Plasma/Coating Tech

Mdaturbines; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mdaturbines is seeking a Plasma Coating Operator located in San Antonio, Texas, to join their team. The successful candidate will prepare and apply coating to industrial gas turbine components, utilizing plasma spray technology to enhance durability and performance.

This position requires at least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a strong attention to detail to ensure quality and precision in operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating plasma spray or thermal spray coating equipment.
• Experience coating industrial gas turbine components, including turbine blades and vanes.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate plasma spray coating equipment according to specifications.
• Apply thermal barrier coatings to gas turbine components.
• Verify coating quality using inspection methods.

Skills

Plasma spray equipment operation

Attention to detail

Blueprint interpretation

Thermal spray processes knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical or vocational training

Tools

Coating thickness measurement equipment

Job description

Description

The Plasma Coating Operator is responsible for preparing, thermally spraying, inspecting, and processing industrial gas turbine components using plasma spray and related coating technologies.

This position supports the repair and manufacturing of critical turbine parts by applying protective coatings that enhance wear resistance, corrosion protection, and thermal barrier performance. The ideal candidate will have experience working with industrial gas turbine components and thermal spray equipment in a manufacturing or repair environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor plasma spray coating equipment in accordance with engineering specifications and work instructions.
• Apply thermal barrier coatings (TBC), bond coats, abradable coatings, and wear-resistant coatings to industrial gas turbine components.
• Prepare parts for coating through grit blasting, masking, cleaning, and surface preparation processes.
• Verify coating thickness, surface finish, and coating quality using approved inspection methods.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, coating specifications, process sheets, and technical instructions.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and process adjustments to ensure coating quality.
• Maintain accurate production records, inspection data, and process documentation.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections before and after coating operations.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve process issues.
• Follow all safety procedures related to thermal spray operations, compressed gases, dust collection systems, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and process reliability.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience operating plasma spray or thermal spray coating equipment.
• Experience coating industrial gas turbine components such as:
  • Turbine blades
  • Vanes
  • Combustion components
  • Transition pieces
  • Shrouds
  • Compressor components
• Knowledge of thermal spray processes, including plasma spray, HVOF, and bond coat applications.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and process specifications.
• Familiarity with coating thickness measurement equipment and inspection techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.