Prep Technician

Job Description

Koted is a fast-paced custom finishing shop. The Prep Tech is responsible for preparing parts for Cerakote and other finishing processes. This role requires strong attention to detail, clean/organized work habits, and the ability to follow process requirements based on material type and the finish being applied. Prep is where quality starts—if prep is wrong, everything downstream suffers.

• Pull and verify correct parts for each job (match travelers/work orders, confirm quantities)
• Maintain accurate part counts throughout the workflow (pulled, in process, completed, staged)
• Degrease and clean parts properly based on material/contamination level
• Mask and plug critical areas (threads, bores, mating surfaces, serials, tight-tolerance areas, etc.)
• Sand blast parts to required profile/coverage without damaging edges or important features
• Inspect parts during prep and flag issues (damage, defects, incorrect material, prior coatings, etc.)
• Hang/rack parts for Cerakote efficiently and securely for consistent spray coverage
• Perform Cerakote masking steps as required for the coating process (tape lines, plugs, split jobs, multi-color prep)
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and ready for the next job; follow shop safety standards
• Help in the shop where needed (general support, staging, light assistance to other stations)

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow process steps exactly
• Ability to understand that different materials/finishes require different prep methods (and execute accordingly)
• Reliable attendance and ability to stay productive in a production environment
• Comfortable working on your feet in a shop setting and around blasting/cleaning processes
• Coachable attitude; able to take direct feedback and improve quickly
• Thick skin + good personality (shop environment—direct communication and humor are part of the culture)

• Experience with Cerakote prep, blasting, masking, or other finishing/coating prep
• Familiarity with QC checks (coverage, surface profile, contamination control)
• Experience working from job travelers/work orders and managing counts

• Correct parts pulled every time, with clean organization and accurate counts
• Proper prep per material/finish, minimal rework, and smooth handoffs to coating
• Clean masking lines, protected critical areas, consistent blast profile
• Strong teamwork and willingness to jump in where needed

• Health insurance available (employee-paid; company does not currently subsidize premiums)
• Profit sharing
• 401(k) available (no company match at this time)
• PTO: 1 week paid vacation + 1 week paid sick time (available in full once trial period ends)
• Free access to Koted services for personal projects (within shop guidelines/scheduling)
• Access to company dealer accounts for personal purchases at dealer pricing
• Company lunch on Fridays