Inspector Quality Control -Shipyard (TX or Norfolk Based, 75% Travel)

Kymera International; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays and PTO

FSA/HSA with dental and vision

401(k) with company match

Company-paid short-term disability and

Life insurance

Competitive pay

Job summary

Kymera International is seeking a Shipyard Quality Coatings Inspector to join our field service team. Based out of Norfolk, VA or Houston, TX, you will inspect coatings and supervise surface preparation on naval and commercial vessels, with up to 75% travel to US and international sites.

You will report to the Quality & Safety Manager and collaborate with project teams to ensure compliance with MIL-STD, ISO, and organizational standards.

Qualifications

• Certified Coating Inspector (NACE/AMPP/NBPI) with knowledge of coating materials and application techniques.
• Strong inspection documentation and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel 75%+ domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Perform surface inspection and coating evaluation on equipment and structures.
• Use precision gauges and data loggers to verify surface prep and coating thickness.
• Interpret military specifications, ISO 9001/AS9100D, and related quality standards.
• Maintain calibration programs in line with ISO/ANSI/NCSL Z540.
• Document results, communicate findings to clients and team, and support corrective actions.

Job description

Kymera International - Specialty Materials that Shape the Future

Shipyard Quality Coatings Inspector

This position is based out of Norfolk or Houston TX (Spring) and requires up to 75%+ travel to US and International Job Sites and home based site work the rest.

About The Company

Kymera International - Thermal Spray Solutions: Kymera International is a leading global producer of specialty metal powders, pastes, and granules, catering to industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and electronics. Our mission is to drive innovation while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, operational excellence, and ethical business practices. We are committed to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance on a global scale. As part of Kymera International, Thermal Spray Solutions, Inc. (TSS) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, full-service thermal spray facility. We provide high-performance coating solutions for a diverse range of industries, including Marine, Power Generation, Pulp & Paper, Valves, Pumps, and various branches of the Department of Defense (DoD). Our state-of-the‑art equipment, advanced coating technologies, and unique certifications enable us to meet the highest standards of our customers’ demands. At TSS, we are dedicated to excellence, customer success, and business growth. We are looking for motivated, goal‑oriented, and hard‑working individuals who thrive in challenging environments to join our team!

About The Job

Job Title: Quality Control Inspector (Coatings Inspector - Field Service Shipboard)

Location: Chesapeake VA or Houston, TX shop with travel to job sites (75%+ Travel to US and International Job Sites)

Reports To: Quality & Safety Manager

Job Overview: The Quality Control Inspector is a detail‑oriented NACE, AMPP or NBPI Certified Coating Inspector to examine and evaluate coatings for equipment and structures. Your responsibilities will include inspecting surfaces for contaminants, evaluating surface preparation according to specifications, and documenting inspection results. Our ideal candidates should have a solid understanding of coating materials and application techniques, as well as proven experience in coatings inspection and knowledge of safety regulations. Ultimately, the role of the NACE Certified Coating Inspector is to ensure all coatings and linings adhere to company standards and industry regulations, ensuring the longevity and durability of equipment and structures. The technician will be expected to travel 50–75% of the time, including domestic and international assignments, and must be able to work effectively aboard naval and commercial vessels under varying conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform dimensional inspections using a variety of precision measuring instruments gauges (data logger, surface roughness gauge, profile gauge, DFT Gauge, Conductivity meter, and dew point meter.
• Interpret and apply military specifications, ISO 9001, AS9100D, and other relevant quality standards.
• Support and maintain calibration programs in accordance with ISO/ANSI/NCSL Z540 and other applicable standards.
• Document inspection results and maintain accurate records in quality databases and reports. Communicate inspection results and recommendations to clients and team members.
• Participate in root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures when nonconformances are detected.
• Inspect surface preparation and coating application on various structures and equipment.
• Oversee compliance with MIL-STD coating and painting requirements for shipboard applications. Stay updated with latest industry practices, standards, and product developments.
• Ensure all work complies with OSHA, shipyard safety rules, and company safety policies during field assignments.
• Work collaboratively with production teams, project managers, and field service crews to ensure product quality and process control.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide training or coaching team members on inspection techniques, safety protocols, and quality procedures.
• Act as an on‑site quality and safety representative during field work, including aboard ships in foreign ports.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining quality documentation for audits and customer reviews. Assist in developing inspection procedures and standards.
• Implement safety controls and hazard mitigation strategies while on job sites, including shipboard and overseas locations.

Benefits Summary

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company‑paid holidays and PTO.
• Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage: Company‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long‑term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Pay Range: $30.00 - $35.00 Per Hour. Starting pay is determined based on relevant experience, education, technical qualifications, certifications, skills, and other job‑related factors. Placement within the range reflects the candidate's overall qualifications, with the top of the range generally reserved for individuals whose experience and credentials substantially exceed the position's minimum requirements.

Kymera International is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We recruit, hire, develop, and promote employees based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable law in the countries where we operate.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and employment process for qualified individuals with disabilities or other protected needs, in accordance with applicable law.