industrial coatings and surface finishing. You may come from manufacturing, automotive finishing, powder coating, painting, metal fabrication, or another hands-on production environment.
At Kform, you will work across the finishing process: prepare, clean, mask, coat, cure, inspect, document, and improve.
The Role
You will support the preparation, coating, and finishing of precision components and assemblies for defense and dual-use customers.
This is an entry-level, hands-on manufacturing role focused on surface preparation, coating application, quality inspection, and production support.
You will learn and perform assigned finishing processes under the guidance of experienced technicians and supervisors.
Processes may include:
Powder coating
Wet spray painting
Bead blasting and abrasive surface preparation
Cleaning, sanding, and surface conditioning
Precision masking and coating preparation
Curing and post-coating inspection
This is a hands-on role. You should be comfortable working with physical parts, coating equipment, production work instructions, and quality requirements in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
What You Will Do
Prepare metal and other components for coating through cleaning, sanding, blasting, masking, and other surface preparation methods.
Apply coatings using assigned processes such as powder coating and wet spray painting under supervision.
Operate basic coating and surface preparation equipment, including spray guns, powder coating systems, and bead blasting equipment.
Read and follow work instructions, drawings, masking requirements, and coating specifications.
Prepare, mask, and handle parts to ensure accurate coating coverage and protection of critical surfaces.
Assist with coating setup, material preparation, and curing operations.
Inspect finished parts for coating coverage, appearance, uniformity, and visible defects.
Identify and report coating defects, process problems, and equipment issues.
Record production activities, material usage, and basic quality information.
Clean and maintain coating equipment, spray booths, workstations, and production tools.
Follow established safety procedures for chemical handling, ventilation, equipment operation, and personal protective equipment.
Work with manufacturing and quality teams to improve consistency, workmanship, and production efficiency.
Support prototype, small-batch, and production finishing operations as program needs require.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who enjoys working with their hands, pays attention to details, and takes pride in producing high-quality finished parts.
You do not need to be an expert in every coating process. We value candidates with a strong work ethic, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn new equipment and techniques.
This is not a desk-based position. You should be comfortable preparing parts, operating equipment, following manufacturing instructions, inspecting your work, and keeping your work area clean and organized.
The best fit is practical, dependable, detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and motivated to develop their skills.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
0–2 years of experience in industrial coatings, manufacturing, automotive finishing, painting, fabrication, or a related field.
Basic familiarity with coating processes, surface preparation, or industrial equipment.
Ability to follow written work instructions, drawings, and technical specifications.
Ability to perform accurate masking, cleaning, sanding, and other preparation tasks.
Strong attention to detail, consistency, and workmanship.
Good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Ability to recognize visible defects and report problems to supervisors.
Ability to follow safety procedures and properly use required personal protective equipment.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with manufacturing and quality teams.
Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Demonstrated hands-on ability, reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn matter more than extensive prior experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, industrial finishing, or automotive environment.
Familiarity with powder coating, wet spray painting, or abrasive blasting.
Experience preparing and masking precision components.
Familiarity with spray guns, blasting cabinets, coating booths, or curing ovens.
Ability to read basic engineering drawings and follow manufacturing work instructions.
Experience performing visual quality inspections.
Familiarity with coating defects, surface cleanliness, and finish requirements.
Experience handling industrial chemicals and coating materials safely.
Experience working in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
Interest in developing advanced coating and finishing skills.
Skills That Matter Here
Surface preparation and cleaning
Precision masking
Powder coating and spray painting
Abrasive blasting
Coating equipment operation
Quality inspection
Manufacturing work instructions
Safe material handling
Production documentation
Practical problem-solving and attention to detail
Working Environment
This role operates in a fast-moving manufacturing and production environment.
Expect frequent hands-on work with coating equipment, abrasive blasting systems, spray booths, curing ovens, cleaning materials, and precision manufactured components.
The work may involve exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, heat, and industrial equipment. Appropriate engineering controls, safe operating procedures, and personal protective equipment are required.
The role includes extended periods of standing, walking, handling parts, preparing surfaces, operating equipment, and inspecting finished products.
Personal protective equipment may include respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing, depending on the process and work area.
Flexibility to support production schedules, including occasional overtime, may be required.
How We Work
Kform's core values are Leaders of Leaders, Aggressive Value, Good is Not Good Enough, Extreme Ownership, and Progressive Overload.
We need people who care about craftsmanship, take ownership of their work, follow processes carefully, and continuously develop their skills.
Quality is built into every step of manufacturing. Surface preparation, coating application, and inspection directly affect the appearance, durability, and performance of the products we deliver.
We value people who recognize problems, communicate clearly, learn from experienced teammates, and take pride in getting the details right.
If you want to build practical manufacturing skills, work with your hands, learn industrial finishing processes, and contribute to the production of advanced defense technology, this is the work.
You Should Be Proficient In
Surface Preparation
Part Cleaning and Masking
Basic Coating Application
Hand and Power Tools
Manufacturing Work Instructions
Visual Quality Inspection
Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
Workplace Safety
Production Documentation
Machines & Technologies You'll Use
Powder coating equipment
Wet spray painting equipment
Spray booths and ventilation systems
Bead blasting and abrasive blasting equipment
Industrial curing ovens
Surface preparation tools and equipment
Masking tools and materials
Cleaning and degreasing equipment
Basic inspection and measurement tools
