Job Title: 3rd Shift Thermal Spray Operator
Job Description
The 3rd Shift Thermal Spray Operator sets up and operates thermal spray equipment to apply protective coatings to metal components, ensuring precise application and adherence to strict quality specifications. This role involves surface preparation, masking, blasting, and blending, as well as basic equipment maintenance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Operate thermal spray equipment to apply protective coatings to metal parts according to work orders, blueprints, and specifications.
Perform masking, blasting, and blending operations to prepare parts and surfaces for coating.
Set and adjust parameters and pressure to operate thermal spray equipment safely and efficiently.
Use welding and machining skills as needed to support coating and finishing operations.
Interpret and follow work orders, blueprints, and technical specifications to ensure accurate processing of parts.
Apply knowledge of surface preparation techniques to achieve proper adhesion and coating performance.
Select and handle coating materials appropriately based on application requirements.
Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of spray guns, hoses, and related tools to ensure reliable operation.
Inspect coated parts for quality, accuracy, and adherence to customer and internal standards.
Work collaboratively with other production and inspection personnel to meet schedule and quality goals.
Follow all safety procedures, including the use of required personal protective equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Move throughout the facility and handle parts and materials, including occasional lifting of items ranging from 5 lbs to 75 lbs.
Essential Skills
Hands-on experience operating thermal spray equipment or working in thermal spray, welding, or painting operations, with 5+ years of experience preferred.
Proficiency in blasting, welding, thermal spray, machining, and general machinist practices.
Knowledge of surface preparation techniques and their impact on coating performance.
Understanding of coating materials and their applications in manufacturing and industrial environments.
Ability to interpret and follow work orders, blueprints, and specifications accurately.
Basic maintenance skills for spray guns, hoses, and related tools.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong math and mechanical aptitude.
Prior experience in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, or heavy industry preferred.
Ability to work safely and effectively in a shop environment with noise, dust, fumes, odors, and temperature variations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in FAA-regulated or safety-sensitive manufacturing environments is beneficial.
Experience in high-precision aerospace manufacturing or repair is a plus.
Comfort working with hands-on processes such as masking, blasting, blending, and mechanical finishing.
Ability to collaborate with cross-functional production and inspection teams.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Willingness to learn and adapt to new processes, materials, and equipment.
Why Work Here?
You will join a long-established metal finishing operation with a strong legacy and reputation in aerospace and precision manufacturing. The organization offers diverse, technically challenging roles where your hands-on skills directly contribute to high-impact, safety-critical products. You can expect meaningful, craftsmanship-focused work with clear pathways from contract to direct hire, reflecting a culture that values internal growth, recognizes talent, and invests in long-term careers.
Work Environment
This is a full-time 3rd shift position (11:00 PM - 7:30 AM), with initial training provided on day shift (approximately 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM), Monday through Friday. Work takes place in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing facility where you will be moving throughout the shop and handling parts and materials, including occasional lifting from 5 lbs to 75 lbs. You will be regularly exposed to typical shop elements such as noise, dust, fumes, odors, and temperature variations. The role requires the use of personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes, hearing protection (provided), and safety glasses (provided), and adherence to all safety and shop-floor protocols.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tulsa, OK.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.25 - $24.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tulsa,OK.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.
About Aerotek:
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
