Job Description

Overview

The Thermal Spray Technician I (SHIP) will support shipboard field operations involving the preparation and application of thermal spray coatings on various surfaces aboard Naval vessels. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals who can thrive in a dynamic, travel-based environment, often working in confined or elevated spaces and under varying environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

  • Assist in the application of thermal spray coatings to vessel surfaces such as steel decks and other structural ship components.
  • Perform sandblasting and surface cleaning aboard Naval ships to prepare metal substrates for thermal spray coating.
  • Work in shipyard and onboard environments, including confined spaces, scaffolding, and elevated platforms, while adhering to all shipboard safety protocols.
  • Learn and utilize measuring tools such as micrometers and calipers to confirm proper coating thickness and surface quality.
  • Assist with transporting, setting up, and maintaining portable thermal spray equipment at shipyard or vessel locations.
  • Complete required documentation and logs related to field operations and coating activities.
  • Rigorously follow all field safety procedures, including the use of PPE to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Support quality control inspections of coated areas to identify defects or rework needs.
  • Represent the company professionally while working directly at military or customer sites.
  • Take direction from field leads or senior technicians and assist in equipment staging and cleanup.
  • Travel to domestic Navy shipyard locations for extended periods as needed.
  • Participate in company training programs to improve technical knowledge, safety awareness, and quality procedures.

Requirements

  • Ability to learn thermal spray operations including Wire Arc, APS, Flame Spray, and HVOF process.
  • Experience working with metals, especially in a machine shop or industrial setting preferred.
  • Ability to learn and become familiar with precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers and calipers.
  • Attention to detail and ability to ensure high quality and accuracy in all tasks.
  • Ability to learn troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues with thermal spray equipment.
  • Reliability – must be able to consistently maintain good attendance and punctuality.
  • Good communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and managers.
  • Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload and responsibilities.
  • Safety awareness and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
  • Must be a 'US Person' per International Traffic in Arms Regulations contractual requirements.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, drug-screen, eye exam, hearing exam, and respirator test.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Exposure to a repair or manufacturing, shipyard or skilled craft environment is preferred.
  • Previous experience assisting with machining operations and thermal spray technology is preferred.

Additional Information

  • Ability to Travel (75%+) is Required.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport to support travel requirements.

How this job compares in Houston, TX

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Houston, TX currently run a median of $25/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $22–$32/hr across 71 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Houston, TX

We're tracking 326 other active welding openings in Houston, TX right now, from 186 different employers. 121 of them were added in the last week. Across Texas as a whole we're tracking 1,307 other active welding openings from 707 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Houston, or widen the search to Texas.

The most active employers in Texas at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Zachry Group (24), Welding Shop in Houston, TX (21), and Austin Industries (19). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Texas, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Pasadena at $82/hr, Midlothian at $38/hr, and Dallas at $35/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Houston, TX

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Thermal Spray Technician - Field Service (Travel US & Intl. 75%+) figures were last recalculated when this page was built.