Lead Powder Coat Automation Technician

Lead Powder Coat Automation Technician | $28–$40/hr $3,000 Hiring Bonus | 4-Day Work Week

PVF Finishing (Owen Industries) – Carter Lake, IA (Near Downtown Omaha) | Mon–Thu, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Lead the Robots. Own the Finish. Go Home by Early Afternoon.

At PVF Finishing, our robotic powder coat line is the final step in delivering a product our customers trust. We're looking for a Lead Powder Coat Automation Technician who can do it all — program and calibrate robotic application systems, lead a paint line team, troubleshoot complex coating defects, and drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.

This is a senior technical leadership role on a 4-day work week with a wide pay range that rewards experience — and a $3,000 hiring and retention bonus on top.

The Details

• Pay: $28.00–$40.00/hr depending on experience
• Hours: Mon–Thu, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Schedule: 4-day work week — OT on Fridays as needed
• Hiring & Retention Bonus: $3,000 paid in installments (see below)

$3,000 Hiring & Retention Bonus

• $250 — paid in the first pay period following your hire date
• $750 — paid upon completion of 90 days of employment
• $1,000 — paid upon completion of 6 months of employment
• $1,000 — paid upon completion of 1 year of employment

To receive each installment, you must be actively employed and in good standing at the time of each scheduled payment. Bonus payments are subject to applicable tax withholding.

What You'll Do

Robotics & Automation

• Program, calibrate, and troubleshoot robotic powder coat application systems (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or reciprocating systems) for maximum transfer efficiency and finish quality
• Establish, document, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for line speed, powder flow, gun voltage, electrostatic settings, and oven cure cycles
• Analyze and resolve complex coating defects including orange peel, back-ionization, and Faraday cage issues; adjust system parameters to minimize waste and improve yield
• Manage and perform color changes on the powder coat line

Quality & Process Control

• Perform quality checks including visual inspection and electronic mil testing to verify finish thickness, adhesion, and appearance meet customer specifications
• Inspect work in progress for runs, missed areas, and coating defects; report non-conformances promptly
• Apply powder coatings using proper application procedures and techniques
• Monitor all powder coating equipment to ensure proper settings and adjustments are maintained throughout the shift
• Ensure all required SAP transactions are completed accurately and on time

Operations & Production

• Monitor line flow and flex staffing as required to maintain daily production schedules
• Coordinate product entering and exiting the system to meet customer quality and delivery expectations
• Maintain powder levels and storage areas
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance on all powder coat line equipment
• Execute required equipment testing per established schedules
• Clean and maintain paint booths, including robots, lights, and filter changes
• Keep all paint areas clean and organized at all times

Team Leadership

• Lead, audit, and train the paint line team on safety procedures, equipment operation, and process compliance
• Support and encourage crew members; promote strong departmental and inter-departmental team spirit
• Participate in and support Continuous Improvement Programs and other company initiatives
• Carry out all duties in accordance with ISO standards and company procedures

What We're Looking For

• Expert-level knowledge of powder coating processes — powder chemistry, electrostatic charging, Faraday cage effect, and oven curing profiles
• Proven ability to program and troubleshoot finishing robots and automated reciprocating systems
• Ability to read technical manuals and blueprints and systematically troubleshoot mechanical and electrical line issues
• Strong leadership skills — track record of leading teams, enforcing processes, and maintaining a high-standard work environment
• Ability to perform mil testing and electronic quality checks to company standards
• Basic computer proficiency; familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred
• Able to frequently lift and/or move items over 75 lbs and stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb throughout the shift
• Reliable attendance and punctuality — your team and production schedule depend on you
• Detail-oriented, safety-focused, and committed to delivering a flawless finish every time

What's In It For You

✅ $28–$40/hr depending on experience ✅ $3,000 hiring & retention bonus — paid out over your first year ✅ 4-day work week — Mon through Thu, with OT on Fridays as needed ✅ Home by early afternoon every day ✅ Health, Dental & Vision insurance ✅ Life/AD&D and Disability coverage ✅ 401(k) with company match ✅ PTO and 9 paid holidays — accrual begins immediately ✅ Wellness program with premium incentives ✅ A leadership role with real technical depth and team ownership ✅ Opportunities for growth and advancement within Owen Industries

Benefits begin the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.

Why PVF Finishing?

PVF Finishing is part of Owen Industries, a decades-long leader in the steel industry. We run a sophisticated robotic powder coat operation where finish quality is non-negotiable and the person leading our paint line sets the standard for everything that comes off it. You'll work in a team-first environment where technical expertise is respected, safety is a core value, and your leadership directly shapes the quality our customers receive.

🇺🇸 Veterans — You Belong Here

The technical training, leadership experience, and mission-driven work ethic developed in military service translate directly to this kind of advanced manufacturing role. PVF Finishing and Owen Industries are proud to be Veteran-friendly employers committed to supporting those who have served.

Apply Now

Robotic powder coat automation expertise at this level is rare — and this role offers the pay, the bonus, and the schedule to match. Apply today and let's talk about what you bring to the table.

Owen is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs — without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.