Technical Products Specialist

Vortex Companies - Trenchless Infrastructure Rehabilitation Solutions; Sandy (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vortex Companies, LLC is looking for an experienced Technical Products Specialist based in Sandy, Utah. This role involves training customers on Graco XP-50 and Reactor systems, conducting QA inspections in the field, and troubleshooting equipment issues. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years' experience in wastewater infrastructure, significant field experience, and the ability to travel heavily to client sites.

The position emphasizes hands-on training and technical support, requiring excellent communication and diagnostics skills. Candidates must hold a valid driver’s license and be flexible for travel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in epoxy and polyurethane coatings application.
• 3+ years training coating applicators or technical crews.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel 65–70%.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on training on Graco systems to customers.
• Conduct QA inspections and maintain detailed reports.
• Troubleshoot and provide technical support for equipment issues.

Skills

Hands-on experience in epoxy and polyurethane coatings

Troubleshooting Graco XP-50 and Reactor systems

Training for coating applicators

Knowledge of surface preparation standards

Ability to interpret project plans

Tools

Graco XP-50

Graco Reactor series

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Want to be part of one of the country’s fastest growing infrastructure businesses? The Vortex Companies, LLC delivers cutting edge trenchless technologies and turnkey services to make the world’s water cleaner. We’re growing every day and we think BIG about solving the world’s toughest challenges in failing water, sewer and industrial infrastructure.

We are seeking an experienced Technical Products Specialist with deep expertise in plural component spray systems—specifically the Graco XP-50 and Graco Reactor series—who has a proven track record in the wastewater infrastructure industry. This hands‑on, field‑forward role is divided equally across three core functions: training new customers and certified applicators, conducting QA/QC field inspections, and troubleshooting Graco XP‑50 and Graco Reactor plural component spray equipment for existing customers. This is not a desk job.

• Travel domestically and internationally approximately 65–70% of the time.
• Work on client job sites approximately four days per week (home on weekends). The remaining time is spent at the warehouse conducting QA material testing and developing training content.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver on‑site and hands‑on training programs for new customers, contractors, and certified applicators on the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Graco XP‑50 and Graco Reactor plural component spray systems and protective coatings.
• Train field personnel in surface preparation, epoxy and polyurethane coating application methods, environmental condition assessment, and safety procedures.
• Develop and continuously improve training curriculum, materials, and instructional resources in collaboration with internal departments.
• Ensure all training programs adhere to industry standards (AMPP, SSPC, OSHA) and Vortex company policies.
• Provide on‑site support and technical guidance to certified applicators during initial project startups.

QA/QC Field Inspection & Certification

• Inspect and certify the quality of protective coatings applied on wastewater structures and equipment, ensuring compliance with project specifications.
• Conduct pre‑application, in‑process, and post‑application inspections including surface cleanliness, DFT readings, adhesion testing, and environmental condition monitoring.
• Prepare and maintain accurate inspection reports; document and communicate non‑conformance issues to project managers and clients.
• Conduct QA material testing at the warehouse, maintaining detailed records of test results, batch data, and material certifications.
• Keep current with AMPP/NACE, SSPC, and OSHA standards and apply them consistently across all inspections.

Equipment Troubleshooting & Technical Support

• Serve as the primary technical resource for diagnosing and resolving mechanical failures on Graco XP‑50 and Graco Reactor plural component spray systems (electric and hydraulic), including proportioners, heaters, transfer pumps, and Fusion spray guns.
• Assess root causes of equipment failures, develop mitigation strategies, and implement solutions to minimize customer downtime.
• Provide technical support to sales, application, and customer service teams, including identifying up‑sell opportunities in the field.
• Coordinate closely with project managers and clients to ensure equipment and application specifications are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee the mixing, application, and curing of epoxy and polyurethane coatings, ensuring adherence to manufacturer specifications and project requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in the application and inspection of epoxy and polyurethane coatings and linings in the wastewater or water utility infrastructure industry.
• 5+ years of direct, field‑level experience operating and troubleshooting Graco XP‑50 and Graco Reactor plural component spray systems (E‑Series, H‑XP, XM, XP‑50, or equivalent).
• 3+ years of experience training or mentoring coating applicators, contractors, or technical field crews.
• Strong working knowledge of surface preparation standards, environmental condition testing instruments, and coating inspection methods.
• Demonstrated understanding of concrete mixes and spray‑applied mortar applications.
• Working knowledge of confined space entry, hot work permits, and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret project plans, specifications, and material data sheets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for reporting, documentation, and communication.
• Ability to accurately track field expenses and submit detailed monthly expense reports using Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (65–70%); valid passport required or ability to obtain one.
• Must pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• AMPP Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 1 or Level 2 certification—strongly preferred.
• Additional certifications: SSPC PCI, NACE CIP, or other recognized coatings inspection credentials.
• Graco Master Certified Service Training for Protective Coatings, Graco XP‑50, or Reactor spray systems.
• Experience with spray‑applied cementitious mortars and shotcrete applications.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Experience with curriculum development and formal instructional design.

Key Competencies

• Deep, practical knowledge of Graco XP‑50 and Graco Reactor plural component systems and protective coatings chemistry.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable training for diverse audiences.
• Strong diagnostic mindset; able to identify root causes quickly and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Professional, service‑oriented approach to building and maintaining long‑term client relationships.
• Comfortable managing a dynamic field schedule with minimal day‑to‑day supervision.
• Demonstrated commitment to PPE compliance, OSHA standards, and confined space protocols.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform physically demanding work for 8+ hours per day, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, and twisting.
• Ability to safely perform duties related to confined space entry.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must wear all required PPE including hard hat, safety vest, work boots, and safety glasses/goggles as required.

Vortex Companies, LLC and all of its subsidiaries consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation. All applicants will be considered solely on the basis of their qualifications.

We are a fair chance employer.