Coater Operator - Specialty Materials Manufacturing

Our client is a growing specialty materials manufacturer seeking a Coater Operator to join their production team. This position is ideal for a mechanically inclined individual who enjoys working with advanced manufacturing equipment and is willing to learn a highly technical coating process.

The Coater Operator is responsible for safely operating and monitoring coating equipment used to apply specialty coatings and adhesives to various flexible materials. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with production, quality, and maintenance teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with manufacturing experience who wants to build a long-term career in a specialized industry where operators become experts in complex processes.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate and monitor specialty coating equipment used in the production of engineered materials
• Set up machines according to production specifications, work orders, and customer requirements
• Load raw materials and prepare equipment for production runs
• Monitor machine performance, coating application, web tension, temperatures, and process controls
• Make machine adjustments to maintain product quality and production efficiency
• Perform changeovers, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting

Quality & Process Control

• Inspect finished materials to ensure customer specifications are met
• Perform quality checks including visual inspections, measurements, and documentation
• Identify process issues and communicate problems quickly to leadership and quality teams
• Maintain accurate production records and follow work instructions

Mechanical Troubleshooting

• Diagnose basic equipment issues and make adjustments when needed
• Work closely with maintenance personnel on equipment repairs
• Understand mechanical systems including rollers, drives, tension controls, sensors, and machine components
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and productivity

Safety & Teamwork

• Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work environment
• Support Lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement efforts
• Work effectively with production team members, supervisors, and support departments

Qualifications

Required:

• Manufacturing or industrial production experience preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to understand machine operation and process controls
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and make adjustments
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work a 12-hour shift schedule

Preferred:

• Experience operating coating, laminating, printing, converting, extrusion, or web-processing equipment
• Experience with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes
• Experience with slitting, rewinding, printing, or flexible materials
• Previous experience in specialty materials, adhesives, packaging, or converting industries

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is someone who:

Enjoys working on machines and understanding how they operate Has a natural curiosity and wants to learn a technical process Takes ownership of equipment performance and quality Likes solving problems instead of simply performing repetitive tasks Wants a career path in advanced manufacturing

This role is not just a machine operator position. The right person will develop expertise in specialty coating technology and become a critical part of the manufacturing process.

Why Join This Team?

• • Work with advanced specialty manufacturing technology
  • Learn a highly skilled trade in coating and converting
  • Stable manufacturing environment with long-term career potential
  • Opportunity to grow into higher-level operator, technician, or leadership roles
  • Be part of a company producing engineered materials for demanding industries

Email Resume scott.slater@gogpac.com

Call 515-461-1578

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.