Quality Coatings Inspector – Shipyard

Quality Coatings Inspector – Shipyard (75% Travel)

Location: Chesapeake VA shop with travel to job sites (75%+ travel to US and international job sites).

Kymera International – a leading global producer of specialty metal powders, pastes, and granules for aerospace, defense, automotive, and electronics. The company is committed to sustainability, operational excellence, and ethical business practices. Kymera’s subsidiary, Thermal Spray Solutions, Inc. (TSS), is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, full‑service thermal spray facility. It provides high‑performance coating solutions for Marine, Power Generation, Pulp & Paper, Valves, Pumps, and various branches of the Department of Defense (DoD).

TSS is dedicated to customer success, business growth, and continuous improvement.

Job Title: Quality Technician (Coatings Technician - Field Service Shipboard)

Reports To: Quality & Safety Manager

The Quality Technician of Coatings is a detail‑oriented NACE, AMPP or NBPI Certified Coating Inspector who examines and evaluates coatings for equipment and structures. Responsibilities include inspecting surfaces for contaminants, evaluating surface preparation, documenting inspection results, and ensuring all coatings and linings adhere to company standards and industry regulations. The role requires 50–75% travel, including domestic and international assignments, and the ability to work aboard naval and commercial vessels under varying conditions.

• Perform dimensional inspections using precision measuring instruments such as data loggers, surface roughness gauges, profile gauges, DFT gauges, conductivity meters, and dew point meters.
• Interpret and apply military specifications, ISO 9001, AS9100D, and other quality standards.
• Support and maintain calibration programs in accordance with ISO/ANSI/NCSL Z540 and other applicable standards.
• Document inspection results and maintain accurate records in quality databases and reports; communicate results and recommendations to clients and team members.
• Participate in root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures when nonconformances are detected.
• Inspect surface preparation and coating application on various structures and equipment.
• Oversee compliance with MIL‑STD coating and painting requirements for shipboard applications; stay updated with latest industry practices, standards, and product developments.
• Ensure all work complies with OSHA, shipyard safety rules, and company safety policies during field assignments.
• Work collaboratively with production teams, project managers, and field service crews to ensure product quality and process control.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, technical specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide training or coaching to team members on inspection techniques, safety protocols, and quality procedures.
• Act as an on‑site quality and safety representative during field work, including aboard ships in foreign ports.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining quality documentation for audits and customer reviews; aid in developing inspection procedures and standards.
• Implement safety controls and hazard mitigation strategies while on job sites, including shipboard and overseas locations.

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company‑paid holidays and PTO.
• Healthcare Savings:
  Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage:
  Company‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance; optional critical illness, hospital care, and long‑term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

• Proficient in the use of quality measurement tools and gauges (data logger, surface roughness gauge, profile gauge, DFT gauge, conductivity meter, and dew point meter).
• Familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items 009‑32 and 009‑124.
• Certification from NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers).
• Proven work experience as a Coating Inspector or similar role.
• Strong knowledge…