Fireproofing Application Specialist

Job Description

PPG Industries

Location:

Springdale, PA

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‑production 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 (England, Saudi Arabia, Peru, etc.) to align UL1709, EN13381, 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.
• 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).
• Salary Range: 80, annually; plus annual incentive bonus

#LI‑Onsite with Travel

• 401K
• Medical Dental Vision
• Family Leave
• Paid Time Off

At PPG, we bring teams together to accelerate collaboration and career development, with in‑person work Monday through Thursday and the opportunity to work remotely on Flexible Fridays. Schedules may vary by location.

PPG: WE PROTECT…