Process Engineering Technician - Thermal Spray

Job Title: Process Engineering Technician

Classification: Full-time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Reports To: Production Supervisor

Location:  Kymera – CASL Houston and Thermal Spray Solutions Locations (Travel Required)

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Kymera International is a leading global producer of specialty metal powders, pastes, and granules, catering to industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and electronics. Our mission is to drive innovation while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, operational excellence, and ethical business practices. We are committed to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance on a global scale.

Job Overview:

The Thermal Spray Process Technician is responsible for supporting daily operations in the thermal spray shop through expert equipment operation, process development, and technical leadership. This role combines hands-on production responsibilities with equipment maintenance, operator training, and continuous improvement initiatives to support quality, safety, and production goals. The Thermal Spray Process Technician serves as a technical resource for operators, engineers, and leadership to ensure consistent, repeatable, and high-quality coating processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Thermal Spray Operations

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot thermal spray consoles and related equipment to ensure consistent coating application.
• Set up spray parameters and assist with programming for new and existing parts to meet customer and engineering requirements.
• Verify process adherence, spray parameters, and documentation during production runs.
• Support production activities to ensure throughput, quality, and schedule commitments are met.

Project & Process Development

• Lead development of new spray processes for parts that are new to the shop, including trials, validation, and documentation.
• Work with departments including Engineering, Quality, and Production to establish spray programs, part routing, and quality requirements.
• Drive process improvements to increase throughput, reduce scrap, improve coating quality, and enhance process repeatability.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions related to coating defects or process deviations.

Technical Support & Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on shop and spray equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Identify equipment issues and coordinate external service or support when needed.
• Assist with tooling concepts and basic toolmaking activities to support production and process development needs.
• Support preventative maintenance efforts and equipment documentation.

Leadership & Coordination

• Support scheduling, workflow management, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for operators and supervisors on thermal spray processes and equipment.
• Communicate technical needs, process updates, and improvement opportunities to supervisors and engineering teams.

Training & Certification

• Train operators on thermal spray equipment operation, safety requirements, and best practices.
• Support operator training, qualification, and certification activities to ensure compliance with internal and customer standards.

Benefits Summary:

At Kymera International - we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and flexible 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, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong technical understanding of thermal spray processes, equipment, and materials.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to train and support operators effectively.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a production environment.
• Proven ability to enforce and uphold quality standards, with a strong attention to detail and a working knowledge of quality control processes and inspection procedures.
• Strong knowledge of safety procedures, PPE usage, and work in regulated environments and commitment to assisting in leading and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
• Reliability and ability to lead by example with excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload and responsibilities.
• Ability to travel up to 25%
• Possess and maintain a valid US Passport
• Eligibility for employment in US.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, drug-screen, eye exam, hearing exam, and respirator test (health screenings required if applicable for job safety compliance purposes). 

Required Experience and Education:

• Associate degree or technical training in manufacturing, engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of HVOF thermal spray process experience, including knowledge of materials and processes.  
• Prior experience in a thermal spray, coating, machining, or similar manufacturing environment required.
• Experience supporting process development and operator training preferred. 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods.
• Strength to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate machinery, tools, and equipment while maintaining focus on ergonomics and safety.
• Ability to work safely in environments with potential exposure to dust, fumes, and noise.
• Ability to wear and work comfortably in required personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to steel-toe boots, for prolonged periods.

When requested by employees, and when possible, reasonable accommodations may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform their essential job functions. Kymera is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encouraging diversity in the workplace. EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability.