Quality Technician Coating Inspector - 2nd Shift

Vertiv Group Corporation; Pelzer (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertiv Group Corporation in South Carolina seeks an experienced Coating / Industrial Paint Inspector to ensure surface preparation and protective coating applications meet project specs, industry standards, and customer requirements. This position will monitor coating operations, inspect work, test materials, and document results in accordance with SSPC, NACE/AMPP, and ASTM.

The inspector will work closely with production, quality, engineering, coating applicators, and other stakeholders to

Qualifications

• Current certification related to industrial coatings is required.
• 3–5 years of experience in industrial coating inspection or application.
• Strong knowledge of protective coatings for structural steel and industrial applications.
• Familiarity with AMPP/SSPC, NACE, ASTM and related industry standards.
• Experience using inspection tools like DFT gauges, surface profile gauges, dew point meters, and environmental monitoring gear.
• Knowledge of spray application processes and painting equipment.

Responsibilities

• Inspect coating-related activities: surface prep, blasting, cleaning, and profiling of steel.
• Verify environmental conditions prior to and during coating application.
• Inspect coating materials for compliance with datasheets, specs, approved systems, and standards.
• Check mixing, thinning, recoat intervals, and curing of coatings.
• Measure and document DFT, WFT, surface profile, and other inspection parameters.
• Inspect stripe coats, primers, intermediates, topcoats, touch-ups, and repairs.
• Coordinate or perform holiday/continuity and adhesion testing when required.
• Conduct final appearance inspections and verify system quality.
• Identify non-conformances, document deficiencies, and verify corrective actions.

Skills

Industrial coating inspection

AMPP/SSPC/NACE/ASTM knowledge

DFT/WFT measurement

Environmental monitoring

Reading coating specs

Documentation

Willingness to travel

Tools

DFT gauges

Surface profile gauges

Dew point meters

Environmental monitors

Airless spray equipment

Proportionators

Job description

Job Summary

Vertiv is seeking an experienced Coating / Industrial Paint Inspector to ensure that all surface preparation and protective coating applications meet project specifications, industry standards, and customer requirements. This position will be responsible for monitoring coating operations, performing inspections, testing, and documenting results, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards such as SSPC, NACE/AMPP, and ASTM.

The inspector will work closely with production, quality, engineering, coating applicators, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve coating-related issues and ensure consistent, high-quality results.

Position Impact

The Coatings Inspector plays a critical role in ensuring Vertiv’s fabricated and modular structures achieve the required level of corrosion protection, durability, appearance, and quality. The position helps prevent coating failures, rework, and warranty issues by identifying problems early in the manufacturing process.

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Key Responsibilities

Inspection & Quality

• Inspect surface preparation activities including blasting, cleaning, and profiling of steel surfaces.
• Verify environmental conditions—including temperature, humidity, dew point, and surface temperature—before and during coating application.
• Inspect coating materials for compliance with product data sheets, project specifications, approved coating systems, and applicable standards.
• Verify proper mixing, thinning, recoat intervals, and curing of coating materials.
• Measure and document dry film thickness (DFT), wet film thickness (WFT), surface profile, and other required inspection parameters.
• Inspect stripe coats, primer, intermediate coats, topcoats, touch-ups, and repairs.
• Perform or coordinate holiday/continuity and adhesion testing when required by the specification.
• Perform final appearance inspections and verify completed coating systems meet specified quality requirements.
• Identify non-conformances, document deficiencies, and verify corrective actions.

Documentation & Coordination

• Maintain accurate inspection reports, daily logs, material batch records, and quality documentation.
• Ensure inspection records are complete, accurate, traceable, and maintained in accordance with Vertiv quality procedures.
• Coordinate with production managers, supervisors, coating applicators, and other paint department personnel.
• Communicate coating-related quality concerns clearly and promptly to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Review project specifications, coating procedures, product data sheets, and inspection requirements.
• Support coating failure investigations, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis when required.

Inspection Activities May Include

• Abrasive blast cleaning
• Surface profile
• Environmental conditions
• Sealants and surface fillers
• Primer/intermediate/topcoat application
• DFT/WFT measurements
• Recoat windows
• Mixing and thinning
• Stripe coating
• Holiday/continuity testing where applicable
• Adhesion testing where required
• Final appearance inspection
• Touch-up and repair inspection

Quality Authority

• Identify and document coating non-conformances.
• Recommend corrective action when coating work does not meet specified requirements.
• Place affected work on hold pending evaluation or corrective action, in accordance with Vertiv quality procedures.
• Escalate significant coating quality concerns to Quality and Production leadership.

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Required Qualifications

• Current Certification related to industrial coatings and paint.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in industrial coating inspection or application.
• Strong knowledge of protective coatings for structural steel and industrial applications.
• Working knowledge of AMPP/SSPC, NACE, ASTM, and relevant industry standards.
• Experience using inspection tools such as DFT gauges, surface profile gauges, dew point meters, and environmental monitoring equipment.
• Working knowledge of industrial spray application equipment such as airless spray and proportionators and the corresponding coating application practices.
• Working knowledge of industrial manufacturing paint booths.
• Ability to read and interpret coating specifications, product data sheets, drawings, and inspection criteria.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to work in industrial manufacturing environments, fabrication shops, and outdoor job sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current AMPP CIP Level 1 or Level 2 certification preferred.
• Additional AMPP certifications.
• Scissor lift operator training.
• Experience with modular construction, data center construction, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience with multiple coating technologies, including epoxy, polyurethane, zinc, and specialty protective coatings.
• Experience with DeFelsko testing equipment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.

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Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to identify potential coating issues before they become costly quality problems

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Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in manufacturing and fabrication environments, including areas with elevated noise, dust, fumes, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces when required.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, and inspection platforms.
• Ability to lift and carry inspection equipment and other job-related materials.
• Ability and willingness to travel to job sites and fabrication facilities as required.