What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wood Coatings Applications Specialist - LOCAL ONLY position at CPS, Inc.?
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
$50,000 - $70,000 Bonus
Benefits
All insurances, 401k, vacation, career development and continued learning, Bonus plan, and more!
Technical Experience:
Education
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Assist in coating system validation for new product launches
- Establish application parameters and recommended equipment settings
- Support development of technical documentation and product positioning
$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
- 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
- Experience with: Airless and Air-Assisted Airless systems, HVLP and conventional spray guns, Fluid delivery systems (pumps, pressure pots, circulation loops)
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- If you’d like to hear more about this opportunity and others we are currently working on, please contact Stephanie Kemp at skemp@cps4jobs.com.
Salary : $50,000 - $70,000