Application Specialist/Industrial Wood Coatings

POSITION SUMMARY

Our client is seeking an experienced Application Specialist – Industrial Wood Coatings to join the team at their El Reno, Oklahoma facility.

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 consistently in real-world spray environments.

This position will lead and support spray application testing, competitive benchmarking, internal product evaluations, and field problem-solving. This position 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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

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.

Key Attributes for Success

• Hands-on, practical problem solver.
• High attention to detail in application testing.
• Ability to translate laboratory concepts into real-world performance.
• Strong organizational and documentation discipline.
• Collaborative mindset across technical and commercial teams.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures.

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.