Fireproofing Application Specialist

Fireproofing Application Specialist

PPG Industries

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Join PPG's elite Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Application Specialist team—the critical bridge between R&D innovation and real-world performance. As our "first customer," you will rigorously test pre-product PFP coatings like PPG PITT-CHAR® NX and STEEL GUARD®, push them to their limits in high-temp ovens, and deliver precise feedback to refine life-saving formulations. You will then lead global third-party certification, ensuring flawless execution of fire-test protocols.

This hands-on, high-impact role demands PFP mastery, meticulous documentation, a strong customer-facing attitude, and proven interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with R&D, production, third-party institutes, and external stakeholders worldwide.

• Bridge R&D and Reality:
  Receive first-batch PFP materials; design and execute exhaustive application trials (spray, trowel, curing) to stress-test char expansion, adhesion, and fire resistance. Document failure points and collaborate with R&D for rapid adjustments.
• Third-Party Fire Testing Leadership:
  Coordinate with global institutes to align UL 1709, EN 13381, ISO 834 fire-test protocols, deadlines, and deliverables. Supply exhaustive documentation—never "too much information"—to secure PFP certifications.
• Deadline-Driven Execution:
  Own immovable fire-testing milestones. Witness production runs, oversee in-house PFP spray-outs in high-temp furnaces, and ensure every detail is captured for regulatory records.
• Hands-On PFP Application (25% of role):
  Perform daily PFP spray-outs and intumescent testing at PPG facilities or third-party sites while wearing full Tyvek PPE. Operate pumps, plural-component systems, and high-temp test ovens for PFP validation.
• Bespoke R&D Support:
  Fulfill custom PFP requests, including in-house furnace testing.
• Global Relationship Management:
  Build and maintain strong customer-facing relationships through face-to-face interactions with fire-testing institutes, production teams, and stakeholders. Conduct virtual and in-person meetings to keep PFP projects on track.
• Administrative Excellence (80% when not traveling):
  Generate detailed PFP trial reports, CRM updates, fire-test data packages, and compliance documentation.

• No degree required.
• Hands-on experience in application and testing of coatings.
• Proven expertise in spray/trowel systems, pumps, surface prep, and curing; comfort pushing performance to failure in high-temp ovens.
• Meticulous attention to detail—capable of producing exhaustive, audit-ready fire-test documentation under tight deadlines.
• Strong customer-facing attitude and experience—professional, proactive communicator who excels in face-to-face technical discussions with clients, fire engineers, certifiers, and third-party partners.
• Experience coordinating with third-party testing bodies.
• Willingness to wear full Tyvek PPE and work with high-temp ovens and hazardous materials.

• 15–20% annual travel

• Hands-on experience in application and fire-testing of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) coatings.
• Proven expertise in PFP spray/trowel systems, pumps, surface prep, and curing; comfort pushing char performance to failure in high-temp ovens.
• Pump and plural-component spray equipment expertise for thick-film PFP.
• Certification in PFP application (NACE/SSPC, FROSIO, ICorr) or fire testing standards.
• Familiarity with furnace-based PFP testing, hydrocarbon fire curves, or wind blade fire protection.
• Multilingual (Spanish/Portuguese a plus for South America).