Plasma/Coating Tech

MD&A; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 27,552 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

MD&A in San Antonio, TX, seeks a Plasma Coating Operator to prepare, thermally spray, inspect, and process industrial gas turbine components using plasma spray and related coating technologies. You will apply thermal barrier coatings, bond coats, and wear-resistant layers to turbine parts, read drawings, set up equipment, verify coating thickness, and maintain production records while adhering to safety procedures.

Experience with grit blasting and quality inspections preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical training preferred.
• 3–5 years of plasma/thermal spray coating experience.
• Experience coating turbine components: blades, vanes, shrouds, etc.
• Knowledge of plasma spray, HVOF, and bond coat applications.
• Ability to read blueprints and process specifications.
• Familiarity with coating thickness measurement and inspection techniques.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and monitor plasma spray coating equipment per engineering specs and work instructions.
• Apply thermal barrier coatings (TBC), bond coats, abradable coatings, and wear-resistant coatings to turbine components.
• Prepare parts for coating via grit blasting, masking, cleaning, and surface prep.
• Verify coating thickness, surface finish, and coating quality using approved inspection methods.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, coating specs, process sheets, and 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.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production to resolve issues.
• Follow safety procedures related to thermal spray operations, gases, dust collection, and PPE.
• Support continuous improvement to boost productivity, quality, and reliability.

Skills

Read blueprints

Attention to detail

Safety procedures

Thermal spray knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Plasma spray equipment

HVOF systems

Coating thickness measurement equipment

Job description

Description

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. 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

• 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.

Salary Description: $20.00 - $26.00 (DOE)