Wood Coatings Applications Specialist - LOCAL ONLY

CPS, Inc.; Mustang (OK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

CPS, Inc. is seeking an Application Specialist to lead spray testing and evaluation of wood coating systems. You’ll bridge Product Management, Laboratory Development, Technical Service, and Sales to ensure coatings perform consistently in real-world spray environments.

The role requires deep hands-on expertise in wood coating spray techniques, tool calibration, and maintenance of spray facilities. You will drive lab initiatives, support new product launches, and contribute to continuous

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 2 years minimum experience, 5–10 preferred.
• 5+ years in industrial wood finishing or coatings application preferred.
• Hands-on experience applying stains, lacquers, conversion varnishes, and waterborne coatings.
• Ability to troubleshoot spray processes and analyze coating performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct spray testing for new product development and improvements.
• Perform internal product evaluations and benchmarking.
• Document coating performance metrics (dry times, transfer efficiency, film appearance).
• Maintain spray equipment and facilities; ensure safety and EHS compliance.
• Collaborate with Product Management, R&D, and Sales to translate findings into guidance.
• Support product launches with spray parameters and guidance.

Skills

Industrial wood coatings experience

Spray equipment knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Field troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Airless spray systems

Air-Assisted Airless

HVLP spray

Conventional spray systems

Fluid delivery systems

Job description

This is an exciting position that will lead spray testing of coatings for wood. If you’ve worked for a cabinet or furniture manufacturer and have applied and tested a variety of stains or coatings, we should talk!

The Application Specialist supports the development, evaluation, and technical validation of industrial wood coating systems. This role serves as a critical bridge between Product Management, Laboratory Development, Technical Service, and Sales to ensure coatings perform consistency in real-world spray environments.

This position leads and supports spray application testing, competitive benchmarking, internal product evaluations, and field problem-solving. It also maintains application equipment and spray facilities. The role requires deep, hands‑on expertise in wood coating spray techniques, fluid delivery systems, and industrial finishing equipment.

The Application Specialist plays a key part in supporting lab initiatives, new product launches, and continuous improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities

Application Testing & Product Evaluation

• Conduct spray application testing for new product development, reformulations, and product improvements
• Perform internal product evaluations and competitive benchmarking
• Document coating performance, including:
• Dry-to-handle, dry-to-sand, and dry-to-stack times
• Atomization and transfer efficiency
• Sanding quality, flow and leveling, feel and slip
• Defect identification, film build, and overall appearance
• Evaluate stain applications including wipe ease, spray / no-wipe methods, color development, and dry times
• Partner with Product Management and Laboratory teams to translate formulations into real-world performance

Spray Equipment & Facility Management

• Maintain and manage spray booths, finishing equipment, and testing environments
• Set up and operate industrial spray systems, including:
• Airless
• Air-Assisted Airless
• HVLP
• Conventional spray systems
• Maintain fluid delivery systems such as pumps, pressure pots, and circulation systems
• Ensure all equipment is calibrated, functioning properly, and operating safely
• Follow all EHS standards, including recordkeeping and waste disposal procedures

Cross-Functional Technical Support

• Collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, Product Management, and Laboratory teams
• Troubleshoot application challenges during trials and evaluations
• Provide practical application insights to improve product formulation and performance
• Support product launches with spray parameters, application guidelines, and best practices

Competitive & Market Evaluation

• Conduct spray testing of competitor coatings
• Provide structured feedback on:
• Sprayability
• Appearance and finish quality
• Film build
• Defect resistance
• Production suitability
• Communicate overall user experience comparisons between their products and competitors

Product Development Support

• Assist in coating system validation for new product launches
• Establish application parameters and recommended equipment settings
• Support development of technical documentation and product positioning

Salary

$50,000 - $70,000 + Bonus

Benefits

All insurances, 401k, vacation, career development and continued learning, Bonus plan, and more!

Technical Experience

Education

• High school diploma or GED required with at least 2 years, 5-10 preferred

Technical Expertise

• Extensive hands-on experience applying industrial wood coatings, including: Stains, Lacquers and pre-catalyzed lacquers, Conversion Varnishes, Waterborne Coatings, Two-component finishes
• Strong understanding of coating behavior in production spray environments

Spray Equipment Knowledge

• Experience with: Airless and Air-Assisted Airless systems, HVLP and conventional spray guns, Fluid delivery systems (pumps, pressure pots, circulation loops)

Equipment & Facility Management

• Ability to maintain spray booths, filtration systems, and finishing equipment
• Experience maintaining fluid handling systems and spray components
• Ability to manage sanding tables and inventories (test panels, abrasives, sundries)

Analytical & Troubleshooting Skills

• Ability to identify and resolve application issues such as: Orange peel, Dry spray, Poor atomization, Film defects and inconsistent build, Strong observational, evaluation, and documentation skills

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Proven ability to work with Product Management, R&D / Laboratory teams, Technical Service, Sales, and OEM representatives
• Ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights across teams

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial wood finishing or coatings application
• Experience working with OEM wood manufacturers or production finishing environments
• Familiarity with coating evaluation protocols and testing methods
• Strong mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting