Thermal Spray Technician Lead

Kymera International; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Thermal Spray Technician Lead to oversee operations in a cutting-edge facility. This role combines technical expertise in thermal spray processes with leadership responsibilities, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. You will mentor a team, coordinate workflows, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Join a company dedicated to innovation and sustainability, where you can make a significant impact on high-value components in various industries. If you're ready to lead a talented team and enhance your career in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Generous Time Off

Healthcare Savings Accounts

401(k) plan with company match

Company-paid short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Comprehensive dental and vision coverage

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in thermal spray or related production environments.
• Expertise in HVOF spray processes and equipment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily thermal spray operations and ensure safety and quality standards.
• Train and mentor technicians on coating procedures and safety.
• Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of thermal spray equipment.

Skills

HVOF spray processes

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Precision measuring tools

Quality control

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Machining or Engineering

Tools

HVOF systems

Micrometers

Calipers

Job description

Description

Job Title: Thermal Spray Technician Lead
Classification: Full-time, Hourly Non-Exempt
Location: Kymera – CASL Houston, TX - Onsite
Reports To: Production Supervisor

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

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.

Kymera International - CASL Houston: CASL’s purpose is to continuously improve the performance of high value, mission critical parts through the application of wear resistant metallic or ceramic alloy coatings. How do we do that? We collaborate to determine your desired component performance and assess the operating environment, from there selecting the alloy, preparation process, application technology and finishing operation needed to achieve the expected result. Once we’ve defined the outcome, our focus shifts to getting your critical parts back on time and per specification. CASL’s unique combination of design collaboration, technical capability and vertically integrated, quick response manufacturing helps minimize owning and operating costs to get more performance out of your high value component parts.

Job Overview:
The Thermal Spray Technician Lead is responsible for overseeing daily thermal spray operations, ensuring tasks are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Kymera’s quality standards and production schedules. This position combines technical expertise in thermal spray processes with leadership responsibilities, assisting in leading technicians, coordinating workflows, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining 5S, safety, and customer satisfaction standards. The Technician Lead collaborates with the Production Supervisor to drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure production goals are met. This role demands strong technical knowledge, especially in HVOF processes, and a hands-on approach to guiding and supporting the team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coating Application: Oversee and participate in the preparation and application of thermal spray coatings, ensuring proper techniques and adherence to specifications.
• Team Coordination: Assist in the coordination of daily workflow and performance of thermal spray technicians, supporting production goals and shift handoffs.
• Training and Mentorship: Train and mentor less experienced technicians on proper coating procedures, safety, quality standards, and equipment use.
• Quality Control: Lead quality control inspections before, during, and after the thermal spray process to ensure all products meet internal and customer specifications.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor technician performance to ensure alignment with safety, quality, and productivity standards. Communicate issues to the Production Supervisor.
• Equipment Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance and inspection of thermal spray equipment including HVOF systems, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.
• Troubleshooting: Address issues related to spray operations and escalate complex problems when necessary.
• Instrument Calibration: Perform daily calibration of instruments such as micrometers, thickness gauges, bore gauges, and surface testers.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate production records, coating logs, and inspection reports for quality and tracking purposes.
• Safety Compliance: Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by adhering to all protocols, participating in audits, and leading by example.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead or assist in continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S activities and lean practices.
• Production Output: Support the timely fulfillment of customer orders by ensuring production targets align with shipping and receiving schedules, while assisting in maintaining quality per customer specifications.
• Scrap Reduction: Support the production supervisor in the monitoring and reduction of scrap by following best practices for efficiency and waste reduction.
• Team Representation: Represent the company professionally in all situations, maintaining a positive attitude, following direction from supervisors, and protect confidential or internal information.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Must be prepared to take on additional duties as required and assist in other areas of the production process when needed. This list does not include all responsibilities of this position.

Benefits Summary: At Kymera International - Thermal Spray Solutions, we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and flexible PTO (17 PTO Days per Yr to start).
• 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.

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in HVOF spray processes and equipment, including teardown and rebuild of HVOF guns.
• Experience with JP and DJ systems and hand-spray units.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to lead and relay instructions and expectations clearly to team members.
• Organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities at once.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues promptly.
• Proficiency in using precision measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities and technical aptitude for spray equipment and robotics.
• Ability to interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Proven ability to enforce and uphold quality standards, with a strong attention to detail and a working knowledge of quality control processes and inspection procedures.
• Strong knowledge of safety procedures, PPE usage, and work in regulated environments and commitment to assisting in leading and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
• Reliability and ability to lead by example with excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload and responsibilities.
• Eligibility for employment in US.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, drug-screen, eye exam, hearing exam, and respirator test (health screenings required if applicable for job safety compliance purposes).

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in Machining, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in thermal spray or related production environments required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience specifically in HVOF coatings required.
• Prior leadership experience is required.
• Experience in machining operations and machine shop equipment is preferred but not required.
• Automation certification preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods.
• Strength to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds unassisted, repeatedly throughout a shift.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching overhead, and climbing ladders or stairs, as needed.
• Capability to pass a respiratory medical evaluation, including hearing and vision exams, and meet all necessary physical qualifications.
• Ability to wear and work comfortably in required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a full-face respirator or helmet PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator), protective coveralls, gloves, and steel-toe boots, for prolonged periods.
• Adaptability to work in diverse environments, such as high temperatures, confined spaces, and areas with potential exposure to dust, fumes, and noise.
• Coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate machinery, tools, and equipment while maintaining focus on ergonomics and safety.

When requested by employees, and when possible, reasonable accommodation may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform their essential job functions. Kymera is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encouraging diversity in the workplace. EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability.