Application Specialist - Wood Coatings

Gemini Industries; El Reno (OK); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Gemini Industries in El Reno, OK is seeking an Application Specialist to support the development, evaluation, and technical validation of industrial wood coating systems. The role bridges Product Management, Laboratory Development, Technical Service, and Sales to ensure coatings perform in real-world spray environments.

You will lead spray application testing, conduct competitive benchmarking, maintain equipment, and assist with new product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience applying industrial wood coatings, including stains, lacquers, conversion varnishes and waterborne finishes.
• Experience with spray equipment and testing in production environments.
• Ability to document coating performance and communicate results to cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct spray application testing for new product development and reformulations.
• Perform product evaluations and benchmarking against competitors.
• Maintain and operate spray equipment and facilities; ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, and Product Management to translate findings into product guidance.

Skills

Wood coatings application

Spray equipment operation

Coating testing & evaluation

Documentation & reporting

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Gemini Industries, Inc (Oklahoma) - El Reno, OK 73036

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day Shift

Job Category: Sales

POSITION SUMMARY

The Application Specialist supports the development, evaluation, and technical validation of industrial wood coating systems. This role serves as a critical bridge between Product Management, Laboratory Development, Technical Service, and Sales to ensure coatings perform consistently in real-world spray environments.

This position will lead and support spray application testing, competitive benchmarking, internal product evaluations, and field problem-solving. This position also maintains application equipment and spray facilities. The role requires deep, hands-on expertise in wood coating spray techniques, fluid delivery systems, and industrial finishing equipment.

The Application Specialist plays a key part in supporting lab initiatives, new product launches, and continuous improvement projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Application Testing & Product Evaluation

• Conduct spray application testing for new product development, reformulations, and product improvements
• Perform internal product evaluations and competitive benchmarking
• Document coating performance, including:
  • Dry-to-handle, dry-to-sand, and dry-to-stack times
  • Atomization and transfer efficiency
  • Sanding quality, flow and leveling, feel and slip
  • Defect identification, film build, and overall appearance
• Evaluate stain applications including wipe ease, spray/no-wipe methods, color development, and dry times
• Partner with Product Management and Laboratory teams to translate formulations into real-world performance

Spray Equipment & Facility Management

• Maintain and manage spray booths, finishing equipment, and testing environments
• Set up and operate industrial spray systems, including:
  • Airless
  • Air-Assisted Airless
  • HVLP
  • Conventional spray systems
• Maintain fluid delivery systems such as pumps, pressure pots, and circulation systems
• Ensure all equipment is calibrated, functioning properly, and operating safely
• Follow all EHS standards, including recordkeeping and waste disposal procedures

Cross-Functional Technical Support

• Collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, Product Management, and Laboratory teams
• Troubleshoot application challenges during trials and evaluations
• Provide practical application insights to improve product formulation and performance
• Support product launches with spray parameters, application guidelines, and best practices

Competitive & Market Evaluation

• Conduct spray testing of competitor coatings
• Provide structured feedback on:
  • Sprayability
  • Appearance and finish quality
  • Film build
  • Defect resistance
  • Production suitability
• Communicate overall user experience comparisons between Gemini products and competitors

Product Development Support

• Assist in coating system validation for new product launches
• Establish application parameters and recommended equipment settings
• Support development of technical documentation and product positioning

Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Technical Expertise

• Extensive hands-on experience applying industrial wood coatings, including:
  • Stains
  • Lacquers and pre-catalyzed lacquers
  • Conversion varnishes
  • Waterborne coatings
  • Two-component finishes
• Strong understanding of coating behavior in production spray environments

Spray Equipment Knowledge

• Experience with:
  • Airless and Air-Assisted Airless systems
  • HVLP and conventional spray guns
  • Fluid delivery systems (pumps, pressure pots, circulation loops)

Equipment & Facility Management

• Ability to maintain spray booths, filtration systems, and finishing equipment
• Experience maintaining fluid handling systems and spray components

Ability to manage sanding tables and inventories (test panels, abrasives, sundries)

Analytical & Troubleshooting Skills

• Ability to identify and resolve application issues such as:
  • Orange peel
  • Dry spray
  • Poor atomization
  • Film defects and inconsistent build
• Strong observational, evaluation, and documentation skills

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Proven ability to work with Product Management, R&D/Laboratory teams, Technical Service, Sales, and OEM representatives
• Ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights across teams

Key Attributes for Success

• Hands-on, practical problem solver
• High attention to detail in application testing
• Ability to translate laboratory concepts into real-world performance
• Strong organizational and documentation discipline
• Collaborative mindset across technical and commercial teams
• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial wood finishing or coatings application
• Experience working with OEM wood manufacturers or production finishing environments
• Familiarity with coating evaluation protocols and testing methods
• Strong mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the role, with reasonable accommodations available as needed.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and customer environments.
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use hands for handling equipment and tools.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
• Ability to travel as required to customer sites, suppliers, and company facilities.