Job Title: Powder Coating Assistant
Recruiting Firm: Symbiotic Services
Location: Denton, Texas
Industry: Manufacturing / Metal Finishing
Employment Type: Not Specified
Job Summary
Symbiotic Services is seeking a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Powder Coating Assistant for an opportunity with one of our clients in the manufacturing industry.
The Powder Coating Assistant will support daily powder coating operations by preparing metal components, applying masking materials, loading and unloading parts, assisting with quality inspections, packaging finished products, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
This position works under the supervision of production leadership and receives daily task assignments from a qualified Powder Coater. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, good teamwork skills, and a commitment to following established safety and quality procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Material Preparation and Masking
- Review work orders, production instructions, and visual specifications to verify part identification, quantities, finishing requirements, and processing sequences.
- Inspect metal components for contamination, moisture, sharp edges, damage, and other conditions that may affect coating quality.
- Prepare components for powder coating using approved materials and methods.
- Apply and remove masking materials, including plugs, caps, and protective tape.
- Protect threaded areas, sealing surfaces, and other designated features during the coating process.
- Ensure masking materials do not interfere with required grounding contact points.
Loading and Production Line Support
- Inspect hooks, racks, and material supports before loading components.
- Follow approved loading capacities, spacing, balance, and grounding requirements.
- Load components onto racks and conveyor systems from designated safe positions.
- Use appropriate lifting equipment or team assistance when handling heavy or awkward materials.
- Coordinate material movement and production flow with qualified Powder Coaters.
- Monitor production activities for unstable loads, collisions, spills, abnormal equipment movement, and powder dust escape.
- Report unsafe conditions and request equipment stoppage when necessary.
Unloading, Packaging, and Quality Inspection
- Verify that coated components are safe to handle before unloading.
- Use appropriate thermal protection when handling materials that may retain heat.
- Carefully unload finished components while protecting coated surfaces from scratches or damage.
- Assist with packaging and transferring finished products to designated locations.
- Maintain accurate product counts, identification labels, and material traceability.
- Compare finished components against approved visual quality standards.
- Perform quality measurements only after completing required training.
- Identify and separate defective or questionable components for further inspection.
- Obtain appropriate authorization before performing rework or releasing nonconforming products.
Housekeeping and Operational Support
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
- Clean assigned accessible areas using approved equipment and procedures.
- Handle powder waste, filters, and cleaning materials according to established environmental requirements.
- Assist production personnel with authorized tasks to maintain efficient workflow.
- Report equipment concerns, quality issues, and safety hazards to supervisory personnel.
- Perform only tasks for which appropriate training and authorization have been completed.
- Do not independently operate powder spray equipment, modify process settings, add chemicals, reset safety systems, or perform maintenance without separate qualification and authorization.
Safety and Environmental Responsibilities
- Follow established safety procedures related to powder coating operations, ventilation, grounding, and machine guarding.
- Prevent powder accumulation and airborne dust hazards.
- Use approved cleaning equipment and methods.
- Keep ignition sources away from restricted powder coating areas.
- Wear assigned personal protective equipment, including eye protection, gloves, protective clothing, safety footwear, hearing protection, and respiratory protection when required.
- Follow Safety Data Sheets (SDS), chemical labels, and approved material handling procedures.
- Maintain safe distances from moving conveyors, automated equipment, and hazardous operating zones.
- Follow applicable lockout/tagout and hazardous energy control requirements.
- Dispose of powder residues, process liquids, filters, and cleaning waste in designated containers or approved systems.
- Immediately report spills, sparks, gas odors, damaged safeguards, unstable loads, injuries, or potential exposure incidents.
- Follow approved emergency shutdown and evacuation procedures.
- Participate in specialized emergency response activities only when appropriately trained and authorized.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education or experience.
- Previous manufacturing, production, or industrial finishing experience preferred.
- Prior powder coating experience is beneficial but not required.
- Ability to follow written, verbal, and visual work instructions.
- Ability to recognize workplace hazards and communicate concerns promptly.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Ability to maintain accurate production and material handling records.
- Willingness to complete required safety and equipment-specific training.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a manufacturing team.
Technical Skills and Competencies
- Basic understanding of manufacturing and metal finishing operations.
- Ability to prepare, mask, load, unload, and handle metal components safely.
- Ability to identify visible coating defects and damaged materials.
- Familiarity with production quality standards and inspection procedures.
- Ability to use basic measuring instruments after appropriate training.
- Basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic, fractions, and decimals.
- Ability to read measurements, compare results against established specifications, and accurately record quantities.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to recognize situations requiring supervisory assistance rather than independently adjusting equipment.
Training and Certification Requirements
- Completion of workplace orientation and required job-specific training before independent work.
- Training in hazard communication, PPE usage, dust and ignition prevention, machine guarding, emergency procedures, and applicable lockout/tagout awareness.
- Demonstrated competency in safe material handling, masking, hanging, unloading, and basic defect identification.
- Respiratory protection medical evaluation, fit testing, and training when required.
- Additional training and authorization required before operating forklifts, powered pallet trucks, hoists, or other specialized material handling equipment.
- Separate authorization required for chemical dosing, maintenance, and lockout/tagout activities.
- Completion of applicable refresher training, including hearing conservation and heat illness prevention.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk regularly throughout the workday.
- Frequent reaching, gripping, and repetitive hand and arm movements.
- Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
- Ability to recognize equipment movement, warning signals, and visible coating defects, with appropriate aids or accommodations when applicable.
- Ability to occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 30 pounds, subject to task-specific assessment.
- Use of mechanical lifting equipment or approved team assistance for heavier, bulky, hot, sharp, or unstable materials.
- Ability to perform assigned duties while wearing required personal protective equipment.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Work Environment
- Industrial manufacturing and metal finishing environment.
- Potential exposure to moving machinery, suspended components, sharp metal edges, powder materials, and industrial chemicals.
- Work areas may contain hot surfaces, wet floors, manufacturing noise, and material handling equipment.
- Required compliance with designated walking routes, equipment safeguards, ventilation procedures, and environmental controls.
- Strict adherence to workplace safety standards and protective equipment requirements.
About Symbiotic Services
Symbiotic Services is a staffing and recruitment firm dedicated to connecting qualified professionals with employment opportunities across manufacturing, industrial production, and technical sectors. We are recruiting for this position on behalf of a client while maintaining client confidentiality.