Powder Coat Technician

About the Company APL Manufacturing, a proud member of the APL Group, stands as a market leader in window and door systems in New Zealand. Our operations are based in the heart of the Waikato, where we collaborate across the building industry to turn visions of tomorrow's buildings into reality today. About the Role We are currently seeking a skilled Powdercoat Technician to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality surface finishes on aluminium and zinc components across various powder coat lines. This hands-on position requires a strong technical understanding of coating processes, machining parameters, and equipment controls to ensure consistent product quality while complying with safety and environmental standards. Key Responsibilities Powder Coating Operations You will operate and maintain both manual and automated powder coating booths, ensuring efficient setup, changeovers, and effective color management. Your responsibilities will include preparing parts for coating through cleaning, masking, jigging, and inspecting for surface readiness. You will apply powder coatings to meet specified thickness, coverage, and appearance standards while monitoring curing ovens, temperature profiles, and conveyor speeds to maintain process consistency. Additionally, you will conduct visual and instrumental inspections to verify finish quality. Process Control and Quality As the resident process expert in powder coating, you will adjust key process parameters such as gun voltage, air pressure, powder flow, and booth air balance for optimal performance. You will define operator adjustments, provide training and guidance for the powder coat team, and troubleshoot coating defects, implementing corrective actions as necessary. Collaboration with Quality and Maintenance teams will be crucial to ensure line performance, coating uniformity, and equipment reliability. You will also maintain process records, batch traceability, and production reporting. Equipment and Maintenance Routine cleaning, booth filter checks, and equipment calibration will be part of your responsibilities. You will assist with the maintenance of automated handling systems, powder pumps, guns, and reclaim systems while supporting continuous improvement initiatives focused on line efficiency, powder utilization, and waste reduction. Health, Safety, and Environment You will adhere to all environmental, health, and safety procedures related to powder handling, ventilation, and fire safety. Ensuring compliance with environmental standards and maintaining housekeeping expectations in the coating area will be essential. Requirements Candidates should have a minimum of three years of experience in a powder coating or industrial finishing environment. A solid understanding of manual gun techniques and automated application systems (such as Nordson, Wagner, or Gema) is required. Familiarity with key machining and surface preparation parameters relevant to coating performance is essential. You should possess a strong attention to detail, the ability to interpret technical drawings and coating specifications, and demonstrate mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting skills. Desirable Attributes Certification in Powder Coating Application or Surface Finishing (such as Qualicoat or NZ Finishing standards) is preferred. Experience with aluminium or architectural coatings and a continuous improvement mindset (such as Lean, 5S, or Kaizen participation) are advantageous. We value team-oriented individuals who are capable of training or mentoring others. Benefits Joining our team offers you the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your skills and expertise will be valued. We provide a supportive workplace that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive compensation and benefits. If you are passionate about quality and innovation in the coating industry, we invite you to apply and be part of our journey at APL Manufacturing.