Powder Coating Operative (Paint Shop)

OP; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous overtime rates

Modern working environment

Career progression

Company pension

Job summary

OP in Thatcham, Berkshire is seeking a Powder Coating Operative to join the fast-paced paint shop. You will oversee the full powder coating process from surface preparation to operating machinery and performing final quality checks.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, safety, and physical stamina, with exposure to curing times and a path for career progression in a modern, well-equipped facility.

Qualifications

• Practical aptitude and safe metalwork knowledge.
• Experience in a paint shop, powder coating or wet spraying.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality finishes.
• Good stamina to lift, hang components and stand for long periods.
• Safety-aware with PPE and ventilation practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare components for coating including degreasing, masking, shot-blasting or sanding.
• Operate powder coating machinery and spray guns for consistent coatings.
• Load and unload components into track systems or curing ovens, managing temperature and curing times.
• Perform finishing work to ensure no runs, blemishes, or uneven coverage.
• Maintain high-quality standards and reject non-conforming parts.
• Keep paint shop equipment clean and safe in a dust-free environment.

Skills

Practical aptitude

Paint shop experience

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Reliable and proactive

Job description

Powder Coating Operative (Paint Shop)

Location:

Thatcham, Berkshire

Salary:

£16.50 - £18.50 per hour (dependent on experience) + Overtime

Job Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Generous overtime rates, modern working environment, career progression, company pension.

The Company

Our client is a highly successful, rapidly expanding producer of high-performance metal solutions. Renowned for their uncompromising reputation for quality finished products, they supply precision-engineered components to premium sectors. As part of their ongoing growth, they are now seeking a detail-oriented Powder Coating Operative to join their fast-paced paint shop team in Thatcham.

The Role

This is a vital role within the production cycle, ensuring that fabricated metal solutions receive a flawless, high-quality finish before leaving the factory. You will be responsible for the entire powder coating process - rigorous surface preparation to operating paint machinery and conducting final quality checks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare components for coating, including degreasing, masking, shot-blasting, or sanding to ensure optimal paint adhesion.
• Operate powder coating machinery and spray guns to apply consistent, even coatings to a variety of metal products.
• Load and unload components onto track systems or into curing ovens, carefully managing temperature and curing times.
• Perform meticulous finishing work, ensuring all products are free from runs, blemishes, or uneven coverage.
• Maintain an exceptional eye for detail, rejecting any parts that do not meet the company's strict, high-end quality standards.
• Clean and maintain paint shop equipment to ensure a safe, efficient, and dust-free working environment.

About You:

• Practical aptitude and strong common sense—you understand how to troubleshoot minor issues and handle metalwork safely.
• Previous experience in a paint shop environment, ideally with hands-on powder coating or wet spraying experience.
• A sharp eye for detail and a personal commitment to producing pristine, high-quality finishes.
• Good physical stamina, as the role involves lifting, hanging components, and standing for extended periods.
• Reliable and proactive attitude, with a strong understanding of workshop safety protocols (PPE, ventilation, etc.).