Mechanical Surface Restoration Technician — Thermal Spray & Plating

Step Into a Day on Our Shop Floor

It’s early in Chattanooga, TN, and the first job ticket hits your bench. You scan the engineering drawing, confirm specs, and set up the lathe to prep a worn shaft for coating. Using indicators and micrometers, you confirm dimensions and runout, mask critical areas, and head to blasting. After surface prep, you help apply a high-performance coating (plasma, HVOF, or chrome), then finish it to the specified surface roughness—sometimes all the way to a mirror polish. You record your work in our systems, move the part safely with a hoist, and leave your station clean and organized for the next job.

About Industrial Plating Company

Since 1963, Industrial Plating Company has applied high-performance coatings and remanufactured industrial components to boost equipment reliability and output quality. Our work helps Fortune 1000 manufacturers reduce operating costs and keep critical assets running.

The Role

We’re hiring a Mechanical Surface Restoration Technician to learn and perform the preparation, application, and finishing of industrial coatings across diverse components. You’ll be cross-trained on machining, grinding, dynamic balancing, chrome plating, thermal spray technologies, and more.

What You’ll Do

• Interpret engineering drawings and written work instructions to plan and execute jobs correctly.
• Verify critical characteristics (thickness, dimensional features, TIR, surface roughness) using precision tools.
• Mask components with appropriate materials to protect features during coating.
• Keep a tidy, well-organized work area and participate in regular safety training.
• Operate forklifts, hoists, and related positioning equipment safely.
• Run machine tools (manual lathes, cylindrical/OD-ID grinders), sandblasting, coating, polishing, and buffing equipment.
• Perform basic operator-level maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Use software and spreadsheets to document work performed and ensure repair accuracy.

Hands-On Training You’ll Receive

• Advanced use of precision metrology: dial indicators, micrometers, pi tape, thickness gauges, surface profilometers.
• Surface preparation: visual inspection and abrasive blasting for coating readiness.
• Coating technologies: plasma, HVOF, twin wire arc, and plating rectifiers.
• Finishing: polishing methods to achieve specified Ra, including mirror finishes.
• Machining: manual lathe work, cylindrical grinding, use of positioners and additional shop tools.
• Troubleshooting: identifying issues in rotating equipment components.

What Sets Strong Candidates Apart

• Natural mechanical curiosity—eager to understand how things work.
• Enjoys hands-on work and variety; stays sharp in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to doing it right the first time; thrives on learning every role in the process.

Preferred (Not Required) Experience

• Manual machining (lathes, mills, cylindrical grinders).
• Safe use of cranes and hoists.
• MIG, TIG, or stick welding experience.

Personal Skills

• Collaborative team player who can also work independently.
• Ability to manage productivity and quality to meet customer requirements.
• Root-cause problem solver who treats problems as opportunities.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic computer/data entry skills (production and quality).

Education & Background

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical certificate/degree is a plus.
• Experience in lean/5S environments preferred.

Employment Details

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule

• Weekend shift: 5am-5pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Initial training will be completed Monday-Friday 5am-1:30pm.
• Weekday shift: 5am-1:30pm Monday-Friday.
• Additional hours/overtime may be required. Expected hours: 40-50 per week.

Work Location: In person (Chattanooga, TN)

Proficiencies We Value

• Quality inspection experience
• Mechanical troubleshooting
• Manual machining

Machines & Technologies You’ll Use

• MIG and TIG welders
• Manual lathe
• Cylindrical grinder and OD/ID grinding machines
• Paint sprayer

Please include your resume and salary requirements when applying.