Experienced Powder Coater - Manufacturing

Position: Powder Coater – Autobody Manufacturing

BU: TE -Dakota Bodies

Location: Liberty, Missouri

Position Summary

The Powder Coater is responsible for preparing, coating, and curing metal automotive body components using electrostatic powder-coating equipment. This role ensures high-quality finishes that meet strict automotive durability and appearance standards. The Powder Coater works closely with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to meet daily production goals while maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Powder Coating Operations

• Set up, operate, and adjust electrostatic powder-coating guns, booths, and curing ovens according to production specifications.
• Apply powder coatings to metal autobody parts such as frames, panels, bumpers, brackets, and structural components, ensuring even application and required thickness.
• Read and interpret work orders, drawings, and color specifications to determine required coating type, thickness ranges, and finish quality.
• Monitor conveyor systems and part racks to ensure proper spacing, grounding, and orientation for optimal coverage.
  
  

Surface Preparation

• Perform pre-coating processes including cleaning, sandblasting, masking, and phosphate pretreatment as required.
• Inspect parts for defects, contamination, or damage prior to coating; notify supervisors or quality team of any issues.
• Ensure all parts are properly hung or fixtured to minimize touchpoints and support even coating.
  
  

Quality Control

• Use inspection tools such as mil gauges, gloss meters, and visual standards to confirm coating thickness, adhesion, cure, color match, and appearance.
• Perform routine “first article” checks and complete documentation according to quality procedures.
• Address coating defects such as orange peel, runs, thin spots, and contamination by adjusting equipment or reworking parts when necessary.
• Follow all ISO/TS or IATF quality system requirements for traceability and process control.
  
  

Safety & Equipment Maintenance

• Ensure all powder-coating equipment—including spray guns, reclaim systems, filters, booths, and ovens—is cleaned and maintained according to daily and weekly schedules.
• Perform routine troubleshooting on equipment blockages, air pressure issues, grounding problems, and oven temperature fluctuations.
• Follow all PPE, ventilation, and housekeeping standards to maintain a safe working environment free of fire hazards and airborne contaminants.
  
  

Production Support

• Meet daily production quotas while maintaining consistent finish quality.
• Communicate issues related to equipment performance, materials, or workflow to supervisors and maintenance teams.
• Assist in setup changes, color changes, and line adjustments to support a high-mix automotive production environment.
• Maintain accurate records of materials used, waste/reclaim usage, downtime, and completed parts.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• 1–3 years of powder-coating experience in manufacturing (automotive industry preferred).
• Familiarity with electrostatic spray systems and powder application techniques.
• Experience reading work instructions, material specs, and quality standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, and work in a fast-paced, repetitive environment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality finishes.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in an autobody or automotive component production facility.
• Knowledge of pretreatment processes such as washing, blasting, and chemical prepping.
• Forklift or overhead crane certification.